ATHLETIC BEAT R.S.A.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LI, Issue 182, 4 July 1931, Page 14 (Supplement)

ATHLETIC BEAT R.S.A.

LOSERS’ FINE DISPLAY. AN INTERESTING GAME. Athletic beat R.S.A. at North Street Park in a match that, for interest, ranked with any played locally this season. At the outset it appeared that Athletic were to suffer defeat, and at half-time both teams were on an even footing. Strenuous tactics enabled Athletic to pile up points late in the second spell to win by a nice margin, but they did not dominate play, for just on time R.S.A. netted. R.S.A. were a vastly improved team on past performances and tested Athletic to the fullest extent. The teams were as follow: — Athletic (black). —Harriman, Travers, A. Crowe, Beer, Geekie, Hearse.v, Rninford, H. Childs, Askam, Watt, Weir. R.S.A. (red and white).—Crowe, Scobell, Cooper, Newton, Ranson, S. Gardner, Tucker, Kempson, Baigent, Carnell, Lovejoy. Athletic set the ball rolling twenty minutes after time and quickly invaded U.S.A.’s territory. R.S.A. secured from a throw-in, however, and took control. A brisk movement downfiekl gave Athletic no chance and within a few minutes Carnell succeeded in beating Harriman at close range. It was a lightning move, worthy of good combination. R.S.A. 1, Athletic 0.

R.S.A. were quick in robbing Athletic of the leather and it seemed that they woudl further increase their lead when Carnell and Baigent worked well in the forward lino. By means of a series of throw-ins they gained territory and Athletic were ultimately forced to concede a corner. But the Athletic, backs rallied and relieved Crowe of any anxiety. R.S.A. returned rapidly but Hearsev spoiled an attempt to present a solid invading front. Rainford took control of the leather and dribbled npfield, but Gardner robbed him at the penalty area. Beer gained control and combining with Askam and Childs he had the R.S.A. backs troubled, but the wind interfered with an attempt to goal. Scobell got the leather away and sent it out to Newton whose spirited dash down the line brought the red and whites into Athletic’s penalty area. Strenuous play resulted from a throwin, Athletic eventually clearing. Askam and Hearse.v gained ground, but R.S.A. were awarded a penalty kick, Cooper relieving the pressure. Fast up and down play occupied the ensuing minutes, with Athletic penetrating freely. R.S.A.’s backs were superior, however, and held out against repeated attacks. Time and again Beer* and Rainford came to grips with Carnell and Gardner, but Athletic’s greatest danger lay in Baigent. The blacks’ should have scored when Hearsey succeeded in breaking away and making a solo dash. Crowe left his goal to clear and Hearsey had the opportunity to equalise at close range, but he was bustled and robbed of the leather by Scobell. A second attempt failed similarly. R.S.A. dominated play and hemmed in Athletic. Time and again R.S.A. were within an ace of netting, but Watt succeeded in spoiling their aim. Play was- transferred to midfield whore Geekie was instrumental in commencing a series of penetrating expeditions, but all of these failed, the exsoldiers returning with renewed vigour.

Athletic’s position was never more hopeful when Hearsey sent the ball in from half-way. Childs and Rainford gained possession and sought Askam’s aid in sending it home, but they were off form and R.S.A. cleared. Athletic came back, but a penalty kick brought R.S.A. temporary relief. Childs found the leather and culminated a dribbling movement with a powerful shot which soared over the bar. Watt’s attempt was spoiled when ho was robbed of the leather by Scobell. R.S.A. were giving a splendid display of defensive football and appeared to have little difficulty in warding off the attacks. They ultimately tired, however, under repeated pressure and shortly before half-time Rainford equalised with a shot that dropped in nicely, giving Crowe no chance. R.S.A. 1, Athletic 1. THE SECOND SPELL. Athletic had the wind in their favour on resumption, but displayed little energy and permitted R.S.A. to invade

with vigour. The former’s citadel had been in clanger too often when Rainford dribbled the ball down the line. Ho was well supported and crossed to Hearsey. The latter manoeuvred for position and shot twice in succession, but his judgment was faulty; Athletic held on tenaciously, Beer and Hearsey subjecting Crowe and the back line to an incessant barrage of shots. R.S.A. broke clear eventually and invaded Athletic territory, but could not find the net and soon had to retreat. Athletic attempted a counterattack but could not hold their ground. Fast up and down tactics prevailed with remarkably even play. Watt raised Athletic’s hopes when lie secured in his own goal area to go off in a spirited rush. He had traversed almost the entire length of the field when R.S.A.’s backs robbed him of a good chance to goal. Athletic did not retire but maintained the pressure. Askam and Childs took charge and from close range Askam found the net with a powerful shot. .Athletic 2, R.S.A. 1. R.S.A. played determined soccer now and within a few minutes had Athletic penned in. A red and white cordon formed round the goal area, but the blacks survived repeated attacks and eventually oased the pressure with a powerful kick. Athletic covered the area in quick time but their experience was similar to R.S.A.’s and the latter team, dominated play for a time. A tricky wind and a greasy ball due to the soft ground militated against accurate work and the teams found that their best move was to attack the citadel with long, powerful shots. Beer tried such a method but Crowe made a splendid save, deflecting the rapidly-moving ball above the bar. He succeeded similarly on a number of other occasions, but Athletic still pressed and he was beaten completely by a pile-driver from Askam. Athletic 3, R.S.A. 1. Athletic robbed R.S.A. of the leather imediately after the kick off, Watt securing. A determined dash brought him within shooting distance and he had no difficulty in sending the ball home with the assistance of the wind. Athletic 4, R.S.A. 1. Both teams were playing a hard game, but the Athletic forwards were invading the more freely. R.S.A. found their opportunity when the Athletic defence faded. A combined rush had the Athletic backs beaten and just on time Carnell added to their account at close range. Athletic 4, R.S.A. 2. Mr F. W. Ivey refereed.