INDIAN ARMY TEAM LIVES UP TO REPUTATION.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 17864, 4 June 1926, Page 1

INDIAN ARMY TEAM LIVES UP TO REPUTATION.

TRIUMPHS OVER CRACK WELLINGTON TEAM. (Special to the “ Star ”) WELLINGTON, June 4. The match against Wellington yesterday was the first in which the Indians had met a first-class team in New Zealand and they fully justified the glowing comment that has been made on their play in previous matches. The main reason for their victory was their brilliant positional play, every man being in his proper place throughout the game. They played the short passing game and were generally successful. The outstanding player of the day was Dhian Chand, whose stick work was wonderful. The attendance swelled from 13.000 at the commencement of the game to 15,000 at half-tirpe. The ground was in good order at the start, but cut up badly as the game progressed. THE PLAY. Wellington won the bully, but Kishen saved and sent the ball away to Jakobsen, who led a right wing attack on the Wellington goal. Francis was equal to the occasion, saving in brilliant style. A spell of even play followed, but the Wellington skipper was impatient and altered his team, playing four forwards and four backs. The change was successful. Knowles secured the ball and dribbled from inside his own twenty-five to score a brilliant goal amid cheers from the supporters. Wellington 1, Indian Army 0. The Indians took the offensive, and Belchambers had a shot, but Francis again brought off a brilliant save. Knowles was next to take a shot, and found the net, but a penalty for offside play was ruled. Dhian Chand came to light at this stage and dribbling confidently, beat three opponents and shot into the net. Wellington 1, Indjan Army 1. Belchambers and Dhian Chand led the next attack and took play into Wellington's territory. From a corner penalty Cox had a shot at goal. Francis saved, but Dhian Chand, who had followed up, got the ball as it rebounded olf the goalie’s pads and scored. Indian Army 2, Wellington I. Cox, Indian Army 3, Wellington 1. From the bully Belchambers were associated in a passing rush that swept Wellington back. Belchambers had a shot but was too high. Even play followed until Cox, Belchambers and Dhian Chand became associated in a tricky passing rush that ended with great shot into the net from Cox. from the bully ljelchambers dribbled up field and scored. Indian Army 4, Wellington 1. Play was in Wellington's territory at this stage. Lap Singh had a shot which the goalie saved, but Dhian Chand again brought off the shot off the goalie’s pads and scored. Indian Army 5, Wellington 1. Half-time was called soon after. Shortly after the resumption, Belchambers scored, but this was equalised a few minutes later by Lusty, who scored Wellington's second goal Indian Army 6, Wellington 2. The Weilington forwards, after a neat passing rush, gave Jakobsen a shot and he added another goal. Indian Army 6 Wellington 3. Dhian Chand was conspicuous again and for the remainder cf the game played like one inspired. He scored two more goals and the game ended: — INDIAN ARMY .... s ■Wellington 3