SOCCER

Greymouth Evening Star, 23 August 1939, Page 9

SOCCER

REP.-MATCH REVIEWED

I Had the Nelson forward line speculated more with long-range shooting, instead of trying to dribble the ball right into the goal mouth, the result of the Westland-Nelson game might have borne a different aspect. As it was, (lie Westland goal was never in !great danger. Twort and J. Du Feu (were always a source of annoyance to : the Coast backs when they combined together, but they failed miserably I when running solo. I Hurst skippered the Nelson side well, playing his part in every attack and being strong on defence.

Mansell and Coxhill as full backs played themselves to a standstill. They were not given a, chance to rest, for no sooner did they send their forwards moving than they were back again defending. On the general run of play the game was more solid than spectacular. There were no polished movements. The heavy state of the ground was against fast, open play. Westland Team: Although Westland withstood Nelson’s challenge by four clear goals, three easy chances to score were missed. Of the four goals one was scored by an- opposing player and two were individual attempts by Armstrong, leaving only one to the credit of the forward line as a whole, and Armstrong was the scorer in this ease also. Armstrong was an experiment which proved a great success. He received little support from the other forwards with exception of Cameron —which makes his efforts more meritorious. One of his goals was especially outstanding. With his back to his opponents’ goal, Cameron slipped him a quick pass and with remarkable ability he hooked the ball over his shoulder to take the Nelson defence by surprise.

Cameron was easily the best forward on the field. His quick exchanges I were the despair of the Nelson halfI back line. Although his missed an open goal he rectified this mistake by maki ing some beautiful openings. Scott gave a poor exhibition. Once he crowded Cameron when that player was in a great scoring position. Ewan made his debut to senior representative football. Considering that, he gave a fine display. Unfortunately, be was slow in accepting Cameron’s quick passes and on many occasions spoiled some fine opening movements. However, he is the makings of a representative wing forward and will represent the Coast on many occasions to come. Taking into account the little support he received from his wing forward Coutts played like a. veteran throughout. The half-back line Tcnnent, Bowman and Watson worked like Trojans. They 'opened up the play and backed up their forwards well. Two of the four goals commenced from the half-back line.

Lee at right full-back played a great game. He has a good physique and ninety minutes of solid play does not seem to distress him. Lee’s greatest asset is his tenaciousness in endeavouring to retrieve his mistakes. Bernard filled his position well but he has the tendency to run the ball too far up field when in possession. This is a dangerous procedure, which he must overcome for future occasions

FIXTURES FOR SATURDAY Runanga B v. Old Boys at Runanga 2.30 (J. Mossop); Taylorville v. Runanga A at Taylorville 2.30 (A. Pickering). Third Grade: Taylorville v. Tech A at Taylorville 1.30 (A. Robb). BOXESG NOTES. (By “Mentor.”) With tjip entries closed and the strong possibility of several Canterbury boxers coming over, the stage is set for the West Coast championships next Saturday night. With good referees such as N. Kiely, F. O’Neill and F. Bell, all ex-champions, ihe public can rest assured of high-class entertainment. Around the Schools: Doing the round of the different schools during the week, the keenness shown by the boys in going through their paces, was surprising. M. Hopkins will be a tough nut to crack in the light-weight, and is showing improvement. R. Nelson is in fine fettle, and will be capable of stern opposition. Evans is a promising boy, and must be hard to beat. L. O’Brien is keen, and solid, and with more speed .will be a strong opponent. E. Hill has improved since last seen in the ring, and will make it lively for someoneF. Griffen will step . in much fitter than in the past. S. Rochford has made further improvement, and this boy may be the hardest to beat in the welters. He is working in excellent style. Much Improved:

A. Partridge is in first-class condition, and bound to give a good account of himself. He is one of the most, improved boys on the Coast. Lc Foy is trying to make the middleweight limit: if he does, the others will know he is on deck. Quinn from Blackball is a solid type of boy who looks as if he can punch. An interesting entrant is R. Kiely. He is a good boy, and will keep them all busy.

Visitors; West-Watson from the P.W.D. camp, Copelands, South Westland, is bringing up three boys—Downs 11.6, Hawes 9.6 and Bannister 10.6. These boys have earned a reputation in the South. Campbell from Runanga is a good type of fighter, and unusually fast.

West Coast Winners: T. O’Gorman, Westport, won the Canterbury light-heavy- title at Christchurch last evening, and C. Marsh. Greymouth, won the Canterbury heavy-weight title.