THE SOCCER CODE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22657, 7 June 1948, Page 7

THE SOCCER CODE

KYNE CUP PLAY FINALISTS DECIDED R.S.A. AND THISTLE By "Dribbler" Play in the Poverty Bay Football Association's annual knock-out competition of the Kyne Cup was set down this season for two days instead of the usual one, the semi-finals having been decided on Saturday. The final was scheduled for this afternoon. Saturday s play was marred somewhat by light rain, the ball becoming heavy, slippery and difficult to control while the players had trouble in keeping their feet. Winning convincingly in their respective games, Thistle and R.S.A. qualified for the final. Progress Results - Senior.—Kyne Cup semi-finals: Thistle 3 v. Wanderers 1, R.S.A. C v. Eastern Union 2. Junior. —League Cocpetition: Thistle 1 v. R.S.A. 1; Wanderers 1 v. Rovers nil. AH Round Superiority Thistle seniors achieved victory through their all-round superiority, Wanderers, although giving an impressive display in the first half and being repeatedly on the attack in the second were unable to master the skilful tactics of the winners. With the score 1-1 until the closing moments of play, Wanderers were much in the picture, but weak kicking by the backs enabled Thistle to register the winning goals. A Taylor, A. Easton and L. Wilkinson scored for Thistle and with J. Watt and D. McLean created an imposing front line. Wilkkinson, promoted from the junior ranks for this game, showed marked possibilities on the left wing and scored the best goal of the match. A. Jarvie and S. Gilgren, with the latter using his height to -advantage were the outstanding halves, while the re-appearance of H. Easton greatly strengthened the back division in which D. Miller also figured. W. Bryan saved his side repeatedly by his capable custodianship. Wanderers had every chance of winning this match but failed through ..allowing Thistle to exploit their weaknesses. The forwards, who have rarely played so well, lacked support in pressing home their many offensives, while the backs lagged repeatedly in making first-time clearances. With these faults remedied, they could be the equal of any team in district soccer. A Twaddle scored their only goal.

R. Barbour’s Accuracy In the other semi-final a strong R.S.A. eleven had no difficulty in eliminating Eastern Union. R. Barbour (who scored three and not two goals, as previously reported, last week), was again in scoring mood and accounted for four of R.S.A.'s six goals. F. Raggert was responsible for the other two. Eastern Union, who were materially below strength, were no match for their opponents and replied with only two goals these being registered by W. Murray and L. Branson. League competition games were conducted in the junior grade, Wanderers stepping into the lead by their defeat of Rovers, while R.S.A. recorded their third draw on end, their opponents being Thistle. Neilson scored for Wanderers, Moffatt for Thistle and Rule for R.S.A.

Championship points credited in the League competitions are: Senior.—Thistle, 8: R.S.A., 7; Eastern Union, 3; Wanderers, 2. Junior.—Wanderers, 8; Rovers, 7; R.S.A., 5; Thistle, 3.