FINAL SOCCER TEST.

Pahiatua Herald, Volume XLIII, Issue 13312, 20 July 1936, Page 5

FINAL SOCCER TEST.

AUSTRALIA WINS AGAIN. RAIN HAMPERS VISITORS. Electric Telegraph—Press Association AUCKLAND, July 18. Australia secured another victory in the final Soccer Test match played at B’landford Park to-day by 4 goals to 1. The ground resembled a quagmire su> 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 display, 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 give 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 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 by New Zealand in the first spell, the full-back, Haggett., connecting with the ball at had-way and heating the goalkeeper with a shot that curled under the bar. The Australians again revealed brilliant positional and their aggressive efforts were due mainly to the splendid constructive work of the inside men, Price and Cameron,. The outstanding players in the New Zealand team wen the goalkeeperd (Smith) and the fullbacks (Haggett and Speed). Smith gave a brilliant exhibition, showing courage and determination in meeting the Australians- attacks. He frequently saved when goals, seemed certain. Haggett was Hie best back on the field. A tireless worker, he showid 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 oil their 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 and 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.