SOCCER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume LXXXII, Issue 19346, 27 June 1925, Page 6

SOCCER

THE GAME IN WANGANUI. NOTES AND COMMENTS. (By “Afton Lad.”) Four Soccer games were decided in Wanganui last Saturday, all of them proving of a very interesting character. The Cook’s Gardens tussle was rather one-sided. Eastbrooke defence being “hove to” most of the game, and when they lost the services of Hampton they were practically at the mercy of the storm. Maekley proved the big blast in the storm, and besides scoring two goals ho manoeuvred with the ball, fed his wings and showed what a capable leader he is. Burrell, in his new position, adapted himself well, and the way he bustled McLeod gave the big fellow something to think about. Simpson. Cooper and Glover played to form. Cooper is fast getting the best out of Glover, who is bidding fair to become the finest winger of the season. The ’Shops’ defence was never stretched, and it was pleasing to see Newsham’s return to form. Ellis also played well, and a continuance of Saturday’s showing will make him a regular member of the team.

The ’Brooke defence made a gallant stand, but the loss of Hampton made a big difference. This plucky defender got a knock on the knee and had to retire before the second period >vas many minutes old. A lot of weight was thrown on Webster, who proved Eastbrooke’s best defender. Curtis also was in the wars, but he hold the fort well for a good part of the game.

The ’Brooke forwards were a very disjointed line, Killeen and Langslow throwing them out of gear by being decidedly off colour. Upton was not supported, and never had a chance to show his paces. Any good play came from Law and Rainsford, but then the ’Shops’ defenders knew the strong link and played accordingly.

Referee Stewart is due a mead of praise for the splendid way he handled the game. His decisions were prompt, and he showed the firm hand in having no hesitation in awarding the penalty kicks, both of which were good decisions.

On the Hill the “braw, braw, lads’’ registered a meritorious victory, their second of the season. A big improvement was shown in their defence, where Proudfoot was outstanding. All the Al ills’ forwards played to form, with a special word due to McKenna and Ballantync. It was really this pair who paved the way for a Alills’ victory, and the dapper little forward is a fine catch. St. John’s played much below form, only Murray. Latty, McKie and Saul being anything like the true Saints.

The match between Workshops B and Eastbrooke B produced some good play on both sides, and it is gratifying to know that both teams have entered for the Cup. making the competition between half a dozen teams. It would have been better, perhaps, if the players of both teams could have found officials of their own to run the teams separate from the other organisations. However, it is a step forward, and before long we hope to see six different senior organisations playing Soccer in Wanga nui. Eastbrooke B have whipped a fine young team together, and on Saturday's form will take some stopping. Land played well at centre half, and Ahearn will make a fine player once he gets properly knit with the rest of the team. Bolton also did good work for the ’Brooke B. Cropper, in goal, showed his usual good form, and the new team can safely leave the? fort in his hands. Ansley and Facey were the outstanding men in the ’Shops B team. The Hawera Reps, visit Wanganui on July 11. when a good game is anticipated. The Wanganui selector is sure to put a capable team on the field with so much talent 10 pick from.

JUNIOR JOTTINGS. The junior game on Saturday was a very keen contest., and showed some future stars on both sides. The Caledonians proved the more methodical team, with Kidd and Walker the star defenders. Forward for the Caley’s, Bolton and Heath were best, both havinggoals io their credit. Some of lhe lads were liable to wander from their positions at times, but a few games together will soon remedy that. St. John’s were not at full strength, Dcare, their captain, being a notable absentee. Dickson, in goal, was the star man of the team. The games for decision to-day are' all in connection with the Association Cup. and are as follows: On Cook’s Gardens.—Workshops v. Woollen Alills. Referee, Mr Stewart. On Victoria Park.—Eastbrooke v. St. John’s, and Eastbrooke B v. Shops B. Junior game on Cook’s.—Caledonians v. St. John’s. The game between the Mills and ’Shops is sure to be a great contest. With Mills playing to form, I look for the 'Shops’ colours being lowered for the first time this season,’ at least I hope to “bang a saxpence,” on Saturday night to the health of a victorious Mills team. The Saints and Eastbrooke game should end in a draw, and I look to Eastbrooke B proving too good for ’Shops B. The Cup table to date: P. W. L. D. F. A. P. ’Shops .... 22 0 0 8 5 4 Mills .... 2 1 1 0 4 5 2 East brookc .2 1 1 0 6 6 2 St. John’s .2 0 2 0 4 6 0 A SOCCER SONG. ’l’ll sing a song o’ Soccer, With touches quaint, and deft, ITI sing a song o’ Soccer, From goal to outside, loft. GOAL-KEEPER. He clutches and dears the ball, And when the situation looks grave He dives across the goal To make a full-length save. BACKS. The backs are covering well, Tackling and kicking fine, And lashing the ball with effect Well up to the “forrit” line.

WING-HALVES. Keeping their wings in check, With head-work and judgment sound. Feeding the mon in front With passes along the ground. CENTRE-HALF. The most difficult position of all, From goal to the wing extreme; For attack and defence swing round, On the pivot of the team. INSIDE FORWARDS. Inside forwards for foot-work and craft, Then a slip to the outside man, Who dashes along the wing All according to Soccer plan. OUTSIDE LEFT. On the run goes the outside left, And near the flag he gets set; To lob o’er a mighty fine ball For the centre to head in the not. Now, the team has found itself, Each working for all in the strife; Fair and square in the Soccer field, Fair and square in the battle o’ life. A-L.