SOCCER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 77, Issue 210, 5 September 1934, Page 4

SOCCER

) “Hampden."

■By

The one and only representative match to be staged in Wanganui this season was played on Saturday.. But for a strong wind, the conditions were ideal and there was a good attendance of spectators, perhaps the largest seen here this year. Apparently wanted in Wanganui was a little more variety. • * ♦ • The game was very well contested in the first spell and it was remarkable that both goals recorded in that spell should have been scored by players putting through their own goal. In the second spell the visitors found their true form and the home side were almost constantly on the defensive. The Taranaki side well deserved their win and Walker alone is to be thanked that the score was no more than three goals to two in their favour. This victory places Taranaki in a very good x position for winning the Lawrence Trophy, as they will have ground advantage in the next game. If Wanganui to have any chance many changes will require to be made in next Saturday’s eleven. The visitors had to make two last-minute changes, which did not strengthen their side. For the winners Millar, in goal, was very safe and did the little bit he had to do in workmanlike fashion. Woods and McKay were a safe pair of backs with nothing to choose between them. Parkinson, in the pivotal position, was the star performer and after taking the centre position his two goals were excellent examples. He was ably supported on the sides by Roper and Anderson. Henderson was the best forward, not only on his side but on view, and had the Wanganui defence on toast in the second spell. Crawford proved himself a good provider and also carries a good shot, as Walker can testify. Goodman, though playing well in the open, did hot finish off the work. Hill was not up to his usual form. It is possibly just as well for Wanganui. Feare, a newcomer to these games, gave a good account of himself aad more so in the second half. On the Wanganui side Walker gave a gieat display of goalkeeping. The backs played well up to a certain point and then fell away under pressure. Kidd was the best placer of a ball on view and gave his wing plenty of opportunities. Wilson held Goodman and had time to try a shot or two on his own. Puddle was out of position and did not settle too well. The lorward line was a failure, Killeen being the beet of them, and he was no improvement on either 801 l or Udcoti on their club form. Heath seldom got the ball and when he did there were three men waiting for him. • ♦ ♦ * It is understood that the return game has to be played on September 15 at New Plymouth. • • • • In the Boston Cup the Rangers ami Thistle have at last been separated at their third meeting and alter extra time had been played, the Thistle gaining the verdict by the odd goal in three. This game was very evenly contested and might just as easily gone the other way. Gibson, in the Rangers’ goal, was the star performer. Brewer and Fairclough were safer at back than the Rangers’ pair, though Hoskin played well. Both clubs were on a par at half- Thistle forwards finished better. A. and W. Kidd and Davis, for, Thistle, and Cunningham, Ransome and Fowler, for Rangers, were the best forwards. In the Tech. v. The Rest game there were some bright spots. Tech, however, were lucky to get the honours, as The Rest had the advantage during most of the second spell. White was the better ’keeper, w'hile Sharpe was the best back of the four. The Rest had the pull at half and forward. • * • • The primary school tournament was a great success, but the boys were a iitle bit leg-weary before the finish as they had to play two and three matches each day- Those who saw the display of the Napier boys last year were not surprised that they won the trophy this time. Mr. Ward, manager of the Wanganui boys, was delighted with the display given by the team, who were the smallest and lightest side in the tournament and made many friends with their taking display of football. Although not winning the cup, they had the honour of bringing home the prize for the best player, this being awarded to J. Kidd, of Intermediate School. * » ♦ • In his report Mr. Ward says: On arriving at Napier we were taken to a large hall where each boy was handed an envelope with the name and address of his billet thereon. Thereafter followed a civic reception in the Council Chafnbers. The teams then marched in full dress to the playing ground, a very inspiring sight. The games were all keen and strenuous. In the first game, against Wairarapa, the Wanganui boys could do everything but score, while their opponents in a break away caught the defence napping and scored the only goal of the game. In lhe Napier A game the exchanges were very even, the Wanganui forwards showing great combination and leading by a goal when Holley had the misfortune to head through his own goal. , This gave Napier the needed zest to add the winning goal. Against Napier B Wanganui had an easy win, all the team playing well and showing clever , football. Against Taranaki they were itretched to hold their own. Boss played his best game- The Wanganui boys’ footwork won the game in the second spell. Against Hastings they were at their worst and only won in lhe last minute. Wellington proved the hardest game and were much closer than the score—4 to I—indicates. In the second spell the Wellington defence were kept all the time on the defensive. It is not too much to say that Wanganui defeated Wellington for Napier. In their last game, against Manawatu, the boys were leg-weary, having played two of their hardest games beforehand, with the result that they were well beaten. This tournament will be played in Taranaki next year and may be extended to avoid playing three games in one day. There will be no soccer match in Wanganui next Saturday owing to the Police-Press Rugby charity match.