UNDER-18 CUP-TIE

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31399, 19 June 1967, Page 15

UNDER-18 CUP-TIE

Canterbury Wins, 9-0

The final score of 9-0 by which Canterbury under-18 overcame South Canterbury under-18 in the Junior National Cup preliminary round on Saturday was rather flattering for the winner. This game was the. first step along the road to recovery of the national trophy last held by Canterbury in 1964; and with seven of the side established senior players, Canterbury took the field favourite to win.

Determined to gain an early advantage, the Canterbury forwards went on attack straight from the kick-off and inside three minutes were one goal up. The scorer was M. Ellis, the young Shamrock centre-for-ward, and this was the first of five goals he was to collect during. the match. The loss of this early goal, while being a set-back to South Canterbury, also stirred It into a fighting mood, and for the next 30 minutes it tried desperately hard to get back on terms. With a little more luck and a less capable opposing goalkeeper, South Canterbury might have succeeded, but its best efforts were either saved bjr R. Wilson or thwarted by a slip at the vital stage. Then, in the thirty-first minute, Ellis struck again to score No. 2, and less than two minutes later the same player was on hand to steer home the third goal.

At this point Canterbury took command completely and before half-time the lively Ellis had made his own and his side’s fourth goal.

As the second half progressed the South Canterbury side tired and worst of all the confidence of its goal-keeper, Kelly, became shattered. Further goals were added by R. Beaumont (2), S. McAlpine, R. Stewart and Ellis (his fifth).

Without doubt there is fine potential in this year’s Canterbury under-18 team. Ellis, with his ability in the air and his general aggression in front of goal, will probably be its greatest asset. The loss of S. Squire, who has withdrawn for personal reasons, could be felt in the harder games to come. However, the defence shows good understanding.

Next Saturday’s visit to Nelson for the next round will not be an easy game, but mindful of last year’s defeat to Nelson at the same stage of the competition should bring a determination to the side which should carry it through.