SOCCER

Hawera Star, Volume L, 22 May 1930, Page 8

SOCCER

CELT! CMOTUROA GAME. PLAY REVIEWED. NOTES BY “KIOK-Of’F.” Celtic in their first game of the season put up a good performance by beating Moturoa 3—l fit Hawera last Saturday in the Julian Onp competition. \\ ith the sun behind them in the first spell the visitors looked ais if they would repeat their victory of the- previous week when they defeated Pirates by' s—l, but, after Celtic settled tto-wn, they took charge of the- game an-d in the second half Moturon were mostly oit the defence. Celtic were unlucky in not scoring at least two more goals. Grey, in Motm-ofi’-s goal, was playing his first game as custodian and he shaped very well. He is a natural goalie and should keep- that position. McKay was the pick of the Moturon forwards and was- always dangerous. He was- unlucky to strike Hurtles at the top of life* form. Oil one occasion Hartels took the ball from McKay’s toe five yards from goal. The visitors’ goal was scored by a Celtic player who headed into iiis own goal in an endeavour to clear. Hartles had gone- out to meet the- ball and had no chance to save.

Reece and IJell at back played well for Celtic, but Recce, made the mistake of getting too far up-field 1 . Usually a half-back, he was playing hi's first gim)e as* full-back, so there was an excuse, but he is a strong kick and places his ball well. ' . .

The pick of the halves was Coekrill. He is a, certainty for rep. honours thiis season. He fills the centre half position as it should bo played and is the mainstay of the Celtic defence and also good in attack. Thorpe, at left half, played his usual solid game and should qualify for the province later on in the season A. Cowie played his best game to date, but should play a 'itt 1 e more forcefully. Smith, at outside left, is a, player of no mean ability and with 1. Cowie made a good' wing combination. They play well together and kept the opposing defence pretty busy. The star forward on Saturday was Geo. Moloney, who has lost none of the ability that gained him rep. honours last season. He has one fault, and that is hanging on to the ball too long. First time, shots* will score, more often. The fault is, ’ however, one which* can' be easily rectified.

J. Maloney played a great game. His two* goals on Saturday were well earned. He should soon he* wearing the chocolate’ and gold. Pettct.. at outside right, put across some good centres and will improve as the season advances.

Altogether Celtic have a well ballanced* team and should be very close to the* top of the points table at the finish of the competition. The decision of the T.F.A. to postpone all games, including the trial match at Stratford on Saturday, will give all players* an opportunity of attending the big "Rugby game at New Plvmouth. The thanks of the T.F.U. are again due to the* Rugby Union, who have granted the use of showgrounds for the annual rep. fixture with Wanganui on June 3.