DIVIDED LEADERSHIP

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19997, 24 July 1939, Page 11

DIVIDED LEADERSHIP

JUNIOR GRADE TUSSLE CELTIC BEAT OLD BOYS 'B PENALTY GOAL DECIDES Celtic 3pts. Old Boys B . . nil Having already defeated Marist, one of the two leading teams in the junoir championship, Celtic completed a good double by beating Old Boys B. the other leaders, on Saturday in a match played on the grandstand ground on ihe Gisborne Oval.

The match was played as Celtic wanted it played, with the ball in the nght most of the time, and plenty of aard scrummaging in preference to open play. Old Boys did not stand as well in the forwards as their opponents, who dominated the game for the greater part, spoiling the Old Boys’ efforts to get the ball out to their backs.

In this they received assistance from the tactics employed by the Old Bovs’ half-back, who was caught in possession time and again. There was none of the back play that has characterised the performances of Old Boys throughout the season, and only once or twice did they seem at all dangerous.

On the other hand, Celtic swept the ground with their forwards time and gain, and Old Boys had a number of narrow squeaks, touch-in-goal saving them more than once.

A penalty goal decided the issue when a scoreless draw seemed likely, .ii :hc closing minutes of the game McMillan got a chance with a kick on the Old Boys’ 25-yd. line and duly oaled it. Previously he had made two or three unsuccessful attempts, none from particularly easy positions. Old Boys narrowly missed scoring twice in the early stages, with penally kicks, and had other chances which went well astray.

Mr. A. Gabolinscy refereed Ihe game.