SOCCER TOURNEY

Dominion, Volume 27, Issue 280, 23 August 1934, Page 14

SOCCER TOURNEY

North Island Secondary Schools IMPROVED FORM SHOWN Better quality Soccer was seen on the second day, yesterday, of the North Island secondary schools’ Association football tournament which is being held in Wellington. The improved standard was due largely to the fine weather and the drier grounds, which were in a Shocking condition on Tuesday. The morning games, which were played at Rongotai, resulted in wins for the Hawke's Bay and Auckland junior teams, which defeated "Wanganui and" Manawatu respectively. Hawke’s Bay won by 12 goals to 0, while Auckland won by 4 goals to 1. In the afternoon at the Basin Reserve the Wellington seniors easily accounted for Wanganui by 13 goals to 0, while Auckland beat Manawatu by 4 goals to

Throughout the day a keen interest was taken in the games by Soccer enthusiasts, who have thoroughly enjoyed the displays. A glance at. the following tables will show how the teams are faring:—

Wellington Defeat Wanganui. Wellington seniors showed definite superiority throughout the first spell, their combination and swift movements proving too much for Wanganui, who were seldom seen in attack and who did not impress on defence. Wanganui, however, were younger, lighter, and less experienced than their opponents; in fact, eight of their players are eligible for the juniors. Wellington’s shooting was splendidly accurate, and they sent the ball in from any angle; They scored eight goals iu the first spell. Potier, the inside right, being responsible for five, Thomas two, and Phillips one. Wanganui went better in the second spell, but they could not prevent the Wellington boys putting on another five goals. Of these Potier scored three and Thomas and Phillips one each. Auckland Beat Manawatu. Auckland, who were having their first game, were fresher than Manawatu and put more pep into their play, being the aggressors for the greater part of the first spell. Their combination was neater and their methods more constructive. They finished the first half with a 2-0 lead, Needham, the centre-forward, getting both goals. Just before the interval Manawatu had a chance from a penalty, but Allan sent the ball straight at the goalkeeper. Manawatu showed improved attaching form in the sedond spell, but the halves were not up to standard, as they played too far back and kicked too hard. A sudden burst by Auckland resulted in the third goal being hoisted, Needham again being the marksman. Manawatu notched their first point when Allan connected with a clearance from the goalie and headed through, and a few minutes later McShane scored from a well-placed corner kick, mailing the tally 3-2. Shortly afterward Needham bagged his fourth goal for Auckland, the final sdore being 4-2. Junior Matches. Auckland juniors were slightly better than Manawatu and won by 4 goals to 1. Christie (2) and Mansfield netted for the winners, whose score was improved when a Manawatu back sent into his own net. Hooker secured Manawatu’s only point. A very good game was played between Hawke’s Bay and Wanganui, but in the second spell it became" one-sided. The scorers for Hawke’s Bay were Mandy (2), Rigby (3), Galbraith (4), and Heath (3). Heath was the best boy on the field, and most of the goals came from his openings. >. To-day’s Programme. AH' to-day’s games will be played on the Basin Reserve. At 10 a.m. Wanganui juniors will meet Wellington, and at 11 a.m. Manawatu juniors will play Hawke’s Bay. The Manawatu and Wellington senior match will be played at 1.30 p.m. A dinner will be given for the boys this evening at 7.30 o’clock in the Basin Reserve pavilion. MARSHALL RETURNS AU Soccer supporters will be pleased to learn that T. Marshall, former Marist centre-forward, has returned to Welling-, ton after having been ill in a Hawke’s Bay hospital for several months. Marshall informed a “Dominion” reporter at the Basin Reserve yesterday that he was feeling “better than ever,’’ and that he would play for Marist again next season.

Seniors. Goals. Ch. Pts. P. W. L. D. F. A. Wellington 1 1 0 0 13 0 2 Manawatu 2 1 1 0 9 5 2 Auckland 1 1 0 0 4 2 2 Wanganui 2 0 2 0 1 20 0 Juniors. Goals. Ch. P. W. L. D. F. A. Pts. Hawke’s Bay o 1 0 1 14 *2 3 Auckland 1 1 0 0 4 1 *2 Mnnawatu 2 1 1 0 4 4 2 Wellington 1 0 0 1 Q 2 1 Wanganui 3 0 2 0 0 15 0