Association.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18769, 27 May 1929, Page 5

Association.

NO SCORE IN SPIRITED MATCH, THISTLE v. RANGERS. Thistle and Rangers played the most exciting game seen at English Park this season. The standard of play also ■was high. The pleasure of the spectators was not a little added to by the unexpectedness of this spirited and perfectly matched contest, for in previous games Thistle have an unbroken tally of victories and Rangers of defeats. It adds a great deal to the interest of the competition when the top and bottom teams, meeting, can make such a good go. That there was no score on either side was largely ill luck; but the misfortune was equally shared, so that neither side can be said to have deserved a victory. There was nothing to choose between the teams; for if Thistle shone a little more at combined and tactical play, the individual dash and opportunism of Rangers equalised matters. Thistle were unlucky previous to the match, however, for J. Dick, one of their best forwards, met with an accident on the way to the park, and could not take the field. His place was filled by J. Mulcahy, who, though a capable substitute, was lacking, of course, in that understanding of his fellow forwards which *only constant match play can give. Play was of the most willing sort from whistle to whistle, with an unusual number of penalties awarded both sides for obstructive tactics. Early in the game the referee issued a warning. If there had been any tendency to foul play Mr Dorie’s firm action effectively stopped it, for after that, despite a number of stoppages for injuries, there was no more roughness than is part of a good, vigorous game. One of the most distinctive exhibitions yet seen at the park was that of E. Barnes, in goal for Rangers. Although he came out of his goal a good deal more than is usually considered good play, he invariably chose the right course of action and not once let his side down. His use of the punch for clearing was very effective. E. Mitchell, the Rangers’ centre-half, was perhaps the best man on the ground. To his excellent form can be placed much of the team’s success. Always in position, he knew just what best to do with the ball, and his hard, straight kicking was a pleasure to see. Hesitation by his forwards after Mitchell had fed them in good scoring positions was the only thing that lost at least three goals which should have gone to this fine half’s credit. In the forwards J. Richardson and F. Robb distinguished themselves, both having the makings of good scorers. W. Barnes, at left-back, did good defensive work. H. Johnston and G. Sutherland again won admiration for rugged play as Thistle ! s full backs. They are a sterling pair. Sutherland was particularly brilliant. He showed a fine sense of anticipation' as to where the Rangers’ attacks £eould come from, and many a promising movement did he break down. Accuracy was a feature of his kicking. In the forwards J. Speirs and D. Sutherland Stood out. Speirs’s speed makes him invaluable on the wing, and he made a number of fine dashes, though he spoilt some by failing to centre at the end of his own. He sent across some good stuff nevertheless. Sutherland has a tricky boot. With a little more power behind his kicks he would be very dangerous when near the net. » ST ALBANS WERE UNLUCKY. One of the brightest and most interesting games of the season resulted from the meeting of Western and St Albans at Richmond Park on Saturday. St Albans played a game out of the box and were unlucky to lose by the only goal, scored two minutes before the end. After a very even first spell, the winners had more of the play territorially in the second, but with their fairly weak finishing and St Albans’s valiant defence taken into account, there was practically nothing between the teams and a satisfactory result -Would have been a draw. The losers have this consolation, however, that it was no lucky goal that decided the match, Nelson scoring from a comer splendidly taken by Thompson. St Albans must have astonished their most ardent supporters by their fine showing in the opening stages and had they been able to maintain this to the full they would certainly have collected the points. All through, however, they revealed a combination totally lacking in their previous displays this season and their performance must be their best for a long time. It had onl” two blemishes, and these seem inseparable from St Albans—not getting to an opponent with the ball soon enough, and not following up properly on attack. The winners did not show as much combination as their opponents, but all the way through the second session they crowded on the pace, and it says a lot for the strength of the St Albans defence that it was not penetrated earlier. Poor finishing, however, was partly responsible, as Clements alone missed two great opportunities, one directly in front of an open goal when the ball came across head-high. There was very little midfield play, attack rapidly succeeding attack, and the fact that only one goal was scored is due to the very sound displays by both custodians. G. Colville’s reach enabled him to handle capably all the losers’ efforts to score, and Williamscn, though he might have used his hands more frequently than he did, was thoroughly satisfactory. Wick was missing from his usual place at right back for Western, and Whittington partnered E. Colville The former gave a surprisingly good display in the unaccustomed position, frequently breaking up the attack and clearing with a powerful kick. Colville received a shoulder injury early and this pulled him up a good deal. Ellis, Roberts ind Kennedy formed a good half-line. Ellis was a dogged worker on the left, and Roberts pleased as much as ever in the centre. Although really a forward, Kennedy brought good control, nippiness and tenacity to the game, and he was responsible for a bright display. Nelson looked the pick of the frontliners at inside left, frequently beating the opposition in convincing fashion. Clements had some bright moments at centre, but he cannot be forgiven those two missed chances. Thompson, on the left, was the better of the two wingers, using a good turn of speed to advantage and putting across some good cent.es. On the other flank, Bridgens did not show up at all C. Barweil played a mediocre game. In the losers’ ranks, Bunt and Maynard were a good pair of backs. The latter was not going too well at the start but soon picked up. His pace frequently enabled him to get across to break up an attack on the wing. Bunt defended soundly and let the opposition have the full effects of his weighty charging. An effective middle trio consisted of Ridley, Diyden and Rump. The t-named is a vastly improved young flayer and his work generally would iiot disgrace any half line in Christchurch. Dryden played with coolness and judgment throughout and often got the ball away when in a very tight corner. Rump gave one of hie best displays for some time. He r.ever

shone, but he defended doggedly throughout. Donaldson, ex-Canterbury rep. went really well after a long absence from the game. It looked like the Donaldson of old springing along touch and dropping the ball across to the goalmouth. Inside him, Cullen put plenty of dash into his game. He and Angas got tangled up at times, though. Angas was a trier at centre, but he possesses little control and is not a shooting-man. Hawker, the recentlypromoted junior, caught the eye at inside-left. He was always where the play was thickest. Cook worked hard on the wing but was a trifle slow. NOMADS TECHNICAL GAME WAS PATCHY EXHIBITION. Although Nomads gained a fairly easy victory over Technical by six goals to three at Spreydon Park, the honours of the contest must go to Technical, who, with a reasonable share of the good fortunes of the day, would have come close to victory. Techni cal are much weaker than last year, having lost the services of F. Bridgens, the Canterbury representative, S. Muirson, and the Teichert brothers. On Sat urday their team was in a disorganised state. J. Booth, who usually plays fullback, was in the outside right position, and E. Phelps, the centre-for-ward, went into the back rank. The team contained four promoted juniors, all of whom went very well. Nomads began well and for the greater part of the first half hemmed Technical in their goal-mouth. When halftime sounded they were in the lead by four goals to one. In the second half, however, their play became very ragged and but for a last-minute rally, Technical might have turned the tables. The outstanding feature of the match was the manner in which L. Martin, the Technical goalie, rose to the occasion. Martin, who was lately promoted from the junior team, showed that he has the makings of a first-class player. During the greater part of the first half he was bombarded from all angles, but his play was very steady and he brought off some fine saves. His only fault was a tendency at times to follow the play out too far. S. Cawtheray worked very well at right half. He made a number of openings for the forwards, and got his side out of trouble more than once with long kicks. J. Booth also showed good form. He is a very steady player and originated many movements, which brought his side within an ace of scoring. The side worked hard, but badly judged head-work and wild kicking spoiled the greater part of their work. The forwards bore the brunt of the work for Nomads and acquitted themselves well. P. Allen, who, last season,, made a name for himself in local cricket, was the outstanding player. Well-built, he has plenty of power behind his boot and the two goals he scored on Saturday were shots which left the Technical goalie standing His defence was also good. Other forwards to do well were J. Frickleton and S. Barweil. The backs did not show to great advantage. They had not a great deal to do in the first half, and in the second their play revealed many weaknesses. ss SUMNER v. KAIAPOI. Playing at Sumner on Saturday, Sumner defeated Kaiapoi by 4 goals to 2. The game was interesting in the first half, but in the second both teams gave poor exhibitions. Sumner possess a very effective farward line, and it was chiefly due to their tricky, combined play that they won. The general play of the Kaiapoi team was uninspiring. Their forwards lack combination, while the backs need practice. For the winners, Dacre in goal, played a sound game. His efforts easily eclipsed those of the opposing goalie. Of the backs Allen was the mosi outstanding. Neville supported well. The half-backs, R. Neyill, Howarth and Bell played well, with Howarth the most conspicuous. The Sumner forwards were a reliable lot. Their combined play might well be copied by Kaiapoi. Harbutt is a speedy winger and is likely to improve. Browne played a solid game, some of his kicking l>eing neat. Peterson as centre, was reliable. He headed in a beautiful goal for Sumner. Stoneman and Campbell also played well. Cummins, the Kaiapoi custodian, did not impress. He handled cleanly, but his kicking lacked power. The two Kaiapoi full-backs, Morley and Fowler, were kept busy, and generally acquitted themselves well. Of the halves, Isles was the most reliable. lie played a solid game, and his kicking was powerful and accurate. The Kaiapoi forwards worked hard, but are sadly in need of combination. Bruce and Whyte gave good exhibitions. IN OTHER PLACES. Per Press Association. AUCKLAND. May 26. Navv Championship.—H.M.S. Dunedin 3, H.M.S. Diomede 2. Senior Games.—Belmont 3, Celtic 3. Ponsonby 4. Onehunga 2; Y.M.C.A. 2, Thistle 1; Tramways 1, North Shore 0. DUNEDIN, May 26 Maori Hill 4, Northern 2; Y.M.C.A. 4 High School Old Boys 2; Technical Old Boys 4, Mornington 2: Seacliff 8. Mosgiel lm WELLINGTON, May 25. Diamonds 4, Waterside 2; Marist 3, Institute 3; Thistle 2, Petone 1; Y.M.C.A. 7, Hospital 0.