ASSOCIATION CODE

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 196, 20 July 1936, Page 8

ASSOCIATION CODE

THE FINAL TEST. AUSTRALIANS WIN. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND, July 18. Australia secured another victory in the final soceer Test match played at Blandford Park to-dav by 4 goals to 1. The ground resembled a quagmire as a result of the previous heavy rain, while showers fell throughout the play. The weather greatly affected the attendance which was about 2000. The New Zealand side gave a greatly-improved displav, and although the visitors were definitely the better team they might have held their opponents to a closer decision but for a number of missed chances. The players triumphed over the atrocious conditions and' gave a splendid exhibition of football, the Australians especially proving that the soft ground did not' affect their footwork to a serious extent. It was only in finishing their movements that the visitors failed to cope with the conditions, many good opportunities being lost through the forwards slipping at a vital moment. Playing with more vigour than in their previous games, New Zealand could claim a fair share of the exchanges in the first half, as is indicated by the score of 1-1. The superior stamina of the Australians was the deciding factor in the second spell,, and gave them an opportunity to dominate the exchanges. But for a sterling defence by New Zealand over the closing stages the visitors would have secured several more goals. A remarkable goal was scored bv New Zealand in the first'spell, the full-back, Hnggett, connecting with the ball at halfway and beating the goalkeeper with a shot that curled under the ba.r. The Australians again revealed brilliant positional play, and their agressive efforts were due mainly to the splendid constructive work of the inside men. Price rind Cameron. The outstanding players in the New Zealand teem were the goalkeeper (Smith) and the full-backs (Haggett and Speed). Smith gave a brilliant exhibition, shelving courage and determination in meeting the AustraHans’ attacks. He frequently saved when goals seemed certain. Haggett was the best back on the field. A tireless worker, he showed great anticipation and broke up many attacks by his forceful methods. The New .Zealand front line moved nicely at times, but lacked finish. Kay was dangerous when given a chance, but he did not receive much support. The New Zealand halves were thoroughly outplayed in. the second half, and they made the mistake of falling back on then goal. Todd was an aggressive tackier from start to finish. The bad luck owing to injuries that has attended the New Zealand teams in previous matches was again in evidence, Haggett a-ntl Wright both receiving injuries which impaired their effectiveness. Goals were scored for Australia by Cameron (2) and Price (2), and Haggett scored for New Zealand.