SOCCER CODE

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20053, 27 September 1939, Page 8

SOCCER CODE

SCOTLAND’S TRIUMPH DISTRICT INTERNATIONAL ENGLAND BEATEN TO NIB LAST GAMES THIS WEEK 15y “Dribbler” The benefit match played on the Childers Road Reserve last Saturday, between teams representing England and Scotland, resulted in a victory for the wearers of the Thistle, by three goals to nil. The game was eventful, and novel without thrills or interest. The fast once at which it was played gave neither side opportunity for slacking and had the spectators continually on their toes with excitement. Scotland, with a better balanced team, showed a definite superiority, but the determined aggression of their opponents proved troublesome, ana at no time were the Scots able to rest on their laurels.

In the absence of a Scottish goalkeeper in the Bay, A. Silvester was called upon to turn out against his countrymen, and although not se\erelv tested, this player proved h:s worth by completing the game with a c.ean sheet His labours were diminished a great deal by the conscientious Back nlav of R. Findlay and J. Watt These two pi a vers foiled assiduously and unbegrudgingly, and largely because of their efforts the English forwaia line was thwarted time and again. Outstanding Centre-Half

At centre-half, D. Miller played one of his best games of the season, and was the mainstay of the side. He defended firmly, and was resourceful in attack. Both the wing halves did their share in stemming the English offensives, and also maintained a steady support of their own forwards. R. Johnston was the more impressive of the two, his team-mate, D. Elliot, having his style cramped considerably by his playing in a position wi.n which he was unfamiliar.

The front line was convincing at ah times. J. Burns essayed nice runs down'the right touchline and his centres were always in evidence in scoring movements. W. McGrory s clever footwork at inside right was responsible for two of Scotland's goals and instrumental in gaining a third. A rugged and forceful player. J. Barbour, was the cause of. much damage to the opposing defence in the centre-forward position. For a hallback, J. Crawford played a particularly good game at inside lett. and with R Barbour, who also shone well, made a powerful left wing combination. Visitors From Wellington

The English eleven was fortunate in securing the services of three Wellingtonians, now visiting Gisborne, two of whom played in the team that defeated the Poverty Bay representatives three weeks ago. These players occupied the inside forward positions, and greatlv enhanced the line with their stylish play. The form of JWilson and J. Packman who. in turn played centre forward and left back, was affected to some extent by thenchanging positions. Once settled, however, they began to improve.

Being too often without the bait handicapped L. Branson, but he endeavoured to make the most of what came his way, and sent in several crosses which were of material benefit. On the opposite wing, R. Huxtable played more confidently than usual, and gave a good performance.

The half-backs were by no means convincing, but nevertheless playco steady games. E. Normanton, on the right,' keDt a watchful eye on his opposite number, but when robbed of the ball failed to-follow up in an effort to retrieve it. In the centre W. Hall gave a sound display, while at right-half W. Mulrooney worked hard, but found difficulty in keeping Scotland's representative right-wing combination at bay. The right back, W. Appleby, gave a good account of himself, and C. Mulrooney was again an excellent custodian. Tribute to Mr. L. Samson

It was with deep regret that soccer enthusiasts learned of the sudden passing of Lionel Samson, the Territorial club centre-forward and an exMercantile player. During his association with the code in this district Samson built up a fine reputation for himself as a sportsman and a player. His action in transferring his talents from the champion side to that of the voung and inexperienced Territorials had revealed him in the light of a true sport, and had contributed to his great popularity. As a player he had distinguished himself by achieving -epresentative honours two years ago, since when he had been a consistently good performer. His untimely death has terminated a promising football career and robbed district soccer of one of its best exponents and most genuine supporters. The Poverty Bay Football Association will conduct its final games of the season next Saturday, when this vear’s champions, Mercantile, will meet Eastern Union, the runners-up. and the last-placed teams, Thistle and Territorials, will engage each other at the Childers Road Reserve.