“TOO MANY PASSENGERS”

Taranaki Daily News, 12 July 1933, Page 9

“TOO MANY PASSENGERS”

NEW ZEALAND SOCCER TEAM RECENT TOUR OF COMMONWEALTH. MANAGER REVIEWS POSITION. MORE FREQUENT VISITS WANTED. By Telegraph—Press Association. Wellington, Last Night, “The* team had to carry too many passengers, and in consequence the players failed to produce form,” states the report of Mr. H. L. Godber, manager of the New Zealand Soccer team which recently toured Australia, presented this evening to the council of the New Zealand Football Association. “The form of at least five players was not up to club standard,” continues the report. “Thereby the team was disorganised, throwing too much on the shoulders of the remaining members. The tour took place too early in the season to enable a selection on current form. Two of the strongest teams were met early in the tour, resulting in heavy defeats which affected the morale of the younger members. Matches were played on harder and rougher grounds than in New Zealand. Of the thirteen matches played three were won, one was drawn and nine were lost. Goals for totalled 29 and against 45. The test matches were lost by two goals to four, four goals to six and two goals to four respectively. “With average ‘field’ luck the last three match would have been won, but that luck was absent. During the tour one match was played by floodlight. Visibility. was perfect. “The three test matches were deservedly won by the Australian side, which was definitely,better than purs. The standard of refereeing was equal to New Zealand’s. It was interesting to note that in Australia the referee was a paid official. The conduct of the team was excellent. There was no discord of any kind.

“Accidents befell Ives, who missed five matches, and Baker, who sprained his ankle in the first practice and did not play. in a match. Graham received a face injury and Zuill suffered an internal injury in the last test and was ordered three months’ rest.” i

The manager- added that it was understood that there would be a considerable loss on the tour. There was a unanimous opinion in Australia that there should be more frequent visits between, the two countries. Australia indicated that she was willing to share • tours with teams from Africa or Italy. Although the team failed in its objective, Mr. Godber believed the players would profit by the experience gained. The report will be discussed at the next meeting of the. council. , ' The chairman, Mr. F. Campbell, welcomed Mr. Godber and Mr. Neale McArthur, assistant-manager, and congratulated them upon the conduct of the tour. A challenge from the Westland Association for the Peter Dawson Cup held by Buller was approved. Further grants towards conducting primary schools tournaments, also for a secondary school tournament to be held towards the end of August, were made by the council. , ~