SOCCER MATCHES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23010, 11 April 1938, Page 16

SOCCER MATCHES

PLAYEE'S BENEFIT PROMISING FORM SHOWN WIN FOR HAMILTON TEAM f J A surprisingly fast pace was maintained in the Association football matches held at Blapdford Park on Saturday afternoon before a good attendance of spectators. The ground was in exceptionally good order. The games were arranged by the Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys' Club as a benefit to I. Waugh, a player who suffered serious injury last season. The early match was between Ponsonby and Metro College, while the main attraction was staged bj T Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys and Hamilton Wanderers, and the form showy gives promise of some keen matches when the local championships commence in a fortnight's time.' AN EVEN GAME f■ ■ - SUCCESS IN CLOSING STAGES The first half of tho Old Boys v. Hamilton Wanderers game was of a very even nature, and on the play tho local side was fortunate to be one goal up at half-time. Old Boys' main strength on attack was Ward, playing at back, whoso strong kicking enabled Fyfie and J. Horrocks to feed their wing and centre to advantage. Cheery, a newcomer, in tho centrehalf position, placed the ball well. Old Boys' right wing was the stronger, while Jepson, in the centre, was as nippy as ever. Hamilton had a strong defence in Fisher and McLean, while Caldwell, in the pivot position, swung the play with nice passes, but in the early stages there was little cohesion in the front line. As they settled down, some pretty combined play was seen, when Stewart and C. Crabb took the ball upfield, to cross to the opposite wing, enabling D. Crabb and Robertson to make openings for McCall, in the centre, to test Gavan in tho Old Boys' goal. However, Gavan gave a sound display against this formidable front line. In the second spell Hamilton made attack the best means of defence, but play whs still of a very even nature, until Old Boys lost two players through injuries. Then tho Waikato men held the upper hand, in spite of solid opposition from Turley, Bunting, Ward and Haycock. Tho closing stages saw tho Visitors score three goals in quick succession, a winning margin which was distinctly finttC (3) and Stewart scored for Hamilton Wanderers, while Jepson netted lor Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys. Mr. J. C. Sibbin was referee. METRO. COLLEGE WINS MANY NEW PLAYERS The early match between Ponsonby and Metro College saw many new faces in both teams, Metro having promoted several of its promising juniors. The early nlay was somewhat ragged, nlthouch the ball flashed from end to end. While L.vnds and Mead provided a solid defence, the Metro College half line, comprising Quiag, Cleal and McMeahan, showed out in nice combined movements. Cleal proved a hard worker, both in defence and attack. The front lino, while trood individually, had little combination. Ponsonbv's front lino soon showed a good knowledge of each other's play, but the middle line did not function so well, and Mc.Callum had to drop back to get the ball to his forwards. Mnllanc and Qmnn impressed with sound positional play. Bodman, in goal, had a strenuous time, but gava a good display, as did Haggett, whose well-judged clearances turned defence into attack many times. A. Flyger (2) and Brackenridgo scored for Metro Collcce, while Mullano and E. Ekman netted for Ponsonby. Mr. A. Firth was referee.

SOUTH AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON, Sunday The annual meeting of the South Auckland Football Association was presided oyer by Mr. J. Baillie. Tho following officers were elected: —Patron, the Hon. W. Lee Martin: president, Mr. F. Findlay, vice-presidents, Messrs. H. Pussell and ,T. Caldwell; secretary, Mr F. W. Mead; committee, Messrs. D. A. Crabb E. Storey. E. Thomson, J. Baillie. L E Mead, W. Eamilton and G. McKinlay.

SCOTLAND BEATS ENGLAND (Received April 10, 6.50 p.m.) LONDON, April 0 In the presence of 03,000 spectators at Wembley Scotland defeated .England by one goal to nil. Tho weather was cool and sunny.