THE SOCCER CODE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22316, 29 April 1947, Page 6

THE SOCCER CODE

GISBORNE GAMES fc THISTLE BEAT R.S.A. EASTERN UNION DRAW By “Dribbler" Fine weather and a firm ground made conditions good for fast open piay in the continuation of the senior league competition conducted by the Poverty Bay Football Association on the Childers Road Reserve on Saturday. Once again the games resulted in a win and a draw Thistle achieved their initial success of the season by defeating R.S.A., 4-o', while Wanderers gained a further point in their match with Eastern Union, which was drawn, 1-1. Thistle Combination R.S.A. put up a good performance but were oversnadowed by their more experienced opponents. The lorward line was particularly good in passing movements, but lacxea the necessary finishing touches. Ip this division, Pollock, A, Waugh, h. Barbour, and J Hepburn all played well, while considerable promise was shown by a new left winger. The half-backs were steady at all times and received good support from K. Ford R. Finlay and R. Sneineld in the rear. Thistle played their usual penetrative game to score lour gooa goals. These came from A. Easton (2), J. Harrison and J. Watt. D. Moore, playing his first season of soccer, adapted himself well to the outside-right position, cutting in and centring nicely All the halves impressed with J. Easton timing fiis kicks better than usual, while in the centre, S. Gilgreen filled a position strange him creditably. The lailure of the R.S.A. attack to register goals was largely due to the fine defensive plav of D Miller and A. Jarvie, the former making a re-appearance after several years’ absence. Defence Excels Attack The low scoring in the Eastern Union-Wanderers match is a good indication of the nature of the piay. 'Tne strength of both teams lay i n tfieir deience and with the backs outshining the forwards goals were not the order of the day. Eastern Union generally disappointed and but for the resolute tackling of L. Branson and W. Mulrooney and the cool goal-keeping of IT Johnstone might easily have conceded the additional point. Wanderers, on the other hand, were in excellent form and displayed good understanding and combination throughout the entire team. In deience they proved themselves complete masters of every situation, the aggressive tactics ol both backs and halfbacks giving their opposite numbers little latitude Jack watt again impressed on the right wing and scored his leant s goai with an excellent drive. In the Half line, F.'Knowles played his best game to date while between the posts C. Mulrooncy gave a cool exhibition of goaikeeping. Junior Competition An added I’ea.ture to Saturday’s football was the commencement of the junior competition in which five teams Have been entered. The initial games rormed a fitting prelude to the senior matcr.es and were keenly contested, ine enthusiasm of these youngsters is very encouraging and should result in some good games being witnessed in this grade once they settle down. Thistle juniors in their game against a weak R.S.A. team carried the honours for the day with a five goals to two victory, but better things are expected from R.S.A. when they turn out in lull strength. • Iu the second match, Wanderers, having lost to P. and T. in a practice match the previous week, turned the tables on this occasion to win by three goals to nil. Eastern Union,. having a bye, arranged a forwards v. back practice which should stand them in good stead when they have their first encounter next week, and the other junior clubs would do weii to follow their example when it is their turn to have a bye.