SOCCER EMMS SHIELD CHALLENGE

Grey River Argus, 20 August 1949, Page 7

SOCCER EMMS SHIELD CHALLENGE

Soccer supporters and their friends should be provided with a good exposition of the round "ball game at Victoria Park to-day with what will probably prove to be a very determined challenge by the Buller representatives for the Emms Shield. Those who had the good fortune to be- present at the recent tussle for the Dawson Cup between West Coast and Buller do not need to be told about how evenly matched these two teams are. Although one or two prominent players on each side will be unavoidably absent, two splendid teams embodying practically the best players of both districts will be lined up. With the weather promising to be fine, another hectic struggle can be looked forward to. While it is unfortunate that J. Newton will not be playing, particularly after his fine display in the Dawson Cup game, it is expected that the new Coast left wing pair will more than justify their inclusion. B. Ha'ssen (inside left) appears to be one of the best of the Runanga championship eleven, and there are good judges who state that Ward is one of the best wingers who has worn the Runanga colours. This is high praise when one remembers players like Robson, Winstanley, Hewison, Crowe and Patrick. The rest of the Coast eleven, with the exception of Ray Nuttall, have all worn the rep. jersey this season with credit, and on current form should put up another good showing. Buller on their last appearance at Victoria Park gave a very bold showing and looked as if they would do even better under drier conditions. All the indications thus are that patrons ar e going to get their money’s worth.

The curtain-raiser between A and B schoolboy teams should give further evidence of the big improvement among the Coast boys, in positional play and ball control. With the match play and experience that will be obtained by the A team at the South Island tournament at Timaru the Centre’s policy in fostering the game amongst the younger generation will without doubt ultimately bear fruit. It is unfortunate Qffiat the visit of a Coast B team to the Timaru tournament had to be abandoned, owing to this bringing in an odd team apd disrupting the fixtures. However, the Centre is determined to take the B team on a trip. somewhere, and this will be done as soon as suitable arrangements can b e made.