SOCCER

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 13 August 1928, Page 8

SOCCER

CHINESE CUP FINAL.

WON BY STRATFORD. Tli© Chinese Soccer Gup was won by Stratford on their own ground on Saturday, (Jatiedomans being defeated by one goal to nil. After tire match the winners wore presented with the trophy by Mir Harlow, president of the Taranaki Football Association. Fine weather favoured the match, which was flayed in excellent spirit by both sides. Caledonians- had the misfortune ±o lose the services of Freefeaiim early in the game, tneir captain having lii : s leg broken in a collision with an opposing player. Caledonians kicked off and Pinches punted downfield for Baker to take possession, but Fawcett cleared. Baker again took possession, and in a tackle Fireebaiirn was hurt. On the invitation of the Stratford Club, Bell came on in place of Freebai-rn. The game was resumed and a fast struggle ensued, till© crowd being kept on tip-toes with tbriillliing play. Bach goal was visited in turn, Caledonians being hampered with the sun in their eyes. -Good combination by Caledonians put the Stratford goal in danger and under sever© pressure HiiLmer conceded a corner. Henderson’s kick dropped, in the goal-month and from the ensuing scrummage Stewart cleared with a hefty kick to let Bannister away. The ball went to Baker, who scored for Stratford. The fat was in the hr© mow and Caledonians pressed, but Brown was wideawake and cleared -in fine style. Stewart next gave Beil a “trimmer” to hold, liis hue saving gaining the plaudits of the crowd. Hamilton then tested Bell, who was again safe, and play went to the other end. Hodgson had to stop lively to save Gardner's express delivery. * A spell of midfield play followed with Caledonians’ pattern weaving being nullified by the fine tackling of the Stratford halves. The crowd was in expectation of a goal when Hill beat Brown in a irace for a loose ball, but Stewart came up from nowhere and cleared the danger at the expense of a fruitless corner. Half-time sounded with the score: Stratford 1, Caledonians O'. , O'n. the resumption Caledonians pressed and set bp a hqt bombardment of their opponents’ goal, two corners being conceded fin succession. Only a sound defence and over-eagerness on the part of the Caledonian forwards kept the goal intact for Stratford. Bae, Gardner and Hill all had shots which were either blocked or 111111011 glazed the post and crossbar. At last the pressure was taken oft and Hamilton eluded the field to give Bell a stinger, hut found the goalie again safe. A (likely move by Caledonians was nullified when Gardner held Aird on the 18-yards line Another corner fell t© Caledonians and Henderson again obliged with a 'beauty which hit the face of the bar and' Hodgson punched clear. A,t this stage it was all Caledonians’ game, and they did everything but score. Hodgson was treated to a nightmare of shots, while 801 l looked on, but right well did Stratford defend in that last quarter and, 011 that sterling defence, just deserved their slender win. The final whistle sounded with the score unaltered : Stratford 1 Caledonians 0 / Mr Littlejohn refereed. IN OTHER CENTRES. CHATHAM CUP. North Island Semi-final. AUCKLAND, Aug. 11. Y.M.C.A. 3 v. Puke in ii'b Junction

MANAAVATIJ

Flock House 4 v. St. Andrew’s 4 R.S.A. 5 v. Athletic 1. DUNEDIN. Maori Hill 3 v. Northern 1. The former win s the premiership.