LATE SPORTING

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 16371, 20 June 1927, Page 8

LATE SPORTING

THE SOCCER CODE MERCANTILE (5) V. GISBASCO (1). Trailing out. with a strong team, Mercantile easily defeated Gisgasco to the tune ,of live goals to one at the Reserve <pn Saturday afternoon. Gisgasco were unfortunate in being without the services of Roots and Bury, and Malloy, at back, was the pick of their -team, repelling the Mercantile attacks time and again. Mclvor gave a smart display in goal, while among the forwards W. Howarth played a sterling game, making frequent openings for- his partners. For the reds, Butcher at centreforward was a decided improvement, and with H. Hill at left-half, the front rank was a formidable one; tile defence, however, was not atp to their .previous standard.

Gisgasco, winning the Joss, chose the western ■end of the field, with the strong sun at their backs. Shortly after the commencement H. Hill opened Mercantiile’s account from a penalty, and with Mercantile still pressing hard, Butcher, the new centre-forward, scored their second goal shortly afterwards. Gisgasco then took up. the attack for a short time, and Bridges narrowly missed the corner of the net. Mercantile, returning to the attack, Butcher sent the leather across to Sharp, who scored the third goal, and at half-time the score stood at. 3—o in favor of Mercantile.

On resumption after the interval Mercantile continued to press hard, and Monk finally ran through the Gisgasco defence, and registered the fourth score. For a time Mercantile eased up somewhat, and Gisgasco made the most of the > opportunity, Jeruiuigs, Bridges, Howarth, and Marlor in quick succession testing the Mercantile .goalie, without success. From the clearing of the pressure Woodrow sot the forwards in motion; Butcher swung out to Hill, who took the ball well down tlie field, and centred well to Butcher, who headed a beautiful goal. This, score was followed by a spell of attacking by Gisgasco, who bombarded the Mercantile goal, and ultimately Marlor registered their only goal, tlie final score .being : Mercantile 5, Gisgasco ,1. The referee. Mr J. Coleman, gave general satisfaction.

HARBOR BOARD BEAT THISTLE. Harbor Board defeated Thistle on No. 1 ground after a good game in which the decision was ,in doubt until the final whistle. For Harbor Board, Hope at hack was in great form, while R. Waugh was the pick of the halves, with Taylor and McKinley showing up prominently in the forward division. Easton, in goal, saved the blues on numerous occasions, and Hanlon at half played an excellent game. After about 20 minutes strenuous play Taylor opened the scoring for Harbor Board. Catching a return from Easton about 30ft. out, be sent in a bard shot j which completely beat the goal-keeper. Play now became fast and energetic, both sides striving hard to score. McEwan and Hanlon, for the blues, were repeatedly called upon to repell the white forward rushes, and on the other side Hope and Clark had a similar experience. No further scores were registered, before the interval, and on resumption the blues began to -press, resulting in J. Watt scoring a spectacular goal. During a scramble, a Thistle player kicked; through his own goal, thus giving Harbor Board the lead by two goals to one.' Thistle made determined attempts to equalise, but- met with no success, and the game ended without further score. Mr. .Baker was the referee.