SOCCER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 183, 7 August 1935, Page 5

SOCCER

(By

"SPECTATOR")

It is some time since a competition has reached such an interesting stage as the present soccer competition. Eastbrooke and Thistle are now on level terms with 17 points for the 11 games played, with two more matches each to play. Eastbrooke have to meet Marist twice, one game being their last fixture in the competition and the other a previously postponed one, while Thistle have to meet Rangers and Marist.

The Eastbrooke-Thistle match produced good football and plenty of thrills. Both teams fielded a man short at first, but Thistle wore at full strength when S. Kidd went on. As a sporting gesture the ’Brooke, having the lead, did not add to their numerical strength although they had a reserve standing on the line and ready to go on. Stokes in goal played well above his usual form. He seemed alive to the importance of the match and made some spectacular saves. Ward, playing back on his own, did the work of two men. It was easily his best exhibition to date. Iln the half-line it would be difficult to say who was best, as all played well, Jones became weary toward the finish but. his wing halves to the occasion, each giving nis best display. Cavaye initiated good manoeuvres in the forwards. His combination with Quinn on the left was a continuous source of danger to their opponents, and the wingers’ speed was very obvious. Heath at centre was wearing his shooting boots, and although he missed several •chances he acquitted himself well. Gray worked like a Trojan. •He is not a classy player, but he attempts more than an ordinary share.

Thistle could not blame Chesnutt for their defeat, for the custodian had a gruelling time and came through with flying colours. The backs missed the safe clearances of Puddle who was unavailable. Upton in his new position did not disgrace himself and Gibb flustered many attacks. Dashficld made a good pivot. He was opposed to players who were out for a win. Whiting is a progressive half and must take the eye if he keeps improving, while Davis played well abo\ e previous form. The forwards were not at their best, the absence of Meikle disarranged the whole line. Mackie at centre was not so conspfcious as he usually is on the wing. The Kidd trio were always dangerous though , perhaps they sacrificed combination for individual effort. One found the excitement too much for him and committed an infringment which the referee dealt with. Thomson on the wing was well watched but he sent across some nice passes. For Athletic, Crumbly just added the required stimulus for his team’s victory. He has the knowledge to avail himself of an opportunity. The halves were a versatile trio, and Ron nth waite in goal did not have a great deal of work. For Marist, Bain and Campbell were not so effective as usual, and M'clnnes proved himself an opportunist on one occasion. A. Dear was sound as pivot in thc half line and Little offered a sound defence. The Senior table is now as follows: —

The junior competition is also at an interesting stage. Marist are in the lead with 15 joints, but Rangers with 11 points have two more matches to play against Technical and Arainoho, and so it is possible for them to draw level, with Maiist. The junior table is as follows: —

The second game in this representative fixture for the Lawrence Cup it tiiangular trophy event, will be played on Cook’s Gardens next Saturday when Wanganui will meet Taranaki in the return match. lit is expected that Wanganui will stage a great “comeback.” With a slight strengthening in the team, the local representatives can be relied on to more than extend the talent of Taranaki in a fast, thrilling and spectacular game.

Contrary to the Wanganui team, Taranaki are exceptionally strong in the half-line and the centre-half (Starling) is certainly the danger point, but if Cavaye is playing alongside Heath, Starling will have his hands full. As a curtain-raiser, thc primary schools’ match, Reps. v. The Rest, will be played at 1.45. The teams are: — Reps. —Dunlop (1), Davies (1), Limpus (WE), Nimmo (I), Paul (I), A. Vernon (I), Darbv (I), Rush (WE), Toganivalu (I), Kidd (I), Granville (I). Three more to be selected after the match. The Rest. —Crawford (M), I. Green (I), Hicks (I), Molan (I), Duncan (DII), Wrigley (M), Boss (WE). Willacy (I), Kendrick (WE). J. Vernon (I), Smith (WE). Reserves: Martin, Ardell. Thomas, Tuffin. Abbreviations are: (I), Intermediate: (WE), Wanganui East; (M), Marist; (DII), Durie Hill). A newcomer to the council nf the New Zealand Football Association >s Mr. Malcolm Fraser, former Government Statistician and Under secretary of Internal Affairs. Although it is many years since Mr. Fraser was associated with the game, he had a distinguished playing career in his youth, being a member of the first club, the Rovers formed in Wellingon in 18S? Hp played in the forwards on thc right wing, and in this position won provincial honours on many occasions. In IS9G he. led the Wellington team against Otago at Dunedin. Mr. Fraser’s previous administrative experience of the sport was not extensive, but for a season in 1899 he was honorary secretary of the Wellington Football Association.

P. W. I). L. Pts. Eastbrooke .. . 11 8 1 2 17 Thistle .. .. . . H 8 1 2 17 Athletic .. .. 12 4 1 7 9 Marist' .. . . .. 10 3 1 b 7 Rangers .. . . . . 11 3 0 8 6

P. W. 1) T. Pts. Ma l ist. .. .. 1 1 b 3 2 15 Rangers , . . . 9 3 5 1 11 Technical .. . . . 10 3 4 3 10 Athletic . . . . ..11 3 4 4 10 A ram oho .. . . 9 J 2 6 4