ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL Thrilling Final: Greymouth Wins Blackmun Cup

Greymouth Evening Star, 3 October 1949, Page 8

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL Thrilling Final: Greymouth Wins Blackmun Cup

After an extra 20 minutes had been played, Greymouth beat Ru-nanga'3-2 in a hard-fought final for the Blackmun Cup, played at the Recreation Ground, Greymouth, on Saturday. Runanga were hitherto the unbeaten team in the Association Football competition. At full-time the score was 1-all. In the extra 20 minutes, Runanga were the first to score and looked certain winners, but Greymouth staged a grandstand finish to notch two goals in the last 10 minutes and take the honours. Game Of Thrills Right on time fine shots by Scott and P. Hassen almost equalised the scores, but splendid saves by Lester, the Greymouth goalie, ended a game of thrills. Positional play, ball control, good shooting, and solid defensive play was shown throughout the game. It I was not until 10 minutes from the i end of the game proper that the first igoal was obtained. It was the reI suit of a grand header by W. Hassen, following a cross from Timlin. Four minutes later Higson fumbled a fine long shot from Malpass, enabling Greymouth to equalise. Goals were scored for Greymouth by Malpass, Longstaff, and Roche. P. Hassen and W. Hassen scored for Runanga. The teams were:— Greymouth. — Lester; Malpass, Newton; Lacey, Kerr, Hunter; Longstaff, Pallet, Boyd, Roche, Casey. _ Runanga. —Higson; Boote, Clark, White, J. McGonagle, W. McGonagle; Timlin, Scott, W. Hassen,. P. Hassen, Matthews. . . . For Greymouth, Lester, in goal, gave a good display, coming through a heavy day well. He was well covered at full-back by Malpass, who played an exceptionally good game, and also Newton. At half-back Kerr 'was the best of a line that 'never faltered against the aggressive and skilful Runanga attack. In the front line Boyd and Roche were the leaders of a hard-working bunch, ! who literally pulled the game out oi the fire. . , For Runanga, Higson, in goal, did not get as much serious work to do as his opposite number, but he did make a number of good saves.

i Strong Defence At full-back Clark gave a polished display and the hard tackling of Boote seemed an obstacle to the Greymouth forwards. White and the McGonagle brothers (new players). were outstanding for neat defensive and attacking work in the Runanga half-back line. In the forwards, P. Hassen was tireless and was prominent throughout. He was ably assisted by R. Scott, whose footwork and field play were of a high standard. W. Hassen also did well and his goal was a good effort. Timlin and Matthews, on the wings, got the ball across well, completing'a good forward line, whose shooting, generally, was powerfu and well directed. The referee was Mr W. Balderstone.