ASSOCIATION CODE

Press, Volume LXXXII, Issue 24897, 10 June 1946, Page 3

ASSOCIATION CODE

TECHNICAL OLD BOYS BEAT NOMADS FIRST ROUND MATCHES COMPLETED The remaining matches of the first round of the championship were completed on Saturday afternoon. In spite of sodden grounds, the leading teams maintained their positions on the tabic. Championship points now arfe: Western 14, Technical Old Boys 11, Nomads 10, Celtic 7, Thistle 7, Shamrock 6. Watersiders 5. Rangers 2. Saturday’s matches resulted:—Western 9, Celtic 2; Shamrock 5, Watersiders 2; Technical 5. Nomads 2; Thistle 4, Rangers 3. WESTERN v. CELTIC Neither team was at full strength in the match played at English Park; but Western, with most of its key players present, always had the upper hand. The side kept possession remarkbly well, the work of the half-back line in particular being outstanding. The forwards made the most of their many opportunities, and the work of J. Smith and R. Smith was first-rate A promoted reserve player, J. Davies, at outside right, showed considerable promise. Celtic played gamely enough, being down by the odd goal in three at halttime. . This score was changed later to

a 4-2 deficit. After this, however, the defence crumbled, and Western soon put on five quick goals. Celtic lacked co hesion and the ability to retain accuracy in its passing movements. Much thrust was lost through poor play by the wing men, and here the promising J. McGlinchy had an off-day. Goals were scored for Western by J. Smith (5), R. Smith (2), G. Smith, and W. Whittington. K. Tallott and S. O’Brien

scored for Celtic. Referee: Mr M. Cassln. SHAMROCK v. WATERSIDERS , At St. Albans Park, Shamrock maintained its last week’s improvement to beat Watersiders. The heavy state of the ground was against the veteran Watersiders’ team, particularly in recovery, where its younger and more dashing opponents were on top Shamrock worked hard throughout, and achieved most success through some nicely organised passing movements. Of a very even eleven P Wheland, R Hilton, A Laffey, J Paton.

and T Fleete were most prominent Goals were scored for Shamrock by F. Wheland (3), L. Fleete, and L. Schimanski. J. Barke and A. Rate scored for Watersiders. Referee: Mr T Gottermeyer. TECHNICAL v. NOMADS

At Malvern Park, Technical beat Nomads by 5 goals to 2. The football was fast and interesting throughout, both teams handling the sticky going excellently Technical owed its win to a slight territorial advantage, and the ability to clinch most of its scoring chances. Here consistent backing up by the intermediate

line and solid defence by Dean and O’Malley gave the forwards an advantage. Nomads relied upon flank attacks for the most part, and here greater accuracy in finishing might have achieved much Davey and D. Mcßae, the two goalkeepers, gave brilliant exhibitions in an area that offered only a poor foothold. Goals were scored for Technical by C. Bailey (2), D. Grieves, P. Cook, and J. Hollows. E. Kenny and R. Cullen scored for Nomads. Referee: Mr T. Mathie. THISTLE V. RANGERS Although not up to full strength, Thistle was. too strong for Rangers at Barrington Park An easing off over the concluding stages, however, almost spelt disaster, for Rangers put on three quick goals. Thistle gave its opponents an exhibition of sound positional play and of the value of well-placed passes. The forwards, always likely in possession, had to contend with a hard working half line, arid a steady goalkeeper; and it was not until the second spell that the territorial advantage could be put to account. Rangers lacked cohesiveness in combined play The full-backs anticipated badly at times The forwards, at present playing as individuals. have yet to provide a matchwinning combination. Goals were scored for Thistle by J. Druker (2), G. McAnulty. and M .White. D. Head (2) and H. Hassan scored for Rangers. Referee: Mr C Sweeney.

Senior Reserve Grade.—Technical A 2. Nomads 1; rhistle A-7, Shamrock 0; Celtic 3. Rangers 3; Technical B 2. Western 2. Junior Grade—Nomads 4, Western 4; Technical 6. University B 1; Shamrock 5. Lincoln College 1; Thistle 8. Celtic 2 Fourth Grade.—Shamrock 0, Technical B 0; Technical A‘ 2. Nomads 1; Western 1. Thistle 1. Fifth Grade.—Western 2, Technical D 2: Thistle 4. Nomads B 2; Technical B 7. Watersiders 0; Technical A 2. Nomads A 1; Celtic 1. Rangers 1. Sixth Grade.—Western 2, Nomads 0; Shamrock 2. Technical A 1; St. Joseph’s beat Technical B. by default. Seventh Grade.—Shamrock A 1, St. Joseph’s 0: Shamrock R 4. Nomads 0; Celtic 5 Rangers 0. Eighth Grade.—Nomads 7, Shamrock A 0; Celtic 2. Shamrock B 0; Watersiders 5. Shamrock R 0 JONES CUP The first game for the Jones Cup between Canterbury and Otago, will be olayed at English Park on June 22. The game should also give the South Island selector, Mr R Smith, a chance to pick his team for the match against the North Island, at Lancaster Park in July.