SOCCER FOOTBALL

Greymouth Evening Star, 9 September 1927, Page 8

SOCCER FOOTBALL

NOTES BY “WATCHFUL.” The match last week-end between Runanga and Rewanui drew a big crowd to Dunollie and much speculation -was rife as to the outcome. In the Runanga team was included Pickering and Mitchell, whilst Sharp of Greymouth assisted Rewanui. The Red and Whites won the toss and elected to play with the sun and breeze at their backs and in the opening moments nearly drew first blood, as the leather passed across the goal and out of play with no one in position to apply the finishing touch. After this escape Runanga quickly got into their stride and after a hot attack had been repulsed, Malpass shot through and three minutes afterwards the black and whites keeping up the pressure scored again. The game now became fairly even, McNeil and J. Cowie doing some splendid work in the Rewanui forward line, but Runanga were the more dangerous line and Timlin was called upon to bring off some good saves whilst his vis-a-viz., Ennor, had a very quiet time. Shortly before half-time, following good work on the Rewanui right, the ball was sent across and the opposing defenders missing badly allowed Deardon to shoot through from short range. After the change of ends, Runanga proceeded to give a sparkling display, and completely outplayed their rivals, adding two more goals before easing up, whilst in the last few minutes in a Rewanui rally, McNeil secured the second goal for his side. Ennor had a quiet afternoon, seldom being called upon to handle the leather, but Timlin got through a lot of work in good style, and brought off some clever saves. Wick played well at full-back and with the assistance of the veteran Kinsey, was rarely in difficulties. Runanga s middle line was in great form, especially Barnes, and held the opposing forwards well in check, both Pattinson and Beaton giving a greatly improved display from their last game. The forward line combined splendidly, the wingers in particular putting in excellent work ’and proving a thorn in Rewanui’s defence. Pickering played well, but was apparently out of condition, but displayed all his old cleverness, whilst Malpass again pleased with his neat and cool play. Mitchell harassed the defenders on every possible occasion and opened play out well. For the losers, I should select J. Cowie as the best. This young player continues to improve with every game and with better support, would be a great forward. McNeil played his usual clever’ game, but left his shooting boots at home, as his efforts in this direction were dismal. Rewanui’s halfbacks had a hard 90 minutes, and were unable to give the z necessary backing to their forwards, thereby weakening this department. Sharp and A. Cowie gave a good display and were in no way blameworthy for their team’s defeat, and but for these two defenders and Timlin, a greater score might have been put on. Blackball accounted foi’ Dobson on Saturday by the only goal scored after a very even game, and thereby passed into the final for the medals. It was an ideal day for football, and end to end play ensued until the second half had been played about 15 minutes when Rarity rattled through after Coutts had made a weak clearance. After this reverse, Dobson strove desperately for the equaliser, but Parsonage proved his side’s saviour, bringing off some splendid clearances when a score seemed certain. Clark and Rarity, were Blackball’s best forwards, and these two always looked dangerous when near goal. Moon again gave a great display at half-back, whilst McNicol got through a great deal of work in his steady Quiet way. For Dobson, King played well, and also Ford and Marshall in defence. The forward line combined well, but failed to finish their attacks, missing many good chances of obtaining goals. To-morrow at Dobson, the re-play-ed final of the Hazeldine Cup is to take place, the contestants being Blackball and Runanga, and a hard and exciting game is expected. These teams can always be relied upon to put up a great game and provide a 90 minutes of thrills and excitement.

Further suggested teams are: — W.H. —Ennor; King and Moore; Marshall, Barnes and Cowie; Gibbs, Clark, Bond, Rarity and McNeil. F.H. —Timlin; Wick and Erskine; Marshall, Bond and Cowie; Hewison, McNeil, Pickering, Rarity and Winstanley. R.S.B.—Ennor; King and Moor; Rarity, Barnes and Cowie; Hewison, Clark, Bond, Pickering and McNeil.