THE SOCCER CODE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22622, 27 April 1948, Page 3

THE SOCCER CODE

WANDERERS’ BID THISTLE EXTENDED R.S.A.-EASTERN DRAW liy “I)i ir.i-U r” Wanderers’ fine hid in extending last year's champion side, Thistle, and an exciting; 2-2 draw played out by R.S.A. and Eastern Union were features of the games-in the senior league competition conducted bv the Poverty Bay Eoothall Association at the Childers Hoad Reserve on Saturday. A stiff cross wind upset play considerably and a period of rain during the the second spell made the ball slippery and difficult to control. Final Results Senior.—R S.A. 2v. Eastern Union 2; Thistle 2 v. Wanderers !. Junior.—Rovers 1 v. R.S.A. 0; Wan defers -1 v. Thistle 0. Thistle Recovery Fine defensive play and a well earned goal gave Wanderers the ascendancy m their match until the final 20 minutes when Tnisile, pressing hard, were awarded two penalty kicks. The first was unsuccessiul but with the second, A. Eaton netted the equaliser. A. Taylor put Thistle into the lead shortly afterwards with a good goal and although Wanderers were attacking vigorously towards the end they failed to penetrate the dogged Thistle defence. Outstanding in (he Thistle forward line were the two wingers, D. McLean and It. Maxwell, both of whom showed good ball control and ability to penetrate and centre smartly. A. Jarvic was prominent in a sound half line which greatly minimised the work of the backs and goalie. For Wanderers, D. Roc gave a sterling performance in goal being beaten only by unstoppable shots. The backs were slow in clearing their lines, a fault which, but lor the splendid sup port they received from their halves, might have proved cosily. Of the halves, D. Waugh showed some of Ihe qualities which earned him the Centennial Cup for the most improved player last season. Ilis mark ing of A. Easton, Thistle's prolific goalscorer, greatly upset the tactics of the opposing vanguard He was ably supported by another young player M. Jury who excelled belli in attack and defence. The forwards were rarely dangerous. Twaddle a good opportunist, lacked support and was given no chance to show his paces. M. Libeau shaped well at inside right while his wing man, Jack Watt, scored a good goal from a difficult angle, Mr. A. Silvester was the referee. Exciting Duel The duel between R.S.A. and Eastern Union was exciting from start to finish. Eastern he'd a two to one lead until with 10 minutes of play left, R.S.A. drew 1 eve I. The 22 draw was a fair reflection of the nature of the game. Both goals frequently had close shaves, but scoring was restricted by sound defence b.v both sides. N. Burch scored Eastern Union's two goals and was the team's outstanding player on the day. Ilis speed added valuable thrust to an otherwise mediocre forward line in which L. Branson was the only other member to show form. K. Walker was the best of a good set of halves, while C. Booth did a grand job in goal. The R.S.A. forwards lacked their sting, but F. Rnggcrt, with two goals to his credit, and IE Barbour were outstanding. A. McCallum impressed at centre half, while K. Ford was the better of the two backs. J. R. Sheffield gave his usual cool performance in goal, handling cleanly and clearing his lines well. The referee was Mr. G. McKay. Junior’s Hat Trick A feature of the junior matches was R. Neilson’s achievement in securing the “hat-trick” with three goals for Wanderers in their match with Thistle. Wanderers gained (he decision by four goals to nil, the other scorer being R. Morrow.

With Tennant scoring the only goal of the match. Rovers registered a narrow victory over R.S.A.