MARIST v. HOSPITAL.

Evening Post, Volume CIX, Issue 120, 25 May 1925, Page 9

MARIST v. HOSPITAL.

A splendid contest between Marist and Hospital resulted in Marist. gaining Hie lead and obtaining victory in the Jast minute of the game On the general run of the play, a drawn game would have been a better indication of the play. The ground was in good order, although greasy, when Hospital kicked off with no advantage in the conditions. The play opened .with Hospital attacking strongly, and Hickey was soon called on to clear from nice shots from Hughes and M'Donald. Lambert and Mullins were then prominent, and the former shot hard for Hickey to save at the expense of a corner. The home team were completely dominating the play, and the Marist defence was working at high pressure to keep them out. Fitzgerald, H. Rudolph, and 'Thomas were playing stubbornly, and gave several corners to Hospital when hard pressed. Hiekey had no time to handle the ball, but punched clear shots from Hughes and Dick. The visitors, who had been penned in since the- commencement, now began to assert themselves, and the game took on a different aspect. The forwards, who had been quite unable to get going, broke away, and Barton and M'Elligott made a splendid run. The- former shot hard for Porteous to tip over the- bar. The game had livened up considerably, and play was much better contested. Barton and M'Elligott were again noticeable in fine play, and the former's centre went across to Cudby, who shot hard. Hospital had some anxious moments. Gibb and Thompson were ably assisting Porteous in the defence, and the speedy Marist forwards found them a difficult trio. On the move again, the home forwards, led by Hughes, made a great effort to open the scoring, but Dick and Lambert both shot wide. A fine piece of play by M'Kee and Simon forced a corner. ■ Hiekey was getting the most work of the two goalkeepers, as the home shooting was generally more accurate, but he kept his goal intact. Thomas was playing a great defensive game. M'Elligott made one of his sensational runs, finishing with a great shot, which just missed its objective. The play continued keen until half-time, which arrived with Hospital attacking, and generally having the better of the spell. Hospital opened the second half with a strong attack, and Mullins at once tested Hiekey with a good shot, which he saved well. Barton and M'Elligott removed play, and they were going strong until they encountered Thompson. The home team's left wing, Lambert and Mullins, well 'supported by Simon, were proving very troublesome to Marist, and corners were frequently obtained, but the defence was very alert. Costello was keeping his wings well supplied, and Cudby, and then Barton, would make spectacular runs, but the shooting was a little wild. Again Hospital obtained another of the numerous corners, and, being excellently placed by Dick, the ball came to M'Kee, who found the net. Hospital 1-0. This reversal roused the Greens, and a great rush by their forwards was only stopped by Gibb giving a' corner. This was cleared, and the home team, playing splendidly, gave Marist an anxious time, and only a splendid defence kept them out. Fitzgerald was hurt, and left the field, but was soon able to return. A run by Costello and M'Elligott brought relief, and a beautiful centre from the latter was badly missed by the forwards. A moment later a free kick against Porteous for carrying the ball gave Hospital further anxiety, but Thompson cleared well. A period of mid-field play, with several free kicks for minor infringements, helped to slow the play for a. while, but not for long. A. Rudolph, playing well, enabled Johns and Cudby to get away, and the latter sent in a fast ground shot, which gaye 1 Porteous no chance, and made the scores level. 1-1. The game was again being played at high speed, and both sides were playing hard, keen football. As the game wore on, both teams made great efforts to gain the ascendancy, and both goals received visits in. quick succession. Hospital appeared to be getting slightly the bettor of the exchanges, but there was little to choose between them. 'A smart, breakaway by ■ Cudby led to Hospital being_ placed in difficulties and from combined work among the forwards, Costello, at close, range, found the net. 2-1. The game ended almost at once. The referee was Mr. A. E. Well,?.