ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

Wanganui Herald, Volume LIII, Issue 15863, 7 July 1919, Page 5

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

SECOND ROUND OF SHIELD COMPETITION, EASTBROOK 1, WANGANUI 1. Wanganui put a very strong team in the field, and had the best of the opening exchanges. Putting plenty of vigour into their play, they kept the Basthrooke defence busy. Campbell saving a hot shot allowed the backs to clear, but the red forwards, in spite of excellent defensive play by Robson, Healey, and Stapleton, were not to be denied. Their peristenoe had its reward, some good play by the whole forward line ending in Young netting the ball after a weak clearance by the blue custodian. On resuming, the blue forwards tried to change tbe venue of a/ play, but a good kick of Kent’s allowed the red forwards to get going again, offside against Ritson pulling them up when things looked very rosy for them. Keeping the pressure. Young bad a shot which just missed. Play at this stage was very vigorous and exciting, the Eastbro&k backs having their work cut out to stop the determined rushes of the opposing forwards, Young and Conway in particular being very insistent. At this stage Stapleton had the misfortune to injure his ankle in contact with Conway, 1 and had to go in ,goal temporarily. Healey also was disabled in the chest, but soon recovered.

Eastbrooke forwards now pressed, high shooting losing them chances, on two occasions. Wanganui forwards again had a passing run. and Lowe, for once heating his stubborn young opponent, Papworth, had a good try for goal, which just' missed. After some exciting midfield play, the Eastbrooke forwards gained possession of the ball, and after a good run, E. Beckett scored neatly from a pass from the right wing, leaving the goalkeeper no chance to save. , With the scores even interest in the game increased. Eastbrook© being the first t% look like scoring, Stapleton's fast shot from well out deserving a better fate. Good play, by tlie Bed defence enabled their forwards to press again, and- things looked bad for the Blues as . the result of an infringement outside the penalty line *,bnt good . defensive play by , Robson and Healey . allowed them to clear, and they/ had the best of matters till half-time. ■ '

The second spell was an even go until, near full time, Eastbrooke having,, the best of matters, hut there was no alteration in the score. Both teams tired visibly, Wanganui forwards particularly. . ' ■/ Mr Monte Waller refereed impartially- . ... : ' K / ■ , Position of teams ; ‘/ ; Pyd. Won. B’n. L’st: P’s Eastbrooke . 3 12 0 4 Wanganui ’ ...... 3 1 ■ 1 1 3 ■Victoria ......... 2 0 I 1 1