SOCCER

Evening Star, Issue 25826, 24 June 1946, Page 3

SOCCER

OTAGO RETAINS JONES GUP (Special.) CHRISTCHURCH, June 22. Otago defeated Canterbury 4-3 today. The teams were : —Canterbury.— , A. Laing, E. Harris, P. O’Malley, C. Anderson, V. Smith, L. Beavis, C. Barley, D. Grieve, G. Smith, G. McAnulty. R. Dowker. —Otago.— J. Stevenson, M. Ives, R. Ferguson, W; Meehan, H Mills, W. Wilson, L. Smith, P. Ryan, H. Foote, L. Groves, W. Steven. The teams were soon seen to be very evenly matched, and play swung rapidly from one end of the field to the other, but both sides’ full-backs did a very sound job, the forwards getting only long-range shots. Otago got the first goal when, out of close play in front .of Canterbury’s goal, Groves put a shot into the corner of the het. Otago 1, Canterbury .0. Otago’s second goal was lucky. Mills sent up a high dropping pass that fell fairly in the goal mouth. As Laing raised his hands to take an easy catch he vvas keeping an eye on Foote and Groves charging, and missed the catch that was dropping straight into his hands. Otago 2, Canterbury 1. _ In midfield play. Canterbury had the visitors’ measure, and their forwards were able to get through for frequent shots, but Stevenson in Otago’s goal was brilliant, saving time and again when it looked as if he had no hope of doing so. The first'time he was beaten was by a close-range shot from G. Smith out of close play in front of. goal following a corner. Otago 2, Canterbury 1. In goal, Laing was not at his best. He seemed to lack confidence. The next shot that beat him was another from Groves out of a scramble in front of goal. „ It would have beaten most: Groves’s shot brought the half-time score to: Otago 3-1. When play was resumed, Merv. Gordon replaced Anderson as right half. Brilliant saves by Stevenson in quick succession annulled Canterbury’s efforts. After a collision with Gordon, Wilson had to retire. When G. Smith was knocked \out, Canterbury were awarded a penalty, from which Beavis scored. Otago 3, Canterbury 2.

The centre forward was able to return later to head a forward rush and score. Otago 3. Canterbury 3. From a perfect centre from Smith, ißyan snapped, the ball into the net to put Otago again into the lead. Otago 4 Canterbury ... 3