RECORD CROWD AT PARK

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29851, 18 June 1962, Page 8

RECORD CROWD AT PARK

Enthusiasm For Shield Match

As anticipated, a record crowd attended English Park on Saturday to see the final stages of the Hurley Shield premier grade competition the winner of which. Western. will also represent Christchurch in the final stages of the national Rothman’s Trophy tourney. The players in the main match, between Western and Nomads, were a little tense, and infringements for elbowing. barging and other illegitimate play were frequent. Friction was no less apparent among supporters of the two sides. About halfway through the second spell, a minor parade of small boys under the placard “Nomads" marched up and down the cycle track in front of the stand. Soon they were set upon by Western supporters of similar stature, but the tussle for the placard could only be termed indecisive. Adult spectators were hardly less enthusiastic in their partisanship. The goals scored by Western and Nomads were greeted with waves of enthusiastic barracking by their supporters After Western had clinched its last-minute victory, appreciation -of the team's display knew no bounds The South Island manager of the sponsoring firm was present in the stands, and must have been impressed with the hearty manner in which he was greeted by Western’s fans after the match. ’