PETONE CHECK MARIST

Evening Post, Volume CXV, Issue 111, 13 May 1933, Page 6

PETONE CHECK MARIST

Prior to the meeting of Petone anil Marist at the Petqiie Recreation Ground last Saturday, neither' team had suffered defeat this, season. In view of the form displayed to date' by >fccli side, it was confidently^ anticipated <hat the game would be a dour struggle, Such proved to be the case. The play opened vigorously, the-ball being ) ashed viciously from one goal to the other, keeping players and spectators, aJike on tenter-hooks. The players were appar* ently keyed up, and, naturally, although there was occasional individual cleverness, play for a while was marked hy fast, exchanges, robust tackling, and hard clearances. Both goals had narrow escapes in quick succession, but tha shooting was, in the main, more forceful than accurate. - Marist settled down first;' and their repeated nippy, short passing runs always spelt- danger. Luckily, Campbell was playing well, and soon rallied his forces.' Petone relied more on the* long, swinging pass to either wing, and, an occasional .quick thrust up the centre. • These tactics kept Marist defence onthe-"qui vive," and incidently found Laracy in tip-top form. At centre-half,- Bird was not far behind him in ability, and held his men together at the critical stages.' From tha view-point of-actual play,'honours in the first half were' practically even, though Petone crossed over vi:ith a goal lead. The solitary Score of the first spell was secured during a quick counter attack when Leslie shot hard. The second half opened briskly, each goal being threatened in turn. Both "keepers" were oh tho alert, but Marist were soon two down. The Petona van played well, and though/Bird and Turkington offered, determined resistance, ai.third goal sealed the visitors* fate. Marist'B sole crumb of comfort was a-penalty goal, and this success put more sting into their attack., McVean, however, was safe, while Eteines, at left-back,' was always there when, wanted. This player gave a "fine display all through, meeting, the ball surely, and clearing. Towards the end, Marist made determined efforts to get on closer terms, but, J. Kershaw was the only .one. who looked like scoring. On the day's play, Petone proved value for their win, though they 'tlid'not have matters all their'own way. From tho spectator's point of view the*game was well; worth watching,'and the next meeting of these two teams should b# interesting'in every way. .'