VISITING SOCCER REPS. SHOULD BE EXTENDED BY P.B.

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 22757, 1 October 1948, Page 4 (Supplement)

VISITING SOCCER REPS. SHOULD BE EXTENDED BY P.B.

By Dribbler Following their six-one victory over Hawke’s Bay this season the Poverty Bay soccer representatives are expected to provide stern opposition to the Wellington eleven in tomorrow’s game on the Childers Road Reserve, Gisborne. Though the visitors will include at least one of the N.Z. team which played Australia this year, the indications are that they will be fully extended in endeavouring to retain the J. T. Hill Shield won in the corresponding game last season. With the exception of S. Gillgren, who is expected to replace W. Mulrooney, whom an injury may prevent from playing, the home side will be identical with that which defeated Hawke’s Bay. The team has strength in attack but also possesses a sound defence.

J R. Sheffield is a goalkeeper of outstanding quality, handles and kicks well and shows good judgment. Of the backs, L. Branson is the more experienced and can be relied upon for a good performance. A. McCallum, who partners Branson, has made great strides in local football this year and should acquit himself well tomorrow. A virile half line has been chosen. IC Walker on the right is a robust tackier with good ball control, while in the centre D. Waugh is a good spoiler and heads well. Also good with his head is S. Gillgren, who should prove a capable wing half. Sharp-Shooting Forwards The three leading goal scorers of the year, the P.B. inside forward trio could hardly be improved upon in the association. R. Barbour, with an impressive goal aggregate, is likely to be the star performer, while A. Easton and A. Twaddle should also stand out in attack. Of the wingers. J. Watt on the right has pace and shooting ability but could centre sooner. On the left J. Hepburn shows good penetration and should combine well with his teammate, R. Barbour. Both the reserves, R. Murray and J. Easton, are capable performers and if called upon should leave no doubt of this.