CHARITY CUP FINAL.

Wanganui Chronicle, Issue 19898, 16 September 1913, Page 6

CHARITY CUP FINAL.

ST. JOHNS 7 v. EASTBROOK 2

Splendid weather favoured the above game on Saturday on Cook's Gardens. In spite of the recent heavy rains the ground was in very good condition, a trifle heavy in patches only. Considering the strong counter attraction of the Hockey Tournament, also the fact that the Association game is little understood in New Zealand, the attendance was very fair.

The game was really a good exposition of Soccer, at times being really splendid, and earned the hearty plaudits of the spectators'. Considering the keen rivalry existing between the two teams the game was played in a good spirit, Referee Shewan promptly stopping any signs', of roughness. The Saints had been strengthened by the inclusion of Day, who is working a long way out, and. Davidge, the popular president of the club, who, though reluctant to turn out, eventually" did so and gave a. brilliant exhibition of goal-keeping. The shots that did beat him being quite unsaveable. Eastbrook were minus W. Murray and his place was taken by •— Murray, a veteran member who plays well. Robson is deserving of praise for turning out in his condition of health, his ribs having been hurt badly in a previous match. St. Johns won the toss and Eastbrook kicked off against a fairly strong wind and sun. _ Hands against McCracken let the Saints get dangerous, Tipper giving Robson a ground shot to save. Eastbrook were soon in the Saints' half, offside agiainst Cooper spoiling their chance. Give and take play followed, McCracken being applauded for good headwork and Mitchell for fine returns. Fine play by Saints' halves allowed the forwards to press and they had hard lines in not scoring. Mitchell and Cameron now changed places and the wisdom of the change a^-ts early evident, Mitchell's dashing play being almost rewarded. Hands gave the blues temporary relief and Davidge saved well from Cooper, a comer being conceded, which came to nought. The Saints were now showing the better combination land Day and Tipper got away on the right, Tipper's centre being smartly accepted by Mitchell who scored with a lovely high shot. I—o. For a few minutes the exchanges' were even, the Saints right wing eventually making full use of the pass from centr and Tipper scored, Cameron miskicking. 2—-0. Nettled by these reverses, Robson came out to cen.re half, Murray going in goal, and the blues attacked, Cooper shooting well but fruitlessly from long' range. St. John's forwards again showed fine combination ,the ball passing fi'om wing to wing and after particularly fine play by Davis, Tipper notched another goal. 3 —o. The blues now became moire enerj getic and Healey struck the crossbar with a fast shot. A free again Healey for illegal charging set the black and whites off again, Tipper forcing a corner which proved abortive. A free against Bowes gave the blues an opening, but McCracken. struck the side of the net with his shot. Some good midfield play ensued for a time, then Davis, after fine individual play, scored a neat goal. 4 —o. From the kick off Cooper got away and centreing judiciously en-, abled Healey to send in ia hard shot which Davidge cleared, but a blue man obtaining possession a melee in front of goal enabled McCracken to fine the net. 4 —l. Half time was soon after called. The wind had lessened, but the sun was troublesome to St. Johns on resuming. Mitchell was early prominent, getting right through and striking the upright when a goal seemed certain. Play was of the give and take order for a time, j Eastbrook being most prominent and having hard luck on occasions, shots by McCracken and Healey just missing. J. Cameron earned applause for his clever clearing kicks. The blue halves were marking their men badly, in marked contrast to the Saints trio who were playing fine Soccer. Cooper got dangerously near Davidgc's charge, Bowes neatly clearing. Holland on the left was prominent with judicious passing and a nice run of his and pass to Davis saw that player score for the magpies. s—l5 —1 Just later Eastbrook were awarded a penialty for bands against Bowes in fne dreaded area. Beckett scoring with a shot to the corner of the net out of Davidge's reach. 5—2. Encouraged by this success the blues put life into their play and Davidge was called on to savo a hot shot from Beckett. A freo for goalkeeper carrying was cleared by the Saints' backs. A win for Eastbrook was now out of the question and they went to pieces, alknving their opponents to monopolise the play, Davies getting number six to his credit and shortly after and Day got the seventh. The Saints frequently called on Murray to save which he did splendidly on several ocasions. St. John's are therefor the first to have their names engraved on the Charity Cup. Mr. Shewan refereed in a most efficient manner and was commendablv impartial Tho nett receipts are not aseertainable, but it is expected that about £12 will be handed to the Secretary of the Orphanage, which, considering the counter attraction is very stratifying.