ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Taranaki Daily News, 20 July 1933, Page 10

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

DUFF BOWL COMPETITION STRATFORD NOW ONE POINT AHEAD GREAT INTERNATIONAL AT ROME. , Points Ch.

As’a result of the only game completed on Saturday, Stratford is now, leading in. the Duff bowl, competition. In wretched Weather they defeated Moturoa by one goal to nil at-the New .Plymouth racecourse; -Played under such conditions, the game does not call for comment, but Stratford is to be congratulated on the result.* -That they made the journey to NeW Plymouth on such a day is a tribute: to the .enthusiasm of the Stratford players.- "• .■ The Albion v. Caledanio.ns match played at Fitzroy was abandoned ten minutes before time, the Albion team was then leading by four goals to nil. The cause of the abandonment was the subject of an inquiry by-the Taranaki Football Association at a special meeting last night. The', match, between .Waitara and Pirates Was postponed, the . ground being unfit for’play. V .' ; ■■ ' • '• •’ .Vu' ‘ Italian Visit Mooted. ■ In View of ■ the possibility of a visit to Australia.'and New Zealand of an Italian Association team some time next year, the following account should prove of interest. The English papers report that England' made a splendid fight against Italy. One writer said the atmosphere of an Italian international match was a thing to remember; he had never known spectators to be worked up to such a frenzy When Italy scored five minutes after the start. He had b,eeh told before the game‘that when Italy scored the, 60,000 spectators would kiss each other, SO he had'Sat next a'pretty lady. But thinks like- that never came his way. Ferrari, Italy’s inside-left, scored from 20. yards but; and Baslin obtained England’s equalising,goal.. ' ' Played at Rome on Saturday, May 13, the match ended in a draw, one all. Headed W prlncesS J ]^ ftfalda \? r ' nC ; Maria of Savoy, and Signor Mussolini and his Cabinet Minister, 55,000 spectators saw the game. It w.as the biggest crowd that has ever-attended a sporting event in Italy for : years. Enthusiasts travelled from all parts of the country to witness the game.;, ' There was an impressive scene before the match. The crowd stood bare-headed while the band played “God Save the King.” The Italian players gave the Fascist salute, and later the teams were paraded Before the Royal box. The opposing, captains next figured in a picturesque ceremony. The Italian leader presented Goodall, the English skipper, with S banner, white Goodall returned the/' compliment with a bouquet of flowers.’ The fiery Italians attacked from ■the start, and the English goal had many narrow escapes before Ferrari cleverly beat, Hibbs, to score Italy’s goal. The vast crowd cheered wildly, and were just as excited when Bastin, after 23 minutes, scored England’s equaliser as the result ot ft clever passing movement. # ■ Drizzling vain and a strong wind made the English players feel more at home inbthe second half, but the Italian defence was proof against their strongest attacks. During the second half White, ■of -Everton,; in clearing, kicked the ball into,the Royal box. , Signor Mussolini paid the English team a notable tribute. “Your reputation for invincibility,” he Said, “has been clearly demonstrated. You can well be proud? of to-day’s result.” Outside the stadium a crowd of 100,000 persons gathered to cheer tha, players.' .The English National Anthem was sung and the English players saluted. •’. '

P. W. L. D. for ag. pts. Stratford .. .... 4 3 1 0 6 2 6 Moturoa .... 4 2 1 1 5 4 5 Caledonians .... 3 2 1 0 14 4 4 Albion ... .../ 3 2 1 0 8 6 4 Wiitara .. .... 3 0 2 1 4 10 1 Pistes ': ' .. .... 3 0 3 0 3 17 0