SOCCER

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 July 1936, Page 4

SOCCER

AUSTRALIANS WIN TEST

[PEE PRESS ASSOCIATION.]

AUCKLAND. July 18

Australia secured another victory in the final Soccer Test, played at Blandford Park to-day, by four goals to one. The ground resembled a quagmire, as a result of the previous heavy rain, while showers fell throughout the play. The weathej conditions greatly affected the attendance. which was about 2000.

The New Zealand side gave a greatly improved display, and, although the visitors were definitely the better team, the New Zealanders might have held their opponents to a closer decision but. for a number of missed chances. The players triumphed over the atrocious conditions, and gave, a splendid exhibition of football, the Australians especially proving that a soft ground did not affect their footwork to a serious extent. It was only in finishing their movements that the visitors failed to cope with the conditions, many good opportunities being lost through the forwards slipping at the vital moment.

Playing with more vigour than in the previous games, New Zealand could claim a fair share of the exchanges in the first half, as indicated by the score of one all. The superior stamina of the Australians was the deciding factor in the second spell, and gave them the opportunity to dominate the exchanges. But for a sterling defence by New Zealand over the closing stages, the visitors would have secured several more goals. A remarkable goal was scored by New Zealand in the first spell, the full back Haggett. connecting with the ball at half way, and beating the goalkeeper with a shot that curled under the bar. The Australians again revealed brilliant positional play, and their aggressive efforts were mainly due to the splendid constructive work of their inside men, Price and Cameron.

The outstanding players in the New Zealand team were the goalkeeper, Smith and the fullbacks, Haggett and Speed. Smith gave a brilliant exhibition, showing courage and determination in meeting the Australians’ attacks. Fie frequently saved when goals seemed certain. Haggett was the best back on the field. A tireless worker, he showed great anticipation, and broke up many attacks by his forceful methods. The New Zealand front line moved nicely at times, but lacked finish. Kay was dangerous when given a chance, but he did not receive much support. The New Zealand halves were thoroughly outplayed in the second half, and they made the mistake of falling back on their goal. Todd was an aggressive tackler from start to finish. The bad luck, owing to injuries, that has attended the New Zealand teams previous matches, was again in evidence. Haggett and Wright both received injuries, which impaired their effectiveness.

Goals were scored for Australia by Cameron (two) and Price (two), while Haggett scored the New Zealand goal.

IN OTHER CENTRES

WELLINGTON. July 18

Chatham Cup semi-finals: Hospital 4, Marist 1: Watersiders 4, Scottish Wanderers 0. First A division championship: — Seatoun 2. Petone 1; Institute 2, Swifts 1. First B division championship: Lower Hutt 7, Island Bay 1. CHRISTCHURCH, July 17.

Thistle 1. Nomads 1; Western B 4, Rangers 2; St. Alban’s 5, Technical 2; Western A 9, Linwood 1. DUNEDIN, July 18.

Maori Hill 5, Roslyn Wakari 2; Northern 4, Tech. Old Boys 2; Old Boys 5, Seacliff 3: Mosgiel 8, Corinthians Invercargill 1, district final Chatham Cup. It UN ANG A DEFEAT WAI UTA The Westland Cup fixture, Runanga v. Waiuta was played at Waiuta on Saturday, the visitors winning an even game by three goals to two. The weather was overcast, but the ground was heavy. Runanga now lead Taylorville by two points in this competition.