LEISURELY GAME

Evening Post, Volume CXXVIII, Issue 25, 29 July 1939, Page 23

LEISURELY GAME

CHATHAM CUP FINAL AT AUCKLAND

There1 was nothing spectacular for Soccer enthusiasts in the provincial final of the Chatham' Cup played between Ponsonby, winners of the Auckland section, and Hamilton Wanderers, winners of the South Auckland section, at Blandford Park last Saturday. On the play it was considered that Ponsonby were lucky to take their 2-1 victory. They will meet Waterside (Wellington) at Blandford Park next Saturday to decide the North Island final.

Weather and ground^ conditions were ideal for the provincial final, and there was a large attendance to watch the match between Ponsonby and Hamilton Wanderers, says the "Star." The spectators were not treated to the spirited game of the previous week, and for a cup-tie knock-out it was a very leisurely and studied game. There was no score in the first half, and no reason why there should have been, as both goalkeepers found it difficult to keep warm. Both clubs played as though there was a trip to England ahead, instead of the doubtful prospect of a

journey to Wellington for the final knock-out match. Play livened up a bit in the second spell, and Ponsonby were strongly established as the result of two neat goals by Wyllie and McCallum. Then Wanderers rallied for a series of belated sorties, when a clearance by Warren struck Stewart's boot and rebounded to the net.

For the survivors Warren was not worried much, and kept his charge intact until the accidental goal just on time. Haggett and Masters held the opposite line safe, and deal devoted most of his energies in vain endeavours to ginger up his firing line. Innes and McCallum stood out on the right wing with some clever movements, but lacked support.