SOCCER THRILLS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19337, 29 May 1937, Page 17

SOCCER THRILLS

ENGLAND'S FIRST GAME COMBINED TEAM. BEATEN P.B. PLAYERS' DISPLAY "The Poverty Bay players in the combined team earned the fullest credit. They were opposed to men of international standard in almost every position and they were beaten nil over the field whenever the Englishmen extended themselves fully. They never once relaxed their efforts, though, and individually they were the stars of the combined' Hawke's Bay-Poverty Bay aide," stated Mr. J. J. Macdonakl, president of the Poverty Bay Football Association, discussing to-day the first match of the English soccer team, played yesterday in Napier. "Harry Easton was outstanding in the combined team," continued Mr. Ma,edonald. "His play at right back was consistent and of a high order throughout. He not only did his own work splendidly, but helped his mate and did far more than his share from start to finish. Tom Hill, in the goal, was never caught napping, and at least 10 of the 12 goals scored against the combined team were untouchable. Moreover, he gave the combined forwards a great deal of help by his long kicking, which usually put the ball well upfield and saved them that much work every time the ball came into his hands

"The other two Poverty Bay players were El. Bridge, at centre-forward, and A. Waugih, at inside left. What they were able to do, they did only by their own efforts,, for the others in the forward line were nowhere near the standard of the Poverty Bay players. Ope of the Hawke's Bay forwards had not been on a soccer field for two years, according to what he told me. Tho team which Poverty Bay is sending down to Hawke's Bay to-morrow could have done better against the English team, and could have beaten combined side, in my opinion." The display given by the visiting side was beyond praise, added Mr. _Macdonakl. There was only one free kick given against England during the whole game, and their brand of soccer was "real cricket." Tho Poverty Bay president foresaw a highly successful tour for the visitors, and a big lift to the game of succor in the Dominion as a result of their displays.