SUBURBS’ LOSSES

Press, Volume CXII, Issue 32998, 18 August 1972, Page 26

SUBURBS’ LOSSES

Suspension, injury "The Press” Special Service Eastern Suburbs will be without two of their key players, both New Zealand internationals, for the Gillette Chatham Cup semifinal against Christchurch United at Auckland tomorrow.

The linkman-inside forward, R. Mears, who was sent off in Suburbs’ league match v.ith Mount Wellington last Saturday for “violent conduct,” was last evening suspended for four weeks by the judicial committee of the Auckland Football Association. And then to add to the troubles of the Suburbs coach, Mr T. N. McNab, the striker, W. de Graaf, failed to pass a fitness test on an injured knee, and had to withdraw from the team.

Suburbs already have the full-back, P. Toner, still to complete a four-week suspension, and another international, M. Bland, although intending to play, suffering from a broken toe.

However, Mr McNab’s load was partially lightened by the return to the side of P. Eliades after a three-week absence.

Commenting on Mears’s suspension, Mr McNab said: “After taking into consideration his year’s good conduct, the suspension of four weeks was harsh. It now means Mears is out of football for the rest of the season.” Mr McNab will not name his team until late on the morning of the match. NEMET SUSPENDED ’ In Wellington last evening, the Wellington City striker, S. Nemet, who was sent off against Gisborne City for “foul and abusive language,” was suspended for three weeks.