SOCCER.

Southland Times, Issue 20208, 20 June 1927, Page 4

SOCCER.

SOUTHLAND AT MATAURA. A PLEASING DISPLAY. The team which has been selected to represent Southland against the touring Canadians played an exhibition game with a local eleven at Mataura on Saturday, The game was full of interest, but the reps, were far too strong for the men from “the city on the falls,” and could have considerably increased their tally had they so desired. The team showed some pretty combined play, the forwards playing well together while they took part in some smart work with the half-back line. There was a good attendance of spectators who were not slow to recognise good play. The teams lined out as follows — Southland (Maroon and Blue)—Hill; Maxwell, Cathcart; Drysdale, Campbell, McKay; Reddington, Smith, Todd,Greaves, Dymock. Mataura (Dark Blue) —Milne; Valentine, D. Gilchrist; Ramsay, G. Gilchrist, Halliday; Coombes, Donald, Brownsey, Gourley, Cullen. Southland attacked from the commencement, but Halliday relieved. Play swung back to Mataura territory, Smith, Drysdale and Reddington exploiting the triangle movement to good purpose. Reddington swung the ball across to the centre, where Todd was waiting and he had no trouble in beating Milne. —Southland, 1; Mataura, I. The Blues set up an attack on resuming and Brownsey sent in a stinger, but Hill flung himself full length to bring off a fine save. The Blues continued the pressure, but the Maroons gradually pushed them back. Maroons were awarded a penalty but Campbell kicked into Milne’s hands. His clearance went well downfield and the Blues swarmed round the Southland goal. A scramble ensued and G. Gilchrist headed in a smart goal. —Mataura, 1; Southland, I. At this stage Hill retired with an injured foot and his place was taken by Holding. The Maroons were combining nicely and bright work among the forwards resulted in Smith receiving. He gave Milne no chance. —Southland, 2; Mataura, I.—• The Maroons were not long away from the Blue goal, in and out passing on the left gaining a good deal of ground. Greaves slipped the ball through to Todd and Sandy’s finishing effort was successful. —Southland, 3; Mataura, I. On resuming after half time the Maroons continued their aggressive tactics and were conceded a corner. A well placed kick saw a scramble but the Blues cleared. Campbell dispossessed Donald and passed to Smith, who drove one into the corner. —Southland, 4; Mataura, I. The Blues were playing a very hard game, but the Maroon defence was alway.: too good and they did not get far. Milne was being called on many times, but he proved safe until Todd badly beat Gilchrist and drove in a beauty. —Southland, 5; Mataura, I. Time was called shortly afterwards with the score unaltered. Mr H. A. Brownsey was referee. CANADIAN TEAM. EASY WIN OVER CANTERBURY. WRETCHED WEATHER CONDITIONS. (Per United Press Association.) Christchurch, June 18. Conditions could not have been much worse for the football match Canada v. Canterbury at English Park to-day. There had been heavy rain throughout the night and the ground was thoroughly wet and heavy and the afternoon was bitterly cold with occasional showers. Canada won decisively by six goals to nil but Canterbury missed several opportunities Canada won the toss and Canterbury kicked off against the wind, taking the ball straight back with irresistible precision and skill and Canada scored from Davidson’s shot. Canada again attacked but a corner resulted. From the corner, Canterbury took the ball up to the Canadian goal but it was soon brought back. Presently Archibald put in a beauty, Canada leading by 2 to 0. From the kick-off Canterbury attacked but Canada cleared when a score seemed certain. The game hovered mainly round the Canterbury goal but the defence was splendid. A penalty in front of the red goal made the Canterbury supporters hold their breath but Canada’s kick was high., Midfield play followed till brilliant by Isles got Canterbury within striking distance. Tait cleared well and the game swung down field again. Canterbury after a long struggle were again in position but Roberts’ kick was too high. Canterbury were going well and a long rush started by Nelson gave Tait some trouble to clear. Canterbury now set up a determined attack, Harbutt being conspicuous and Tait had a bad moment or two. Duncan got away and ran right downfield but was just beaten for the ball in a safe position. Canterbury were attacking most of the time but Canada were always dangerous. Archibald scored again from a melee in the goal mouth before half time. At half time Canterbury were attacking. —Canada 3, Canterbury 0. —

Canada attacked from the kick-off, McDougall saving brilliantly time and again. Canterbury attacked and put Phelps in a clear position when he missed his kick, the ball going over the bar. Muscroft made a brilliant save in an almost hopeless position and play swung to Canada’s goal. After a strong attack by Canada, another brilliant save by McDougall was greeted with loud applause. The Canadian attack was too strong and Archibald scored a beauty. Play was in midfield for some minutes till Painter put in another. Canada attacked hard but McDougall was safe. The game was more open at this stage and very fast. Williams put in one but was offside. After another attack by Canada, another offside shot resulted. A strong Canterbury rush got the ball into a good position but a splendid shot by Harbutt was cleared by Tait. Three shots in quick succession by Canada’s forwards were cleared, McDougall being hurt in the process. Canada soon returned and Gibson shot another goal. Nelson got going but the Canadian defence cleared at the last moment and the maple leafers returned to the red end. The final score was —Canada 6, Canterbury 0. — TOUR EXTENDED. MATCH WITH WAIRARAPA. Masterton, June 18. The New Zealand Association Football Council has extended the tour of the Canadians to embrace Wairarapa and the visitors will play a representative side here on July 11. BULLER DEFEATS NELSON. Westport, June 18. In fine but cold weather in the presence of a fairly large number of spectators, Buller A and B team defeated Nelson A and B by 2 goals to nil and 6 goals to 5 respectively. The A match was keenly contested, but < Buller’s score might have been larger had the shooting been more accurate. In the second spell, the Buller forwards dominated the position and were well supported by the backs when the Nelson players broke through the front line. The scorers for Buller were J. Caldwell and Lamont. The B match was lively with the issue uncertain until the last few minutes, when Buller twice scored and won 6 to 5. The scorers for Buller were Woodward and Farr each 3, and for Nelson Silk 1, Weldon and McKegney 2.