SOCCER.

Star (Christchurch), Volume LXVI, Issue 20310, 21 May 1934, Page 11

SOCCER.

Day of Tall Scoring in Senior Grade. THISTLE OVERWHELM RANGERS Not in results, but in the margin of victory, all three Hurley Shield games played on Saturday provided surprises. Thistle played all over Rangers to win, 11-I—the biggest score in senior Soccer here for several seasons; Technical Old Boys had almost as easy a win against Linwood, ana Nomads, although they met a little more opposition, beat St Albans, 6-0. In all, twenty-seven goals were scored, or the equivalent of nine for each match. Adam’s Day Out. Saturday was a field-day for Adam, Thistle centre-forward. While his team were in process of walking through the Rangers defence, for the greater part of ninety minutes, he scored seven goals, and, like his co-forwards, could probably have scored more. Rangers put up one of the worst displays seen on English Park for many seasons. The game provided a striking contrast with the recent match on the same ground, between Thistle and Nomads —one of the best exhibitions in club football seen on the park for many years. Apart from Jackson and Wilson, the whole of the Rangers side played badly. They showed no ball control. their timing was poor, and their placements were worse. The defence straggled all over the ground, and for the most part the Thistle halves and forwards did not even have to run—they simply walked their way through to the goal.

Under these conditions. Jackson kept the losers’ goal really well. His halves and forwards were no protection to him, but he stuck to his unenviable task gamely, and made several fine saves. The Rangers forwards received very few chances, and those they did get they failed to improve on. The Thistle defenders seemed to act as magnets for their passes—their placement of the ball was almost too bad to be true. Wilson alone looked dangerous, but he could do little damage on his own. * Singling out of the Thistle players is almost impossible. They all played well and there was an understanding of on e another’s play that no other team here can match. TECHNICAL TOO GOOD. A patchy game was witnessed at Linwood Park, when Technical, dominating play throughout, defeated Linwood by 8 goals to 1. ~ Technical were clearly superior in all departments of play, their speed, fitness and general team-work leaving their opponents nonplussed. G. Smith was again the outstanding forward, and he was well supported by his inside men, W. Sutherland, in particular showing up. The centre-half, M. bordon, played another heady game, and his pivoting of the team left little to be desired. The backs, J. Tiecliert and A. Milne, were sound, Tieehert catching the eye with solid tackling and well-judged clearances. A good deal of interest was aroused by the re-appearance of C. H. Kirk as the Technical ’keeper after an absence of three or four seasons from the game. He had little opportunity of showing form, but, if the manner in which he stopped a penalty is any criterion of his real ability then lie will ably fill Bissett’s place. The save was one of the best seen this season.

Linwood, except in their game against Rangers, have revealed disappointing form this year. They do not impress as a team, and seem incapable of sustaining an attack. AY. Thomas, who has played in almost every position on the field, can always be depended on for good work, and is outstanding in the side. On Saturday, at right-half, he was solid on defence, and his tricky runs had the opposition guessing all the time. The centre-forward. A. Renwick, also was reliable, but lack of support limited his opportunities. NOMADS WIN EASILY.

Nomads quickly settled down to a consistent bombardment of the goal in their match against St Albans at Richmond Park. The attack was well organised and very effective. C. Shaw and D. Douglas, right and left wingers, were prominent practically throughout the game. Douglas scored a fine goal from one of his several solo efforts. C. Pickup, A. Trotter and W. Wilson, the inside forward, also found the net with splendid shots. The halves dealt effectively with the loose St Albans attack, and were quick to turn defence to attack. F. Adams was prominent and kept C. Sharr well supplied in successful flank movements. M. Fail and C. Good were rarely troubled, but M’Rae, in goal, was called upon to deal with some tricky shots.

St Albans were without the services of N. Harrison owing to illness; the inclusion of S. Bilcliffe should be of greater help when he gains more confidence in liis tackling -and shooting powers. He and R. Bennett were the only forwards to show promise. The half-backs did their utmost, but, owing to the weakness of the forwards, their good efforts wont for naught. The backs, Lindley and Dryden. played a solid game, but were out-manceuvred by a superior attack that gave W. Cooke no chances with the six goals. In Other Places. Per" Press Association. AUCKLAND. May 20. Eastern Suburbs 2. North Shore 1 : Thistle 6. Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys 2; Y.M.C.A. 2. Ponsonby 1; Comrades 2, Onehunga 1. WELLINGTON, May 20. Marist. 8, Waterside 2: Petone 5. Swifts 0: Hospital 5, Diamonds 0; Hutt. 4, Nada 2. DUNF.DTN. May 19. Maori Hill 4. Northern 2: Seaelifl: 4. Old Boys i ; Technical 3. Roslyn-Wakari 2; Mosgiel 6. Mornington 1.