NORTHERN BEATEN

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27467, 14 August 1950, Page 8

NORTHERN BEATEN

Chatham Cup Match Special to the Daily Times CHRISTCHURCH, Aug. 13: In the South Island final of the Chatham Cup contest yesterday afternoon Technical beat Northern (Dunedin) by the odd goal in five after extra time. Northern, who played with virtually 10 men from soon after the start of tjie second half, were awarded a penalty in the last few minutes of the game, but Berry’s shot was well saved by the Technical keeper, McKenzie. The game was played at a gruelling pace and any loose passes were quickly snapped up and re-directed to new channels of attack. Injuries were frequent and this had a decided bearing on the final result for, with Warke injured, the whole Northern forward line lacked balance on attack. Even then the forwards improvised grandly and, backed by steady support, came within an inch of snatching victory. Territorially there was little between the two teams, although Northern looked the more impressive side during the first spell. At this stage the team fulfilled the requirements of possession excellently, with an efficient channel of attack through the halves to the inside forwards and thence to the spearhead. Desperate defence by the Technical backs and goal-keeper was largely instrumental in nullifying this advantage, but Berry (Northern) scored a characteristic goal and helped to make the next. Berry was easily the outstanding forward on the ground and his goal was a masterly effort. Receiving at halfway he threaded his way right through the Technical defence, to give McKenzie little chance. Northern’s second goal came from another jinky run by Berry, which left McDonald in charge at point blank range. Technical found the Northern defence equally hard to penetrate and, with Meehan dominating the centreforward Bailey, and both McLean and Ives allowing the flank men little scope, less orthodox means were taken to even the scores. First a long speculator from the side line by Smith saw Bailey head home and then McLennan snapped one in following a corner kick by Thomas. The scores were equal at half time. Shortly after the resumption a leg injury to Warke put a different complexion on the game. In addition to robbing the forward line of balande, Warke’s injury allowed Technical to use two men to keep the wily Berry subdued. Even then, when Jenkins presented an opportunity, Berry left both his markers standing, but his shot sailed just over the bar. Northern’s Solid Defence Technical now began to take the initiative, but the fast recovering and bustling of Pilling and B. Walsh, which was a feature of the match, continued to upset the attackers’ combination Indeed, Technical throughout the match were seldom dangerous in combined movements because of the determined tackling and fine judgment of the defence. Tim** was called with the issue very much in doubt and neither side willing to sacrifice- smoothly-running defensive units to stiffen up attacks Another speculator forced the issue. This time O’Malley crossed from well out and Bailey headed in. Shortly before the finish Northern were awarded a penalty but McKenzie made a brilliant save from a drive by “Berry. The referee was Mr R. Scott (Wellington).