BROWN SHIELD

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 53, 31 August 1925, Page 4

BROWN SHIELD

RETAINED BY WEL-

LINGTON

SOUTH AUCKLAND GO UNDER

AFTER A PLUCKY FIGHT.

Until next season, at least, Wellington is to be the resting place of the Brown Shield. Almost immediately after Wellington defeated Auckland so decisively three weeks ago, South Auckland challenged the new holders of the trophy, and at the Basin Reserve on Saturday afternoon they endeavoured to make good that challenge.. Although they failed to realise their ambition, having to acknowledge defeat by a superior side by 4 goals to 2, South Auckland gave quite a creditable display, and, without the issue being really in doubt at any stage of the match, there were times when they kept the Wellington backs busily engaged. The local men did not reach the form which they showed against Auckland, although it ia probable that their goal tally would have been larger had it not been for the stern defence of the two South Auckland backs and the goal-keeper. This trio w^js mainly responsible for,keeping Wellington's score within reasonable bounds. After the heavy rain of the previous few days, the Basin Reserve was very heavy, making spectacular play almost out of the question. Both teams were handicapped by the conditions.

There were two changes in the Wellington team compared with that which accounted for Auckland. Barton played on the right wing in place of Nicolle, who is just recovering from a serious illness, and Thomas played' at centre-half iv place of M'Kee, who is on the injured list. Barton proved to be quite an efficient substitute, and gave one of 'thefinest exhibitions of accurate cross-kick-ing that has been seen locally for some time. Almost invariably he landed Iho leather right in front of the goal-mouth, and more than once he brought the visiting goalkeeper into action as a result of true shots from ■ difficult angles. It was left to Barton to open Wellington's scoring account, the Marist player finding the net from what appeared to be an almost impossible position. M'Elligott gave another sound display at inside-right, working in well with his club-mate on the right, and also with the men on his left. He netted a brilliant goal in the second spell, but unfortunately for him—and for Wellington—another forward was ruled off-side and the goal disallowed. Lothian again did much work of an effective nature at centre, but' did not quite reach his Auckland form. He was closely marked, however, and was allowed very little freedom when near the goal. There was one occasion when he miosed what should have been a certain goal by heading over the net, and he'also failed to convert a penalty kick, missing the goal altogether. Campbell was always in the picture, both as a leader and as a player, and he was responsible for two of the four goals scored. . His goal in the first epell was one of the gems of the match. Cudby played even better football on the left wing than he did "at Auckland. He was not troubled by the state of the ground to uny great extent, and ho made several great solo runs/down the line. He again showed that he has a strong sense of anticipation by following up fast when Barton crosskicked on one occasion, and he thus ecored the final goal of the match. Burke: and M'Arthur were the pick of the halves, with Thomas not very far behind. Burke worked hard the whole afternoon, and although he had a difficult man to mark in Black, he came through with flying colours. M'Arthur was as sound-as over, and kicked with his usual good judgment. .Thomas did not appear to relish the heavy going very much, but generally his work was effective. Once or twice he failed to make the most of opportunities for shooting. Gibb played a great game at right back, but M'Girr was off colour. He was just beginning to get warmed up to his work when the game came to au end. M'Vean brought off several good saves in goal, and could not have been expected to save either of the shots which got past him. One was from a penalty kick, and the other gave him no chance at all.

The South Auckland team was patchy. Had it been a better balanced team, with every man up to the standard of those who did the balance of the work, the result might have been different. Black, Caldwell, and Patrick were the pick of the forwards, and on their shoulders the greater part of the burden rested. The weak link was on the left wing, and,- strangely enough, this was the wing which was given much of the work. M'Brian, the-centre half, played a sound game, and tho two fullbacks, E. Hall and Roberts, proved very real stumbling blocks to the Wellington forwards. Hunter played ia great game in goal, and on numerous

occasions proved the saviour of his side. The teams were as follow :— . ■ South: Auckland-: Hunter; E.'"Hall and Roberts; Garrick, M'Brian, and Tait; Black, Brown, Caldwell, Patrick, and T. Hall. Wellington: M'Vean; Gibb and M'Girr; M'Arthur, Thomas, and Burke; Barton, M'Elligott, Lothian, Uampbell, and' Cudby. PLAY IN DETAIL South Auckland won the toss, and elected to play with the assistance of the southerly wind, which, in the opeiir ing stages, was fairly. strong. Wellington had the advantage of the opening exchanges. Gudby was almost through, heading the , ball on to the post, and Lothian, with a clear goal, kicked higl) over the top. The visitors found relief from a free kick, and Caldwell broku right through. He was making good headway when he waa fouled by Al'Girr, and the referee awarded a penalty kick. This waa'taken by E. Hail, who beat M'Vean with a tricky ground shot. South Auckland 1, Wellington 0. This waa a bad start for the Shield holders, but 1 Wellington were not long in equalising. They attacked ligjit from tho kick-off, and Barton, securing possession, shot from a very awkward angle, and landed the leather iv tho net. South Auckland 1, Wellington 1. Wellington continued to press for somo time, ■ and Cudby and M'Arthur were prominent in some good .work. South Auckland had their fair chare of the attack, and Black did some good work on the right wing, one excellent centre being robbed of its value by offside play on the part of the inside men. On one occasion M'Vean had to leave his goal in order to effect a clearance from Caldwell. Wellington attacked Btrongly agaiu, and for ten minutes or so they had the South Auckland defence working very hard. Shots went in from all directions, and, finally, Campbell, quickly taking advantago of an opening, lodged the ball between the uprights. Wellington 2, South Auckland 1. South Auckland wero attacking when the half-time whistle sounded. During tho first twenty minutes of the second spell there was no further, scoring, although both sides were seen iv determined offensive movements. Wellington generally had the best of the exchanges, but they found tliemselve3 up against' the sternest of defences, the two Auckland backs and the goalkeeper clearing time anil again. Finally, after a period of'exciting play in front "of the Wellington goal-mouth, Bavton broke away on the right wing, and put across a fino centre. Campbell was on' the spot, and he lost no time in putting the leather in the right place. Wellington 3, South Auckland 1.

Wellington maintained the pressure, but South Auckland broke away again, and a persistent attack was rewarded by a goal, Patrick putting the ball into tho net. Wellington 3, South Auckland 2.

_ For the remainder of. the game Wellington held the upper hand, and before the final whistle sounded Cudby added another goal, as the result of a fine centre by Barton. The game ended: . Wellington „,..' 4 South Auckland 2 Mr. A. E. Wells was the referee.