SOCCER

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 23 May 1927, Page 7

SOCCER

NORTH v. SOUTH. WIN FOR SOUTHERNERS. A trial match between North, and South soccer representatives to decide the representative team to meet the Canadians on Wednesday was played at Victoria Park, Stratford, to-day. The teams were: SOUTH. Plant (Hawera). Betteridge (Mauaia), .Becre f HaAvera). Gilbert (Hawera), Freakley (Okaiawa), Stewart (Stratford). Portway (Hawera), Ramsay (Hawera), Galloway (Hawera), Roberts (Auroa), Humphrey (Hawera). NORTH. Royston. Lewis, Davis. Spedding, Freebairn, Brown. Gardiner, Spedding, E. Hill, Ibbotson, Bremen. The northern forward® controlled the ball much better than did their opponents, but their backs were; somewhat weak. Neither side displayed a great deal of combination, but this was understandable, (as the players had not worked together prior to the game. There was a good deal of - loose work, although, a® the player® began to work in unison, some fairly good passing was noticeable. Stewart, -the southern half-back, was very prominent and did useful Avork for his side. South won the -toss and elected_ to play Avith the slight Avind blowing. From the kick-off South attacked, but were repulsed, and Blue looked dangerous, but Beere saved by a good kick. Blue continued the attack, but were unsuccessful, the white hacks clearing. The southern forwards Avere showing a serious lack of combination, although the backs were playing well. Stewart (AA’hite) pulled off one or tAvoi good saves prior to his side taking the offensive, Avhioh they did . after beang hard pressed. On two occasions Whites, after good offensive mewement'S. had the misfortune to mis® an open goal. A left Aving movement, in which the forwards displayed good w'ork, culminated in Roberts shooting, and completely beating the goalie. Shortly after this, Beere,:. at half-way, passed to Gilbert, avlio in turn sent the ball across to Humphrey on the left wing. The latter made a good attempt to increase the White lead, but the ball went Avide. After a spell of up and , down play, Whites -again pressed hard, and GiaJJoAvay sent in a nice shot,. Avhich crossed over the net. A penalty to the Whites Avas hotly debated, but the kick was allowed, and the White pabk got away, beating the opposition all the way to the net, where the ball hit the bar and 'rebounded into play. The Blues cleaned, and in turn attacked, but Avere -stopped by the half-time AY’histle.

In the second spell whites jumped to the attack, the backs sending the ball Avell np the field, Avhere 1 Humphrey, the outside left, took it at his toe and, beat the defenders, thus putting his side two points ahead. Much uninteresting play followed, a number of penalties being awarded either side. In the closing stages of the game the game opened out considerably, and some bright interludes followed, both teams’ foiuvards shoAA r ing flashes of , cleA-er foot and head work. The blue supporters were momentarily, cheered when the left wing dashed along the line, only to pot a “goal” through the Rugby posts at the rear of the official net ! The blues were on the warpath, however, and Spedding on the left sent in a hot shot which the goalie cleared. Hill, who had followed in, took the ball on the rebound, and completely-, outwitted the goalie. Despite -both sides’ earnest, endeavours neither side Avas able to add tb, the score. Mr Geo. Mitchell refereed.

JUNIORS. A curtain-raiser between the Auroa and Hawera juniors was drawn, there being no score. CANADIANS REACH AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, May 22. The Canadian soccer team arrives aboard the Niagara in the morning. The Prime Minister has sent a' wireless message to the team, conveying greetings on behalf of the people of New Zealand. INTERNATIONAL- MATCHES IN AUSTRALIA. MELBOURNE, Slay 22. The Czeclio-Slovakian touring team heat Australia bv four goals to one. SYDNEY,. May 22. The Newcastle soccer team beat the Chinese team by seven goals l to two. IN OTHER CENTRES ’ PALMERSTON NORTH. Foxtoii 2 v. Flock House 2. Athletic 2 v.. R.S.A. 1. St. Andrew’s 4 v. Rangers 0. AUCKLAND. Royal Navy 3 v. Onehunga 2. Thistle 2 v. North Shore 1. CHRISTCHURCH. Vi - la 4v. Brighton 3. Nomads 1 v. Thistle 0. YYosteru 2 v. Kaiapoi 1. Technical Old Boys 2 v. Lyttelton 1. WELLINGTON. Marist 3 v. Diamonds 2. ,i : Y.M.C.A. 3 v. Seatoun 1. Thistle 4 v. Brooklyn 1. DUNEDIN. High School Old Boys 4 v. Southern 2 Technical Old Boys 3 v. Y.M.C.A. 0. Northern 7 v. Morning ton 1. Seacliffi 3 v. Maori Hill 0.