SOCCER NOTES

Grey River Argus, 11 September 1948, Page 6

SOCCER NOTES

HESLIN CUP FINAL The chief game last Saturday was the final for the Heslin Cup between Taylorville and Greymouth at the Rec., and, as predicted in these columns, the winners were well concealed. As things turned out, Taylorville became the holders, a goal scored two minutes from time deciding the issue in their favour. The game, which was solidly and stuboornly contested, could not be called a sparkling exhibition, as both teams exploited safety-first methods in theii determination to win. The defence on both sides proved superior to the attack. But, “get rid of the ball” at all costs, however, was the order ot the day." The forwards were certainly not well plied with the ball, anc as a result, individual efforts to score —not very impressive ones —were s feature, the exception being Boyd.ol Greymouth, who attempted to hold his forward line together for concerted efforts without success, and there were not half a dozen good shots at goal in the game, and most of these came from Taylorville, whe just about deserved theii’ win, as only the ability of Tolchard, in Greymouth’s goal, prevented at least one more goal. Dixon in the Taylorville’S goal had nothing dangerous to stop, but rushed out and cleared on two occasions, • when danger threatened. In front of him Graham and Malone played their usual solid game and kept a close watch on Marshall and effectively blanketed him most of the game. Taylorville had a new half back in Kirk, and he played quite a good game; worked hard and defended well, but did not distribute to his forwards as well as Erskine, who, however, ballooned the ball more than usual when passing. McNeish never spared himself. He mas shown distinct improvement this season. Forwards, Dando and Bentley were the best of a moderate set, who forgot to combine and relied mainly on individualism and ■ energy to penetrate. For Grey, Newton and Hogg compared favourably with their opposite numbers, except in covering tactics. Tones was the best of a moderate half back line, who played more like backs than half backs. In the forwards, Boyd was good, showing the best ball control of all. He got the ball to the other forwards repeatedly, but Max Marshall had an off day as, while his ball control was second only to that of Boyd, he mulled several chances for a good shot, hesitating too long, and being effectively smothered. Ranger and Hodgson are two improvers on the wing, who without being very dangerous in this game, were probably slightly superior to Hoggarth and McFarlane, of Taylorville. A curtain-raiser between Cobden and Blackball resulted in a win for the “Blacks” by two goals (Roche.) to one. - TO-DAY'S GAMES The games to-day are the Blackman Cup final at the Rec., between Taylorville and Cobden, and the Schoolboy reps v. Cobden boys, at 1.30 p.m. COMING MATCHES Blackball have been challenged to a game by Runanga (the competition winners). Remaining fixtures for the season are :— Coast reps v. Southland at Invercargill on September 18, the Coast tc.am being selected on the day from Dixon (Taylorville), Armstrong (Runanga), Graham (Taylorville), Hogg (Greymouth), Kerr (Cobden), Balderstone (Blackball, vice-captain), Erskine (Taylorville), White (Runanga), McLaren (Reefton), Roche (Cobden captain), Boyd (Greymouth) McMahon (Blackball). In the event of any of the above being unable to travel" the emergency is Moore (Cobden. The team manager is Mr W. Balderstone. September 25. —Timaru Fishermen v. a Coast club team. October 2. —Denniston v. Blackball. BOYS TOURNEY Congratulateions to the Buller A team on their splendid performance in again winning the South Island Schoolboys’ Championship, against a far heavier and bigger team in Canterbury. Buller B and Otago also showed good form, and Westland and South Canterbury showed decided improvement as the tournament progressed. The tournament was ably carried out by the Buller Association’s secretary, Mr Blyth, and a group of willing and competent assistants. With seven senior teams and 11 schoolboy teams, Soccer is making substantial progress in the Buller district. All the boys’ teams and their manager were loud in their praise of ime treatment received, particularly m the first class billeting arrangements made and received. Latest results, in English Soccer, find Portsmouth find Derby County leading the First Division, and Southampton and Queen’s Park Rangers are in a similar position in the Second Division.