SOCCER FINAL

Grey River Argus, 26 August 1946, Page 3

SOCCER FINAL

CHATHAM CUP WeHingten Marist Win p.A. WELLINGTON, August 25. Marist, of Wellington, beat Technical College did Boys, Christchurch, by two goals' to one, in the final for the Chatham Cup at the Basin Reserve on Saturday. The conditions were ideal.

Eight thousand or more spectators attended, and the crowd is said to have been the largest one ever to gather at an Association match in Wellington. The cup was presented to the winning team by the Governor-General. Sir Bernard Freyberg. A fast and young team, the visitors were quick to move back and to cover their goal against the attacks of Marist. The Christchurch backs were ever ready to seize on any ball that was kicked too far and to start an attacking movement from little short of half-way. Smith, the Technical right half, kicked to the Marist goalmouth, where Thomas was waiting, and he netted a goal. At this stage, the Technical team were keeping Marist very busy. But it was not long before Marist were attacking. Price, receiving a centre from Tilyard, had a shot at goal, but Davey stopped the ball, thoroughly earning the crowd’s applause. After 35 minutes’ play, Marist gained a corner, and from this Hatchard scored. The first spell ended with ' the scores even.

A few minutes after the second half began, the Marist players broke away and scored their second goal. This was the last score of the match. O’Dell, the Marist centre-forward, made a magnificent run from near’ half way, with Hatchard in support. O’Dell beat several men himself, and finally beat the goalkeeper. The visitors’ play deteriorated, their passing in particular being less; accurate. The game now became rather ragged. The Marist team combined well, but some weak shooting at the goal nullified their attack. All of the Marist team produced their best form. Hatchard and O’Dell were outstanding. The Technical team confirmed its reputation of being stronger in the backs than in the forwards. V. Smith (centre half), and Davey (goalkeeper), played particularly well. In the morning the same clubs’ junior teams met in the final of, the F. R. Junior National Cup, which the Marist team won by three goals to one. LONDON, Aug. 24. England drew with Scotland in an international Soccer match at Manchester.