MATCH A DRAW

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22363, 23 June 1947, Page 4

MATCH A DRAW

AUCKLAND-SPRINGBOKS SPLENDID EXHIBITION POOR PLAYING CONDITIONS (P.A.) AUCKLAND, June 23. The South African soccer team, beaten only once in the 17 games of its Australian tour came from behind to make a draw of the first- match of its New Zealand tour against Auckland. Each side scored three goals, one _of Auckland’s being from a penalty kick which was taken twice when C. R. Brink the Springbok goal-keeper, moved his feet before the first kick had been taken. A wet and soggy ground and a very heavy and cold rainstorm just as play began created conditions totally foreign to most of the touring players’ experience, and for the first quarter of an hour the play was all in Auckland’s favour.

Auckland opened the scoring in the 13th minute when Robinson, on the right wing, kicked the ball across to Mason, on the other wing, and Mason with a hard shot gave Brink no chance. The combination built up by the Springboks then began to show out, and Falconer sent a perfect pass to Smethurst who feinted to the wing and then sent the ball to Clack, centreforward, who booted hard and accurately for the goal. Auckland’s centre-half, O. C. Cleal, paved the way for the home team’s second goal when he crashed in a long shot which rebounded from the bar. As Brink twisted to grab at the ball Brown, Auckland centre-forward, rushed in and headed it into the net.

Cleal scored Auckland’s third goal just before the interval. South Africa conceded a penalty when Mason was charged by a Springbok player, deal’s first kick was brilliantly saved by Brink, but he made no mistake with his second attempt. The crowd booed the referee’s decision that Auckland should have a, second shot in the second spell. Auck-' land controlled play for about 10 minutes and then the Springboks took charge and Clack scored his second goal with a fast header. Auckland was penalised for handling, but Wilson who took a shot for-the Springboks put it straight at lies, who ssved well. With just over 10 minutes of play left Falconer, the Springbok insideright, lobbed across the goal mouth and Smethurst ran in to head the ball between lies’ legs into goal. The match was very fast and exciting and notable for splendid sportsmanship, When 'Mason was winded and knocked out by the ball which caught him full in the stomach. McCreadie, a Springbok back, immediately kicked the ball out so that Mason could be attended to. On a dry ground the Springboks will be a great team.