SOCCER Coast Vastly Improved Side: All Goals To Credit of Roche

Grey River Argus, 4 September 1948, Page 6

SOCCER Coast Vastly Improved Side: All Goals To Credit of Roche

The Westland representative side journeyed to Westport last Saturday to play the Buller rep. team, for the Emms Shield, and after a splendid and exciting game, retained the shield by three goals to one. It suffices to say they were full value for their victory. However, it was . only in the last 20 minutes or so of the game that the Coast team were able to emphasise their superiority as the first half and most of the second the game was very even, the pace being on all the way. The Coasters showed better ball control, distribution and positional play than the Bullei’ team, who endeavoured to counter with dash and individualism —contrasting styles which made the game a good one from the spectators point of View, and they were quick to applaud the skilful play, of which there was plenty. Players on the Westland side that stood out prominently were Tolchard, who showed he is a particularly cool and resourceful goalkeeper. His height stands him in good stead. He had his ability severely tested in the first quarter, and got a lot of cheers in that period for three or four particularly thrilling saves. Roche (captain and centre forward) certainly lived up to his reputation in this game. He worked hard, kept his position better than usual, distributed the ball well, and had his shooting boots on as his bag of three first-class goals proves. Balderstone at centre-half, played a really good game, probably his best; he curbed his tendency to wander, and his tackling, ball control, and nicely-distributed passes made him a prominent figure throughout. The two inside men. McLaren and Boyd, more than justified 'their selection, showed lots of skilful play bbth with feet and head, distributed the ball well, and were a thorn in the side of the Buller defence at all times. Kerr and Erskine, wing halves, both played splendid games, and fully justified their inclusion in the side.

Graham and Hogg at full-back, playing in a rep game for the first time, were a bit flustered at the start when Buller exerted a lot of pressure, but soon settled down and played sound games, covering edch other up very well and generally kicking a good length. Hogg’s heading of the ball was not quite up to his usual standard, but a strong sun had a lot to do with it. McMahon gave a good display in the difficult outside-left position—in fact he challenged Buller’s outsideright very strongly for the honour of being the best winger on view. McEwan, Coast right wing, after a good start, faded somewhat, his corner kicks, usually so accurate, going very much astray. He also missed a couple of easy chances to add to the score. Altogether the Coast team gave a very sound display, and if they can give a repeat performance at Inverca’rgill on September 18, should just about collect the Dawson Cup. There was quite a labge crowd at Victoria Square, Westport, for the game, and judging by the enthusiasm displayed, Soccer has a strong hold in the Buller, particularly in the mining camps. In the schoolboys’ tournament Westland boys met the South Island champions, Buller A, in the curtainraiser. The Coast boys had the bad luck to lose the toss, and faced a strong wind and sun in the first half. Before they knew where they were four goals had been otched against them, the half-time score being 6-nil. The team was re-arranged, and made a far better showing in the second half, scoring one goal against Buller “A’s” tw’o. In their next two games the Coast boys showed a big improvement. South Canterbury 2-2, and also playing a drew with Buller B, which up to date were unbeaten in the tournament. The Coast boys were billeted at Denniston, and the residents on the Hill certainly went out of their way to look after the boys and give them a good time. The thanks of the West Coast Centre are due to people who billeted and entertained them, especially the Denniston delegate, Mr Trotter. The Heslin Cup final to be played on the Rec. to-day is arousing a lot of interest amongst the supporters and players of the Taylorville and Greymputh Clubs. If both teams can turn out at full strength a fine game is sure to eventuate, with the ultimate winner well concealed. The kick-off is timed for 2.30 p.m. It is the intention of the Cobden and Blackball Clubs to provide the curtain-raiser, Cobden having thrown out a challenge that Blackball will in all probability accept.