FIRST DEFEAT

Southland Times, Issue 20205, 16 June 1927, Page 8

FIRST DEFEAT

TOURING CANADIANS WESTLAND WIN BY ONE TO NIL STRENUOUS AND EXCITING GAME (Per United Press Association.) Greymouth, June 15. In the presence of a large crowd and under ideal weather conditions, the Canadian Soccerites sustained their first defeat to-day at the hands of Westland by one goal to nil, after a strenuous and exciting contest in which the tenacious defensive tactics of the local team withstood every onslaught of the visitors. The nature of the game was indicated by the fact that the Coast goal-keeper, Timlin, was carried shoulder high from the field at the conclusion. The Canadians did by far the most attacking but their shooting mostly lacked direction while brilliant saves nullified their best shots. The Coasters, facing the sun, made a good start, Rarity opening up play but the Canadian defence w’as too good. Paynter skimmed the bar with a long ranger and McNeil missed the Canadian goal from 12 yards. Francis tested Timlin and then another Coaster, Clark, missed an open Canadian goal. Fine passing by the Canadian right wing saw Turner shoot for Timlin to make a sensational save. The visitors continued the pressure, Timlin and Wick saving them. ■ A Coast rally saw McNeil shoot wide. Several Canadian shots failed, Frances and Gibson being the marksmen. Moon and Edmunds put in some fine long shots, one by the former being tipped over by Timlin. Tow’ards the end of the first spell the Coast strongly attacked, Tait saving in the face of three men but coming again, the Coast were awarded a foul against the goalie for overstepping and He wise n placed to McNeil who goaled from a bunch upOn changing over, the visitors put on the pressure, Timlin saving a beauty. Then Wick saved just on the goal line. The Coast forwards had to forage for themselves a lot, not being w’ell fed till the latter stages. Paynter and Brolly fed their van well but the stubborn Coast defence and inaccurate shooting prevented equalising though Paynter once put Timlin on his mettle. Thomson was responsible for several bad shots. Then towards the end, Clark, McNeil, Hewison, Rarity and Steer were frequently on the offensive, McFarlane feeding the better but the visiting rearguard were impenetrable except once when McNeil shot tamely. The ball flashed repeatedly across the Coast goal mouth before the end but while it once hit the post, the defence held and no further score eventuated. Turner, Gibson, who sprained his ankle before the end, Frances and Paynter were outstanding for the visitors. Timlin compared with Tait well, being brilliant throughout in goal. Wick (right back) was the other outstanding Coast back. McFarlane, centre half, did a lot of work but the whole team played with rare determination, breaking up the Canadian combination, despite the fact of giving away a good deal of weight NOTES BY “PIONEER.” The following was the team: —Timlin (Rewanui); Wick (Runanga), Erskine (Dobson); Marshall (Dobson), McFarlane (Dobson), Cowe (Rewanui) ; Hewison (Runanga), Clark (Blackball), McNeil (Rewanui), Rarity (Blackball), Steers (Greymouth). Writing in the Greymouth Star “Watchful” had the following to say about the Westland team:— The Westland team chosen to meet the Canadians caused no little surprise and much comment. The week-end matches were alive with rumours of the team’s personnel, but one failed to hear one correct prediction of the final selection. Timlin, of Rewanui, is given preference as goalkeeper over the popular choice Ennor, but should the choice have fallen on Parsonage, or either of the two previously mentioned, full value for the confidence would be substantiated by the subsequent display on Wednesday, I am sure. Wick (Runanga) is partnered by Erskine (Dobson) and although many question the lack of experience of this young player, I think with his speedy defensive and good kicking which has characterised his club play this season, he will be far from a failure. Erskine plays a shrewd game and uses his head equally as well as either foot and few have questioned his right to the left back position. Marshall (Dobson) righthalf, although on the small side, on his day is a splendid half-back and will worry the best of attacks. McFarlane (Dobson) was given a good race for the pivotal position by Barnes, of Runanga, but the former’s splendid placing. I think, earned him the position. I would like to see this player swinging the ball out to his wings more frequently though, instead of continually giving the through pass up the field. J. Cowe (Rewanui) is entrusted with the left half berth, and is a dour and stubborn defender. Beaton (Runanga) was a large number’s selection, but the defensive ability of Cowe, I think, gained him the berth. Hewison (Runanga) is outside right and should shine in this forward line. This player’s play has suffered recently through ineffective partners being played with him and has usually finished the game in one of the inside positions, but with a good inside man and employment, should trouble the Canadians’ defence. Clark (Blackball) has been chosen to partner Hewison, and if this player will rid himself of the selfish tendency, a good combination should eventuate as he plays clever and brainy football at his best. The centreforward position has been allotted to McNeil (Rewanui), but it is felt by the majority that he should have been played in either inside berths. His height and weight are unsuited for the leadership, but his smart footwork and good passes should keep his wings moving and fit him into a good line. Rarity (Blackball) fills the inside berth and will be a splendid man in the local team. As a hard worker he is hard to beat and packing a strong shot in either foot is likely to score against any defence. Steer (Greymouth) is given the outside left berth and although Winstanley (Runanga) was considered a certainty by many, Steer’s smart wing play apparently caught the selectors’ eyes and gave him preference. The team selected looks strong enough to give the best combination a hard fight, and although no great hopes of lowering the undefeated visitors’ colours are entertained, the locals are sure to seriously extend their formidable opponents.