SOCCER CODE

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLIX, Issue 102, 30 March 1929, Page 2

SOCCER CODE

ST. ANDREW’S TOURNAMENT, WEATHER SPOILS PLAY. Miserable weather prevailed for the annual tournament conducted by the St. Andrew’s Association Football Club which was commenced at North Street Park yesterday afternoon. Rain fell almost incessantly and by the eloso of the day’s play tho ground was _ very slippery. This naturally _ militated against the attainment of a high standard of football which was also affected by the earliness of the season. Seven Wellington teams had been entered but, unfortunately, Diamonds and Petone could not raise teams and had to dofault. Potone wero seen in action here last year when they defeated Hastings United in tho provincial final of tho Chatham Cup, which they later won, while Diamonds were successful in the last Easter tournament. Tho preliminary rounds wero concluded yesterday, leaving two local teams and two Wellington in the semifinals decided to-day. FIRST ROUND. Seatoun had a convincing win at the expense of Wadestown, running up nine goals. They played faster football than their opponents and Kershaw at cen-tre-hnlf dominated .the game. Kershaw ahs improved since last Easter and played really good football against Wadestown. Scorers for Seatoun wero Kershaw (3), Anderson (2), N. Grimstone (2), L. Grimstone arid Taylor. Athletic put up quite a good fight against Thistle and early Watt nearly scored twice. Towards the end of the spell the visitors dominated play and McDonald and Farquliarson scored. The second spell was greatly in tho Wellingtonians’ favour, but they did not unduly exert themselves, Swinbourne adding a third goal. SECOND ROUND. St. Andrew’s only fielded a scratch eleven but with a good stiffening of older players. They proved too tough for Brooklyn, winning by six goals to nil. In the first half five were scored bv Lyons (2), Bell, Donaldson and Gorkindale and in tho second half Lyons scored again. Lyons played for St. Andrew’s a few years ago and should be an acquisition to tho side this season. Although only recently discharged from hospital lie filled the role of centre-forward quite ably. Tho best football of the day was produced by the clash between Thistle and Seatoun. Although the ground was heavy and the players had already played one game some quite bright play for tho beginning of the season was provided. Thistle opened brightly and their opponents, appearing somewhat tired, scored twice in the early stages, Swinbourno being responsible for both. Seatoun came at the end of the first spell for McKcen to open their nccount.. Aftor lialf- ' time Soatoiin pressed but could not penetrate the defence. Somo stirring raids were launched but the. Scots tenaciously defended to bold their lead and the final whistle sounded with Seatoun attacking but tho score unchanged. Petone defaulted to R..S.A. and Diamonds defaulted to Island Bay, these two teams entering the semi-final without having to play.