SOCCER NOTES AND COMMENTS

Grey River Argus, 6 August 1948, Page 2

SOCCER NOTES AND COMMENTS

Last Saturday’s games as scheduled. saw a postponement of the Taylorville v. Runanga. game for the semi-final of the Heslin Cup. This was due to the wedding of a popular member of the Runanga team, whose team mates wanted to on hand to give him a good kick off in that important event. All soccer players in the district wishes the groom and his bride, nothing but happiness, and trust he will still be available to play many more of his usual good games for his club. The only surprise of last Saturday’s fixtures was Reefton’s success in holding Blackball to a draw. This was a really enjoyable game played in the hest possible spirit. At least 80 per cent., of the players in this match were under 20. and dash and individualism took the place of the finer points of the game. Cobden seem to have the Indian sign on Greymouth in their first season, and in spite of a stubborn defence, the colours of the Greymouth team were again lowered after a bright and energetic exhibition of soccer. Fixtures for this week-end promise at least two good games. Blackball v. Greymouth, at Blackball is a game in which the winner is well concealed. Previous fixtures betwee nthese two sides have proved that there is very little between them, and spectators at this game should get their money’s worth. The Cobden-Runanga fixture may give the locals a chance to overcome the champions, but to do so they will have to be in top form, as Runanga when at full strength are a very hard team to beat. This should prove a rousing game as the forwards on both sides play fast and enterprising football.

In the Taylorville-Reefton game, Taylorville look the logical winners, notwithstanding Reefton’s good effort last Saturday. All the evidence to hands, tends to confirm the view that the Westland soccer representatives are going to have their hands full to win the Dawson Cup from Southland at Invercargill in September. A game against the Buller representatives beforehand, should help in the tuning up process, and assist Westland in exploiting the team work so necessary to win representative games. Apparently the Southland forwards are hot stuff, and as their centre-half, Morrison, has caught the favourable eye of the critics, the Coast half-backs and backs will have to be at their best.

In schoolboy soccer ranks in the district, a lot of interest is being taken in the tournaments to take place during the ter mholidays. Next week’s notes ought to be able to convey definite information as to what teams will participate. The Chatham Cup competition to decide the best club team in New Zealand has left Wellington Watersiders (holders) to play Technical Old Boys, Christchurch, in the final for the second season running. One hopes that the best team wins. Rotowaru, a coal miners’ team in the Huntly district, gave Watersiders a great game and a real fright in the North Island final. They lost by one goal to nil, after literally bombarding the Watersiders’ goal for the last fifteen minutes of the game. Runanga seniors: Aims, Newton, Clark, Watson (2), Armstrong, Johnson, Scott, Campbell, Glen, BooteBus leaves parage 12.40 p.m.