SOCCER

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 79, Issue 106, 6 May 1936, Page 4

SOCCER

(By

“SPECTATOR”)

Cold rain and a howling gale were unable to dampen the ardour of the players last Saturday and most of the games proceeded as usual Eastbrooke and Thistle adding a further two points to the l-able in the second matches of the Association Shield competition In the junior grade Marists registered the points at the expense of Technical For the ’Brooke Stokes in goal was not overworked and showed patches of brilliancy and alternative lack of an- . ticipation. The backs, Taylor and Ward, were up to form, with Ward the safer ' tackler. Taylor has a bad habit of trying to dribble the ball in the goal area instead of clearing. In the halfline Cooper and Wilson played solid games, and Jones at pivot was his usual versatile self, although the strong wind found him at soa on some occasions. The ’Brooke forwards rattled on their four goals in record time after the interval. Then they considered they had done sufficient and many opportunities were unnecessarily wasted. Gray on the right wing was too impetuous to be effectual. Quinn as inside right was a worker all the way. Cavaye and Heath were the pick of the forwards. The former sent in some stinging shots and scored 50 per cent of their goals. Heath proved himself as a snap shot and completed the percentage. The new left winger Clementson has football ability and will be an excel ent partner when he gets absolutely fit. His fault is in hanging on too long. He must cross tho ball sooner. With Rangers, Mclnnes in goal was a sound factor and saved all possible. Duke and Hoskins were troubled with the high wind and did noi at times vicar to the best advantage. Rusling was a tower of strength in a half-line who all played well. They had a deal uf work to do and would be advised to discuss defensive and attacking tactics. Proudfoot as inside forward was responsible for some good movements. Cunningham played a good game on the wing and on moving to centre was responsible for bringing up their score. The two players from the capital will prove and acquisition. The game was controlled by Mr. Phizacklca in his usual able manner. n • * * Athletic shower marked improvement on their previous game, and xvith a little more confidence and, therefore, combination in the forwards will be right up to standard. B.irron in goal was not disgraced by the number of goals scored against him. Some shots came in with terrific force. In the first half the backs Thomson and Wade performed a tremendous amount of work against the wind and cleared repeatedly. Tn the half-line Gambitsis t(ok the eye with some nice play. He is a young player and shows improvement. Robinson at times parted indiscriminately. Thomas was a toiler and on one occasion enthusiastically emulated the goalkeeper. The forwards are <* young combination. On the day probably overeagerness spoiled some good opportunities. However, practice and careful coaching will help considerably. With Thistle A. Healey in goal handled safely and will be an excellent ’keeper if he corrects the fault of that fatal backward swing before clearing. Rowatt and Puddle were a fairly sound pair of backs, with Puddie showing up most. In the halves Dashfidd was the strong point, with has wings ably supporting. In the forwards Mackie was the shining light, and \alr,hough one could criticise for that “inclix idualist” tendency, the shots he scored from were real scorchers. W. Kidd was also outstanding and registered the “hat trick” and his brothers augmented a a strong line. Mr. Bates, making his debut with the whistle, should prove an aquisition to the Referees’ Association. All third and fourth grade games were postponed, but the competition will commence in earnest text Saturday* . It is pleasing to see all senior teams turning out for the matches smartly and neatly dressed in the official club colours. Nothing looks better than a well-kept and marked ground with the players correctly clad. The game not only looks more attractive but play brightens up accordingly. Eastbrooke are to be congratulated on *he appearance of their new uniforms, the shirts now being blue and white quarters and the shorts white. A word should be said about training at this tsage. How many players are conscientiously doing 'heir bit in this direction'? And yet wo have that fixture with the pick of Australia’s best at no distant date! It is to be expected that the Management Committee, which meets next Monday night, will have definite information about the Australian tour. It is to be regretted that the New Zealand Council is not offering the usual free donation of primary schools footballs, and with the code still <n its infancy here, this factor will prove a decided handicap. The fixtures for next Saturday are:— Seniors: —Eastbrooke v. Thistle on No. 1 ground;; Afhletic v. Rangers on No. 2 ground. Juniors: —Rangers v. Athletic on No. 1 ground; Aramoho v. Technical on No. 2 ground; Marists v. Technical Old Boys on Helmore Street ground at 2 p.m. All Technical ex-students wishing to play are requested to report on the ground. Thirds:—Technical A v. Intermediate A on Helmore Street No. 1 at 2.15 p.m. Technical B v. Eastbrooke juniors on Helmore Street No. 2 at 2 15 p.m. Fourths: —Y.M.C.A. (A) v. Rangers on Helmore Street No 1 at 1.15 p.m. Y.M.C.A. (B) v. Intermediate B on Helmore Street No, 2 at 1.15 p.m. » • • • The Primary Schools competitions will commence after the school holidays but practice games are now held every Thursday afternoon, on Victoria Park. The Referees’ Association would welcome any former players who would like to maintain their interest in the code. Their assistance in controlling the matches would be appreciated. Mr. Langslow is their secretary (’phone 2980). The star match of the day will be on Victoria Park next Saturday when those two old rivals Eastbrooke and Thistle will try conclusions for the first time this season. Both teams appear

to be at full strength, an! the public can be assured of a ding-dong struggle—fast open football in whheh the ‘Brooke’s new colours may bring them luck. Thistle, however, are great opportunists, and if their opponents slacken up at all one would hesitate to forecast the result.