ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 13, Issue 258, 26 July 1920, Page 6

ASSOCIATION

WELLINGTON RETAIN BROWN SHIELD

CANTERBURY DEFEATED BY 4 COALS

T0 1

By defeating Canterbury bv 4 gonU to 1 at the Basin Reserve on Saturday, Wellington retained the Brown Shield, and proved that they arc no mean exponent* of Association football. With individual exceptions, Canterbury wore outclassed in every department of tho game. The home side showed vary good combination, and, as a team, they kept on the ball more than their opponents, whose failure l*> follow up on several promising occasions was responsible for some good chances of scoring being thrown away. Canterbury w-e.re, if anything, a slightly heavier team than Wellington, who were very nippy. Tho match was witnessed by over 3000 spectators, amongst whom vns the Mayor (Mr. J. P. Luko, C.M.G., M.F.). Unfortunately, tho ground was very heavy, and, considering this faciei-, it was surprising that tho same was as good as it was. The display was clean and interesting, mid the spectators undoubtedly got their money's worth of g<<xl sport, Following were tho teams:—Wellington -Goalkeeper, ,T. Porteous; full-back, ,T. M'Kenzio (right). E. Taylor (left); halfbacks, N. M'Arthur (right), W. Brownh'o (centre), H. Batten (left); forwards, 11. Porter, J. Smith, D. Ferguson, G. Campbell, C. Ballard. Canterhurv-Gonl-keoner, G. Swift: full-backs, W. Mitchell (right), J, Flo:d (left): half-Kicks. H: M'Creanor (right), W. Howie (centre), P. Graham (left): forwards, A. Bissitt, G. Cummins, L. Barwcll, E. J. Norman, B. W r oods. Wellington Kick-off. Wellington kicked off at ; tho southern end- of the around, and Canterbury at once attacked. W T hen they Teached' the vicinity of the home team's goal, Cumminga centred to Normanj whoso shot went over the bar. Within eight minutes of the start of the game, Wellington got the ball from a corner and Porter 'found the net, Wellington 1 Canterbury 0 Canterbury then set up . an attack, w ; hich was almost immediately rewarded, for Woods transferred to Bissett, who beat Porteous. Wellington 1 Canterbury 1 Interesting up-and-down pjay followed, until Wellington were given a penalty shot. Ferguson's kick went wide! Canterbury's defence was now sorely tried, but was not found wanting. A free-kick for a. foul relieved tho presure, and AVellington territory was invaded. Suddenly Ballard .broke clear, and headed a nice rush to the Canterbury end. He had a shot at goal, but missed. Some determined play now took place in front of the visitors' goalmouth, and Brownlee sent in a hot shot, which M'Creanor fended off. Then Canterbury got going in a 'strong attack, hut Porteous effected n very fine save. Porter then led a Wellington forward rush, which looked dangerous until Mitchell, who throughout played an excellent game, saved. Wellington were in very aggressive mood, and Camp'bell next had a shot,.but the ball went over the bar. Penalised for off-side, play, the homo side were put on the defensive. Barwell sent in a beautiful shot, and had the hardest of luck in missing'the goal by inches. Onco more, Canterbury found themselves defending, and AVellington canne cloie to scoring. Ferguson shot for tho net and tho ball came out. Ballard then had an attempt, but M'Creanor made an excellent save. From a Ihrc.win, tho Wellington forwards got possession, and Forguson tried to head the ball into the goal-mouth, but Swift received and punted it down-field. Wellington then attacked in a sweeping rush, and Ferguson goaled with a splendid 6hot.

Wellington 2 Canterbury .' 1 Shortly before half-time. Wellington scored again. The ball came up-field on Wellington's right wing, and.when within striking distance Smith centred. The ball struck the bar and bounced back 'into play, but Ferguson was lying handy ind banged it into the net. Wellington 9 Canterbury • 1 The Second Half. It was now apparent that Canterbury would .have to "go for it" if they wished to sustain their challenge for the shield. After resumption, Canterbury attacked, but Wellington got the ball from a throw-in, and Smith got away with it at his feet. Howie tackled him al:d got possession, and then Canterbury were seen in one of tho prettiest rushes of the day. Woods driblxxl down the line and shot from ia difficult angle, but missed bv a narrow margin. There was now plenty of fast, open play, but Wellington's suporior combination was manifest After Barwoll had come very near to scoring for the visitors, Wellington carried the ball up-field, and Ballard centred, to Porter, who'goaled easily. Wellington '• * Canterbury 1

Later on, tho visitors missed nn excellent chance of scoring. The Wellington goal-mouth was practically undefended at the time/ and Bissitt sent tho leather across to Woods, whoso direction erred This was a bad miss. The next incident of note was a superb save by Swift. Ferguson banged in a hot shot at closo quarters, but Swift threw himself on to tho ball and turned the tables on tho invaders. Several times after this, until tho end of the game, CauterburJ mado hard bids to increase their score, nnd it was owing to sheer misfortune that they failed to do so on a couple of occasions. Nippiness,' however, was a big factor in Wellington's favour, besides which Portcous showed himself to be a. sure goal-keeper. The jam© closed without there being any further score by either side. Mr. B. Brown was referee. FIFTH GRRADE MATCH. Teams representing tho Canterbury and Wellington fifth grado met at the Basin Reserve on Saturday and a splendid game resulted. The ground was heavy, which mado the going hard, but Wellington won by 6 goals to 4. Ihft scorers for Wellington werc:-L. Bolt (3), H. Price (2), and 0. Price. For Canterburv, V. Mitchell scored two .goals and it. Smith' and J. Spiers ono each. Mr. Bowles was referee.