THE SOCCER CODE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20259, 29 May 1940, Page 3

THE SOCCER CODE

VICTORY TO EASTERN THISTLE FIGHT HARD EXCELLENT FORM SHOWN By “Dribbler” The , keen rivalry existing between the. Thistle and Eastern Union clubs, plus their equal merits, which had resulted in so many fine games being witnessed on the Childers Road Reserve during the past season, was responsible for yet another brilliant display , when the two teams met in their first encounter of the new season last Saturday. Botli sides were on their mettle, Eastern seeking to consolidate their position at the top of the league table and Thistle eager to jump into the lead by a victory on' the day. From the outset the match developed into a battle royal. The players were unsparing in their efforts and revealed excellent form. After a close struggle the game ended with Eastern the victors by five goals to four. The defence of the winning side was exceptionally good. A. Sylvester held his own in goal and had the support of two strong backs. Of the latter, Tom Hill, a former Poverty Bay representative goalie making his reappearance in the field, played a sound game. His partner, J. Hibbert, was inclined to miss-kick at times, but was otherwise steady. In a solid half line J. Packman and R. Johnstone performed well. J. Barbour Outstanding The third member of the trio, J. Barbour, was perhaps the most outstanding player on the field. He showed he had abandoned the selfish tactics that he had used last year when centre forward of the Mercantile Club team and Ms willingness to combine greatly enhanced Eastern’s aggression. His speed also carried him through well in dedence. Noteworthy in the forwards were E. Bridge at centre and J. Burns on the right wing. These players gave the Thistle defenders much trouble. Their colleagues, R. Barbour, J. Anderson and R. Cook, though not up to their standard, attacked doggedly in support. In the Thistle vanguard, J. Walt was again conspicuous. His scoring shots were unstoppable. H. Easton exhibited his speed well at inside right, while his two younger brothers, Alec and Jim, were seen to good effect as the left wing combination. The outside right, D. McLean, is really far too young for senior football and would do well to seek a place in an intermediate team. A reliable half-line, consisting of B. Jarvie, W. Mulrooney and P. Rawlings, featured some spectacular kicking, as did also the two backs, R. Findlay and L. Branson. In goal, J. McLean, a veteran player, equalled some of the performances of Thistle’s regular goalkeeper, C. Mulrooney, whom it is hoped will make a reappearance soon. Merchantile-P. and -T. Draw In a rather scrappy game on No. 1 ground Post and Telegraph drew with Mercantile, three-all. Mercantile were three goals down shortly after halftime and made the leeway up in the last few minutes. ! 0 Some pretty passing marked the P. and T. forward play, while their backs continue to work well together. Mercantile, were below strength and consequently did not produce the same results as might have been expected of them. This club is holding its first meeting of the season to-night and a full attendance of members and intending members is desired to enable a complete organisation to be made for the year’s activities. Mercantile are unfortunate in losing several of their best players and “Dribbler” appeals to all soccer enthusiasts to give them every assistance possible in fielding a full team. ■Attention,is also drawn to the competition to be conducted on the King’s Birthday. A very extensive and attractive programme has been adopted for this date and the games should provide some interesting football.