SOCCER

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12527, 17 August 1926, Page 11

SOCCER

SAVING A “DUCK” Wellington’s win over Canterbury was a clear cut one, and the issue, after the first 20 minutes, was not seriously in doubt. There was this difference, too. Wellington had two wings, both working, whereas Canterbury only had one which was really effective. Wales, - the Canterbury l ight half, is a good man, and his clever tackling and anticipation, once he got the hang of the Ballard-Cudby combine, was worthy of praise. . * • Lothian, although scoring two goals, was frequently off-side, and spoiled some good openings in doing so. He covers too much ground, and is too often out of position. ■ • • • • Burke was a glutton for work at left half, and gave the opposing forwards and half no peace. Sutherland, however, got by him sometimes by swinging long passes over his head, nipping forward to take the ball again from the inside man. • • • • Both goalies perforriied admirably. Tarrant was right at the top of his form, and that without making any ostentatious display. No gallery play for him. McDougall is a fine custodian, too, and one can well believe that he has done responsible work in the Old Country. » • * • Barton was a pleasure to see on the right wing, and once in his stride the opposition could not hold liira. Cudby also made rings round the right back, being much too fast. • * • • It is remarkable how Barton swings the ball round as he does. He will follow the ball with his back to goal at full speed, and yet can twist the ball round and back to the centre again. « * . Canterbury were awarded a heap ol corner kicks, but never made good use of them, with one exception, and in that Tarrant made the save of his life, diving and pushing round the post, and when it looked as if he I hadn’t an earthly. I . • • • I It should be said for Lothian that he did some clever work in front of ! goal at times, and had Anderson been I smarter would have netted at least twice. The ball came in from Cudby squarely. Lothian was blocked from goal, and like a shot let the ball pass under him for Anderson to take, but the latter, not expecting it, lost the chances. Who was the humorist who put up ! the Hawke’s Bay-Wellington Ranfurly Shield scores? | Hawke’s Bay score had progressed i until the board recorded 24-0. and the ■ spectators wondered when Wellington were going to have a say. ! Ah I Wellington scores at last. How the crowd cheered when the scorer rubbed out the line “Wellington 0.” Carefully he wrote in “Wellington,” put in "a figure 1, then another one. • * • • The crowd still cheered. But what was the scorer up to? In front of the figures he put the letter “N,” and then lengthened the second figure to a ; letter “L.” The score then read: | “Hawke’s Bay 24, Wellington nil.” Then the crowd saw that the scorer had pulled their leg neatly, and roared again. « • * • DIAMONDS’ APPEAL A lengthy letter has been received from Waterside Club in reference to Diamonds’ appeal. The letter and replies to certain- statements will appear in Saturday’s supplement. » • • • MARIST JUNIORS The annual contest for the Amos Cup, which is competed for by Wellington and Christchurch Marist third grade teams, took place on Saturday, but the game itself was of a mediocre standard. The match ended with honours even, both sides scoring two goals. u * * * According to certain conditions, in the event of a draw the holders retain the cup for 12 months, when Wellington will most likely travel in quest of it. On the day’s play Christchurch deserved to win with a goal or two in hand. Time and again the visitors had the Wellington lads hard pressed, but inaccuracy in Bhooting robbed them of the game. Sweeney, the Christchurch centreforward, is a lad of much promise. Time and again he was noticed to lead his line in the attacks in polished style, but his goal shooting could have been much better. He combined nicely with his inners, especially with Woodham, and should in the course of a season or so prove an excellent centre-forward. Unfortunately, towards the close of the game Sweeney spoiled a grand chance of his side winning by accepting a perfect pass in an off-side position. • • • * Wilson, the Wellington right back, was prominent with his sound defensive play, being a great asset to his team. He landed a fine goal towards the close of the match. Troy, the Wellington goalie, had plenty to do in the second half, and acquitted himself very well. He is the type of lad who should develop into a very good custodian. • * • • Grimes and Shirley, the Christchurch backs, were sound, their strong kicking being a feature of their play. Ther had little to do in the last twent} minutes. Turner on the right wing for Christchurch gave a pleasing account of himself. His cross-kicks -were fairly nenl and footwork good. • • • • Woodham was the pick of the Christchurch forward line, playing a yen good game all through. He combiner nicely with Sweeney ; liis dribbling anc tricky footwork was excellent. Donovan, the Wellington right wing nlayed an attractive game, bringim his gift of speed into much use. Hi; ball control and centre passes wen good. Wilson shone at full-back for Wei lington. He played soundly through out. His work was a shade superior t< that of his partner, Guinan. O’Connor played a great defensivi game for Wellington at left half. Hi stuck to his opponent all through, anc pulled his side out of sever;! tight cor ners. Noonan, Christchurch’s,. centre-half worked like a trojan, and supporter his front line nicely.