SOCCER CODE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20016, 15 August 1939, Page 9

SOCCER CODE

MERC. 1939 PREMIERS

UNPRECEDENTED DISPLAY

EASTERN THE RUNNERS-UP

LEAGUE GAMES CONCLUDED

By “Dribbler

Surviving the numerous trials and disappointing set-backs that were experienced in the depression months of last year, the Poverty Bay Football Association, through the enthusiasm and energetic labours of its members, has converted the disaster that threa*?ned the soccer code in this district at the beginning of the year into mccess and prosperity. The status of Gisborne soccer this reason has been raised immensely by the excellent performance in the Kvne Cup contest and the representative fix-ture-with'Hawke’s -Bay. - but the greatest stimulus has been achieved by the high standard of the games in he club competition.

APer four rounds of brilliant football, the senior league fias come to a close and the final positions of the clubs on the championship ladder have been determined. Mercantile, last year's champions, have once more shown their superiority by maintaining their position at the top, with a substantial lead over Eas'ern Union, Thistle and Territorials, in that order. Just Reward The constant challenges to which they were subjected made their task all the more difficult, but ffiev were equal to it, and their splendid efforts have reaped a just reward. Proving their Indomitable strength, the Mercantile team persevered in the competition without a defeat, and it is with pleasure that “Dribbler” congratulates the successful eleven on the ; r No finer record than that of Eastern Union can be claimed by any other team competing in the competition, when, last, season th ; s club made it° idcbut as the Wanderers’ Football Club, it was in a sorry plight. ft shortage of players and talent placed the team at a disadvantage, and they finished up at *:he 'foot of the ladder This year, however, things are the reverse, and they have been elevated to second place as runners-up to Mercantile. They have an excess of players with ability, and whereas they lost all but one game last season, >.‘hey have suffered only one defeat so far this year. Great credit is reflected on'the skipper. R. Johnson, who displayed considerable enterprise and determination In his efforts to reorganise his club. Champions of the Past Thistle, who occupy third place, were once the most formidable combination in *he Bay, and have ranked as the champion side on many a past, occasion. In recent years, however, they have faded from the soccer liirwlight, and not until now, with the present season tin an advanced stage, have they signalised their return to form and the recovery of lost .prestige. The Thistle players are noted for the sporting altitude which they adopt in their games. Regardless of whether they win or lose, they have always played the code and played it for the game’s sake alone. “Dribbler” is of the opinion that the inclusion of several young players tin the team has impeded their efforts to combine, as in recent years, but now that they are showing signs of settling down there is every indication of a successful future for them.

Last but not least is the Territorial term, which is undergoing its initiation this season. For a young, inexperienced team in its first year the Territorials have acquitted themselves extremely well. They are the bos'conduced and smartest side in district soccer, and favourable comment often has been heard as to their punctual and regular attendance at their matches, in which they have alvvnvs given commendable performances. They are gradually developing into a strong combination, and a noticeab'e feature of their play is their improved control of the ball. Much may be expected of them in the new season.