SATURDAY’S SOCCER

Evening Star, Issue 18034, 31 July 1922, Page 4

SATURDAY’S SOCCER

OTAGO v. SOUTHLAND,

VISITORS’ EASY WIN,

[Special to the ‘ Stah.’J

INVERCARGILL, 'July 29,

Tho Association match Southland v. Otago was played on Rugby Park before 2,000 spectators in beautiful weather, but on a heavy ground. Otago won the toss, and played with the advantage of a strong sun. E. Cook "set the ball in motion, and Southland immediately pressed, Simpson eventually sending play to the other end, where Stevens shot, Lowden clearing. A misunderstanding among tho Blue backs saw Cook (the All Black centre) take advantage, ■ and he netted a> ’fast shot, -giving Peakor no chance—Southland 1-0. Otago livened up, Rudclimau being instrumental in sending Duncan away. Ruddiman received a cross shot, and found the net with a bard drive,- equalising tho score—l all. Keeping up tho pressure, Otago gave tho _ Maroon backs a busy timo defending. R. Cook and Mills were prominent. A shot by Kelman was turned round tho post by Decker, tho corner proving resultless. Cook essayed a long shot, just missing, Anderson was proving a formidable back, breaking up the Maroon efforts. Pretty inside forward play by Ruddiman and Murray saw the latter accept a neat pass and find ' the net. Otago 3-1. Give-and-take play in favor of Otago (whoso forwards were too good) saw Ruddiman trick Mackay. and, breaking away,, made no mistake. Otago 4-1. A free kick for “hands” against Anderson was cleared by Deaker, and Cook, receiving and! dribbling thirty yards, found Anderson safe. Duncan, the outside right, was inclined to individual play when tho forwards were in good position. Kelman and Hardy were lino play on the right for the Maroons, but the Otago rearguard were stumbling-blocks. Hobbs was feeding his forwards nicely, and sent Cook away, Simpson executing a timely clearance. Dryden sent to Duncan, whose centre was accepted, but Ruddiman failed to take advantage. Halftime score ; Otago 4, Southland 1. Tho opening of tho second spoil saw Cook break through, and a hob scramble ensued in the Otago goal area, Anderson eventually clearing from Hobbs. E. Cook was making fine openings for !his right, who failed to appreciate same. Despite the condition of the ground, fast play was in evidence. Dick and Cook niiskicked, and Fraser, following fast, missed an easy chance. M'Calhun broke up a Maroon rash, and sent Stevens sprinting down the line, and Ruddiman headed the cross kick into the net. Otago 5-1. The Blue forwards were combining beautifully, giving the Southland rearguard a harassing timo. Dryden -placed 1 neatly to Murray, who hooked into tho net. Otago 6-1. Otago eased up and treated the public to pretty exhibitions of short passing work. Cook at centre was playing a magnificent game, and at lasfb reward came. Nice play by the Burns brothers saw Cook receive, and he. dribbled through the defence, scoring a- fine goal. 6-2. Southland were tiring, and Otago were having matters their own way. A good 1 screw shot by Ruddiman was finely saved by Howd'en at the expense of a corner, which proved resultless. A rally by Southland sow Cook send into Beaker’s arms immediately after Cook missed close in, M’Evoy proving too solid at right half. Duncan broke away, and Ruddiman receiving a centre drove into the. net. Southland rallied, but tired, their forwards having no chance against tho Blue defence. R. Cook and Hobbs were responsible for good work an breaking the Otago attack. Murray made fine openings for Stevens, who crossed beautifully.'' and Fraser accepted by scoring dose in. 8-2. Cook again raced away, tricking the defence, and scored the hat trick. 8-3. Tho final incident was a fine save by How don from Stevens. The game resulted:

Otago ... 8 Southland 3 -Mr Park efficiently controlled the game. The teams were as previously published.

SECOND GRADE, Old Boys 3, Southern 0. Momington 2, Northern 2. Christian Brothers 3, Waitati 1. THIRD GRADE. Technical Old Boys 6, Taioii 1., Northern B 2, Southern A 1. High School 1, Momington 0. Christian Brothers 4, Y.M.C.A. 0. FOURTH GRADE. Southern 1, Maori Hill 1. Technical Old Boys 4, Y.M.C.A. 0. Momington 2, High School 2. P. and T. 4, Northern 0. FIFTH GRADE. Christian Bros. 1, High School A 0. Southern 5, High School B 1. Technical A 6, Technical B 1. Momington beat High School C by de fault., •