ENGLISH TROPHY

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 139, 15 June 1931, Page 4

ENGLISH TROPHY

WON BY WELLINGTON

DEFEAT OF AUCKLAND

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) AUCKLAND, 13th June. Showery weather and a greasy ground failed to mar the English Trophy challenge match played at Blandford Park to-day between Auckland (the holders) and Wellington. A highly exciting contest, which at times was brilliant, resulted iv a win for "Wellington by 5 goals to 4. This is the first defeat Auckland has suffered since the inception of the competition six years ago. The teams were: — Auckland.—-Jsu.il]; Gerrard and Reid; Morrison, Christie, and Jones; limes, Dunsmore, Speneen Hislop, and Kay. Wellington.—M'Vean; Jeffrey and Guest; J. M'Leod, Campbell, and Hanlou; R. MXeod, - Condon, Leslie, Smith, and Craig. • ■ Auckland came away from the whistle with a brisk move on the right -flank, Dunsmore letting out Innes, who, with an accurate centre, forced M'Vean to handle. The ball was not properly cleared, and Dunsmore came back supported by Spencer. The last-named collected a neat transfer and snapped "the ball past M'Vean. Strong reprisals came from .Wellington, but Auckland pressed home its advantage, and within- five minutes was another goal to the good, Innes again boring through.a pass to Spencer, who scooped the ball into the net before the Wellington backs could recover. The visitors settled down quickly, and had the Auckland defence severely tested with a thrustful frontal attack. Leslie, Condon, and K. M'Leod combined with effect, Condon receiving from a melee to reduce the deficit.with a fine shot. Encouraged by this success, the Wellington forwards were seen in a series of smashing raids which soon had- the Auckland, defence in ribbons. Leslie and Condon showed up repeatedly, and were unlucky not to score on'two occasions.Kay looked dangerous in a sparkling run on the Auckland left, .but Jeffrey halted the movement. Auckland was not to be denied in a. subsequent raid, however. Dunsmore received last'in.a chain of passes and netted in quick time. The exchanges were even to the spell,, when the score stood:— . ." . '. ...-' .. "..' ..'. '; • Auckland .-... J ........ .8 ■ Wellington .... ..........^... .. 1 •. ; Brisk counter-attacks characterised the opening of the second half, Smith'gaining territory for Wellington. with a tricky run, instantly followed by a subtle Auckland move on the right initiated by Diiubmore and'Kay, who had been, well watched., Jeffrey raced through with'an open goal, but was ruled off-side. ■'. .' ' R. M'Leod-.was responsible for puttingWellington at an advantage, a high shot being fisted out by Zuill; but Leslie, "following up fast, nodded'the ball into the net. ■ ■ ■ •:..■.' J. M'Leod stemmed an Auckland offensive and set his brother racing'goalward. He gave a well-judged pass to Leslie for the centre-forward to level, the scores. ■. . Excitement was intense while the teams hammered away for the lead.. .Wellington's staying"powers gave; it,two more- goals.in quick succession; Leslie-got .the first and •Smith the second.. ... . " ■ Auckland rallied, but the time was too short, although Dunsmore battled through just before the final whistle to make the score:— . Wellington 5 Auckland ~ 4 ' r . Mr. F. Campbell, chairman -of the -New Zealand Football Association,, presented the trophy at the conclusion of the-game.