THE SOCCER CODE

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16347, 23 May 1927, Page 14

THE SOCCER CODE

INTERESTING LOCAL MATCHES LARGE CROWD AT RESERVE Soccer in Gisborne received a substantial fillip on Saturday afternoon, vvlmn a large crowd assembled at the Reserve to witness two interesting competition matches. The attendance was the largest seen at any soccer matches this season, and after such a game an that between Thistle and Harbor Board soccer can look for a larger following in Gisborne this year. Unfortunately, the light, was too poor for good football towards the end of both matches, this being due to the lateness ol the start. In the match between Thistle and Harbor Board there was a considerable amount of talkinig and arguing the point on the field, and many spectators were heard to comment upon this. HARBOR. BOARD (4) v. THISTLE (2). A clean, hard-fought game was witnessed when Thistle met Harbor Boaru, and were defeated by four goals to two. The score, however, was no indication of the nature of the game, for each side took its turn to press and retaliate, ami there was as much strong attacking by Thistle as by the victors. There was little to pick and chose between the two loams, with the exception that towards the conclusion of the game Harbor Board were fresher, and playing with better combination than their opponents.’ Every man ■ in both teams worked hard, and did his share well. From some very pretty play from centre to wing, and back again to centre, Taylor drew first blood for Harbor Board, and shortly afterwards McLean opened Thistle’s scoring by a penalty. Taylor again scored in a similar manner as previously for Harbor Board, making the score 2—l in favor of his side. Thistle then took command for a time, and pressed hard, J. Watt eventually equalising the scores. Upon resumption after the interval the play was even for some time, before' centreing round Thistle’s goal, \vheu McKinley headed a spectacular goal for Harbor Board, who now continued to have the best of it for a period. After Easton bad fisted away a shot, a scramble ensued in front of the goal, and Taylor scored with a hard “daisycutter,’’ giving the goalie no chance to save. The score at the conclusion of the game stood at 4—2 in favor of Harbor Board. Mr. Parkin was the referee. GISGASCO (7) r. MERCANTILE (3). The match between Gisgasco and Mercantile was interesting for about the first half-hour, after which Mercantile tired badly, and from then on Gisgasco continued to rush and to press on the Mercantile goal, having the game almost entirely in their own hands. Shortly after the commencement of the game Bridges scored with a hard ground drive for Gisgasco, after some pretty play by Howarth. Mercantile then took a turn at pressing, with the result that Sharp scored in the far corner of the net. After some wing play, Jennings scored the second goal for Gisgasco, and upon resumption Bridges quickly added _ a third, up and down play then following until half-time. Immediately after the interval Mercantile commenced to attack, and Roberts scored from a scramble in front of the goal. Gisgasco at once retaliated, and Bridges scored two goals in quick succession, making the score 5—2 in favor of Gisgasco. After some midfield play, Sharp added another score to Mercantile’s tally. Mercantile were now tiring badly, and their defence seemed to crumple up, and before the conclusion Jennings and Bridges 'each added another goal, the final score being: Gisgasco 7, Mercantile 3. A feature of the game was the play of Bridges, who secured five goals from some excellent and spectacular play. Roots, Hcwarth and Bury, and Mclyor in goal, were also prominent for Gisgasco. Mercantile had not their full complement when they took the field, and were handicapped thereby, but were able to make up two players on the field. Their defence, the bulk of which fell on Woodrow and Hewitson, was greatly overworked. Mr. Baker proved a capable referee. UZFCHO-SLAVS BEAT AUSTRALIA. (Elec. Tel. Copyright—United Press Assn.) MELBOURNE, May 22. * The Czeclio-Slovaiian soccer team beat Australia by 4 goals to I CHINESE AGAIN BEATEN. NEWCASTLE, May 22. The loeal soccentes beat the Chinese team by 7 goals to 2. CANADIAN TEAM. , (Per Press Association.) Auckland, last night. The Canadian soccer team will arrive aboard the Niagara to-morrow morning. The Prime Minister lias sent a wireless message to the team, conveying greetings on behalf of the people of New Zealand.