SENIOR A

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 127, 3 June 1929, Page 15

SENIOR A

DIAMOND BEAT PETONE.

Diamond maintained their record of victories on No. 1 ground at the Basin Reserve on Saturday, defeating Petone by the ! odd goal in three after a game full of interest. Petone had the better 'of the game in the first spell, but they faded away in the second. Play in the opening stages was brisk, both Wyatt and M'Vean being called on to clear in the first minute of play. M*Vean's clearance was shaky, and it was fortunate for Petone that the Diamond forwards had not been smarter in the following up. Petone attacked and Dunlop and Hanlon both shot unsuccessfully. Then Diamond broke away, and Stark was responsible for a amart piece of play, which culminated in the left wing shooting for the goal. M'Vean saved at the expense of a corner. Petone were the next tQ attack, but (Smith, playing well back, saved the situation, and sent the forwards sway, Wallace being seen in some attractive work. Diamond kept up the pressure, but a faulty corner kick by Stark brought relief to Petone, and -Wyatt just managed to save when he had all the Petone forwards upon him. A little later Hanlon just missed his objective with a well-timed shot. The Diamond goal had a torrid time of it for a while, and four corners came to.Petone in quick succession, Craig placing two of them well in front of the goal mouth. On each occasion^ Wyatt leaded high to punch the ball behind. Petone were not to be outdone, however, and Leslie, beating the opposition nicely, made no mistake with his shot. Petone 1, Diamond 0. Play had not been in progress very long when the Diamond goal had a very narrow escape. Craig sent in a brilliant dropping shot, from the left wing, and Wyatt missed the' ball completely when endeavouring' to punch it'clear.' Fortunately for Diamond the ball just missed the net by inches. Petone were having all the best of it now, but good defensive work by the Diamond backs kept them from scoring. Leslie missed a glorious opportunity of increasing his team's tally, "missing a presentation goaj when he bad only Wyatt to beat. Diamond improved towards the end of the second spell, but the teams rhunged over with Petone 1 up. Leslie missed another great chance soon after play had been resumed in the second spell, driving wildly over the top of thte net when he had only the goalkeeper to beat. Up the other end Stark tried M'Vean out with a sharp shot,from the left wing, but the Petone keeper was equal to the occasion, A period of even play followed, Diamond making a better showing than in the first spell.. Petone were offering a solid defence, however, and the fast-moving Diamond forwards were find' ing themselves handicapped. Then Petone broke away, and Braistow.sent in a fast ground shot - which was well saved by Wyatt. Diamond attacked again, and a comer, well placed by Wallace, who had changed places^, with MTJeod, almost brought results, M'Vean just saving a smart header by Smith. Diamond's turn was to coma, however, and'from a brilliant centre by J. M'Leod, Stark scored witb a great first-time shot. Petone 1, Diamond 1. Diamond were getting the best °t matters now, and from a corner kick, again well taken by Wallace, Stark headed the ball into the net, giving Diamond the lead. Diamond 2, Petone 1. There was no further scoring. Referee: Mr. F, Sanders.