TARS AT FOOTBALL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VI, Issue 1735, 5 September 1919, Page 8

TARS AT FOOTBALL.

RANGERS DEFEAT SAILORS. The team from H.M.S. New Zealand which tried conclusions with the Eaugers’ team at English Park yesterday afternoon was outclassed by a combination which was obviously well trained and well balanced in both back and forward divisions. The ship’s men, on the other hand, did not seem to combine well; they lacked the finish and dash of the local players, who kept play moving at high pressure throughout. On the whole, the play was interesting, and deserved a larger attendance than it attracted. Afternoon tea was served in a marquee, and credit is due to those ladies who voluntarily came forward from among the spectators to serve at the tables in the absence of those persons who had promised to be present for the purpose. The teams were: —

H.M.S. New Zealand—Chamberlain, Laycoek (captain), Snlcombc, Neilson, Hamilton, Sontag, Shepherd, Busby, McGregor, Gibson, and Scott. Hangers—Perry, Mitchell, I.usk (captain), Bcauvais, Lee, Newell, Lainont, Norman, Pilling, Bissett, and Powell. A few minutes after the visitors kicked off they were called upon to* resist a solid attack which bore fruit, Lamont drawing first blood for Bangers with a hot shot. Returning to the attack, Powell dribbled past several opponents and centred nicely, Laycock kicking into his own goal. Lainont, who was well fed by Norman, essayed several > liots at goal. Norman, by clever footwork and neat head piny, repeatedly fooled the opposition, and with a little more judgment on Lamont's part the score would have been materially enhanced. Bangers were playing a great game, and had little difficulty in confining play for the greater part of the first spell to tlio visitors' half. The sailormen looked dangerous on one or two occasions, but the defence was more I ban reliable. McGregor, cleverly evading two or three opponents, took the ball well within the danger zone, and shot hard over Ihe bar. Shepherd, for the sailors, centred nicely, and an exciting live minutes of play took place in front of Hangers' goal-mouth. A transference to the other end of the field saw an interchange between Lamont, Pilling, and Norman, the clever inside left sending in a stiff shot that was too much for Chamberlain. Bissett, Norman, and Lainont combined in another attack, but Lamont

misjudged the kick. Scott and Sontag, for the sailors, were conspicuous for some good play at this stage. Norman once more invaded tho goal-mouth with Pilling's support, and the fourth goal was registered. Rangers were not extending themselves to any degree, and it seemed to be a question of the number of points they would put up. Pilling threaded his way through the defence and passed to Lamont, who shot along the ground, and found the net after beating I.aycock and Neilson rather badly. Just before half-time the ship's men rallied, Busby sent in well to Shepherd, whose kick went over the bar. Chamberlain (goal) was called upon to save three times in succession at the start of the second half, and Perry, in goal for Rangers, was also sorely tested by a number of hard shots. Busby and Scott, for the visitors, were playing a great attacking game, Laycoek, McGregor and Shepherd lending strong support. Then McGregor, after some exciting play in Rangers' territory, sent in a crisp, well-placed shot, which puzzled Perry. A good interchange of kicks between the sailors' forwards was followed by repeated attacks on Rangers' goal, but the last 10 minutes of play was marked by. a volley of shots at the sailormen's net. The last shot was duo to Powell, who, beating several players, raced down the line and centred beautifully to Lamont in front of goal, the latter's kick just clearing the bar.

Perry, Mitchell, Norman, Pilling, and Bissett for Rangers were the best of a good lot, and for the New Zealand team Chamberlain, Laycoek, Shepherd, Scott, McGregor, and Busby played heady games. Shepherd sprained his thumb, but continued to render yeoman service for his side.

As a curtain-raiser to the big match, a team of juniors from the ship were met and defeated by the Excelsior Club's junior team by six goals to one. King, Hunt, Whitta, Gillespie, and Stone registered goals for the winners, and Robinson scored for the visitors.

A GOLF MATCH. A four-ball* golf match between officers of H.M.S. New Zealand and members of the Hagley Golf Club was played yesterday afternpon on the Hagley Links, which were in splendid condition. The naval team defeated the local players by four games to two. The following were the results ;=— Captain Brooks-Short and Lieutenant Macmaster (0) v. A. W. Reeves and D. Hoare ijeutenant-Commandcr Spooner and Midshipman Eykyn (l)-v. G. R. Stevenson and E. J. Ross (0). Surgeon-Commander Macintosh and Midshipman Eravington (i) v. T. W. Reese and A. H. Macmastcr (1). Lieutenant Plnney and Midshipman Porter (}) v. J. Wyn Irwin and C. Gordon Matters and Captain Legge (1) v. C. F. Smith and H. T. Tosswill (0). Lietenant Hammill (1) v. J. Amycs (0). Totals: Officers 4, Hagley 2. After the match the players were entertained at afternoon tea by the lady members.