SOCCER NOTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 144, 21 June 1939, Page 4

SOCCER NOTES

Wanganui To Defend Brown Shield

MANAWATU’S CHALLENGE NOTES ON SATURDAY’S GAMES) (By “Waverley.”) The game on Victoria Park lust Saturday was quite the most thrilling seen this year. The pace was on from start to hnish and play was never dull. Eastbrooke gave their best display to date and deserved to win. That Technical Old Boys managed, to make a draw of it was mainly due to their greater iitness. The Technical Old Boys team, however, must refrain from talking to one another as they did against Eastbrooke. No player tries to shoot aimlessly past goal and it does not improve him if his teammates all bark at him and give him unnecessary advice. Hubbard, in goal for Eastbrooke, played well and only needs to keep up Saturday's form to be a serious contender for a place in the Wanganui representative team. Taylor and Tasker defended well all day and it was only in the last 15 minutes that they had to lower their colours. In Ihe half-back line Nixon was outstanding. His defence was very solid and he kept the forwards well supplied with the ball. All the Eastbrooke forwards were dangerous. Mclnteer, at outside right had some good runs and sent over some grand crosses. Ward, at inside right, was in deadly shooting form and scored three goals. Quinn led the forwards ably at centre forward. Barnes, a promoted junior, went, well at inside left and is quite up to senior standard. Nelson, on the left wing, played a great game. He used his pace to good effect and if was from his crosses that Eastbrooke scored three goals. Nelson is another player who might also make the representative team. Brian Good, in goal for Technical Old Boys, had some splendid saves. It seems a pity, however, that, such a capable full-back should be played in goal. Patterson was the best back on the ground and it was refreshing to see him travel uplield with the ball as he did on Saturday. Shrape had a hard day's work watching Ward but stuck to his guns Tile Old Boys' hal\cs were al six s and sevens practically all day and it was only in the last stages of the game that they found touch. Prior to that they never scented able to hold the ’Brooke forwards, but actually their forceful play in the last quarter made it possible for the past students to draw level. Dashfield, when he stayed in the centre of the field, restored the balance to the side. Breed's goal from 25 yards range was easily the best of the match.

Forward, Old Boys never seemed to settle. This was largely due to the deadly tackling of Taylor and Tasker. Finding this so, the Old Boys forwards should have tried from further out instead of trying to walk the ball into the net. Joyce scored two goals and if Meikle. is not available for Saturday Joyce might be given the centreforward position. Next Saturday Wanganui will play their first 1 , match in defence of the Brown Shield, when Manawatu will be the challengers. Donated to the New Zealand Football Association for competition among representative teams throughout New Zealand, the Brown Shield has played a prominent part in soccer in New Zealand. Owing to the improved standard of play in the main centres, however, the New Zealand Council decided to award the Brown Shield for teams playing in the minor associations.

Wanganui’s last challenge for the I Brown Shield was in 1926 when the local eleven were defeated by South Auckland <the holders) by two goals to one', at Hamilton. From 1926 few matches were played in the Brown Shield competition, and this year the Ne\q Zealand Association decided to award the trophy to the Wanganui Association in the hope that teams frpm Taranaki, Manawatu, Hawke's Bsiy and Wairarapa would challenge ' The team selected to defend the trophy is as follows: —T. Bates (M>. K. Patterson (TOB', T. Proudfoot (A), C. L. Dashfield (TOB), A. Hum-

phries (A), N. Breed (TOB), C. Carter (A), J. Nimmo (TOB), J. Meikle (A), J. T. Kidd (TOB) C. Thompson (A). Reserves: B. Good (TOB), S. Cooper (M), G. Ward (E). The abbreviations used are: M (Marist) TOB (Technical Old Boys), A (Athletic), E (Eastbrooke). A. Healey was the original choice for goal but his transfer to Wellington gives Bates an opportunity to shoa his capabilities. Since the team was selected (’. Thompson and J. Meikle have received injuries and are doubtful starters. This will be a big loss to the Wanganui team as both are penetrative forwards. Should neither be available on Saturday no doubt Ward will lead the attack, and either Nelson or Jackson will lake the outside left berth. To enable the sole selector (Mr. H. G. Shouler) to select the Manawatu team a trial match was played al Palmerston North last Saturday. After the match the selector announced that the Manawatu team would he selected from the following players: F. Lyon. J. Broughton, G. Oman, F. Petersen P. Brougham, W. Young, A. McSheifrey, R. Young, L. Searle, A. W. Allen, G. Glaister and C. Hi.icomb. »•: * ♦ • Referees are badly needed for il' 1 school football matches which arc played on Victoria Park every Thursday, and any supporters who can assist in this direction are asked to turn up. The games commence at 2.30 p.m Last Thursday afternoon only one referee was on hand to control school matches, so if any supporters the code can find time their servi< • would be greatly appreciated at. V; ■ toria Park to-morrow afternoon.