Some Lively Soccer

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 353, 14 May 1928, Page 6

Some Lively Soccer

WINS FOR SHORE, Y.M.C.A., THISTLE AND PONSONBY H.M.S. Dunedin’s Naval Derby « A PLENTIFUL crop of goals was the feature of Saturday's Soccer, except in the Thistle-Northcote match in which the Scots scrambled home by the solitary goal score. Shore, Y.M.C.A. and Ponsonby each won by comfortable margins, the Young Men still remaining the undefeated leaders in the chamnionship contest. A lively game between the rival cruisers for the naval supremacy ended in favour of the Dunedin, which showed a marked superiority in shooting power.

THERE was a large attendance at Blandford Park, with a numerous sprinkling of uniformed enthusiasts among the crowd, and the selections played by the band of the Dunedin were greatly appreciated The principal attraction, Shore v. Onehunga, provided a dashing duel between two lively elevens in the first spell, when Shore led by three goals to pil; but play slackened off somewhat in the second half, when Shore was content with the margin in its favour, and Onehunga failed to produce the forceful attack displayed against Thistle, and the Manukau-siders were unable to penetrate the Shore’s solid defence with any scoring success. SHORE’S STAUNCH DEFENCE Owing to a family bereavement Gerrard was absent from Shore’s back line, but Renshaw played a safe and heady game, while Colebourne dashed into the defensive work with plenty of ginger. Eacock, from the naval ranks, was tried in goal, and proved a splendid custodian with fine judgment. Tipton filled the vacancy at right half, and held the opposing wing safely while feeding the front line well; but Gilmour was outstanding in the middle line, breaking up the attack by strong tackling and initiating several lively offensives. Jones had a mercurial colt to watch in Whimster, and the young winger got through on several occasions. A DASHING FRONT LINE The Shore van was seen at its best in the opening spell, although Cleal was below form with an injured ankle, and might have been wiser to have prolonged his rest. Woolley and Jay were prominent in some delightful raids and showed a recovery of that finishing thrust in front of goal. Jay’s solo goal was cleverly planned, and baffled the defenders when he feinted to pass and nipped through to net with a fine shot. Bradshaw showed that he has regained his old dash and

centring power, while Woolley was always worrying the defence and was highly elusive in the centre. ONEHUNGA'S FALLING-OFF In the last two games Onehunga has not played up to the form which led to the downfall of Thistle, and made Manukau looke like possible champions. The team has, somehow, lost the dynamic, penetrative force which it displayed earlier in the season. The changes tried in the forward line do not appear to have increased its attacking strength and the defence was inclinetl to get flurried under the bustling attentions of the young Shore van. Bentley worked hard to stem the opposing forces, but the backs behind him were uncertain at times. Whimster stood out in the front rank with some sparkling line runs, and good centres which went begging. Gill showed improved form when he changed to his proper central position, but lacked support from his inside men. THISTLE’S NARROW WIN A big crowd lined the ground for the “free show” at Victoria Park, and after a scrambling game the Scots defeated by the single goal scored to nil. In territorial play the Scots held a greater advantage than the result indicates, but some fine saving by Lyons in the blues’ goal kept scoring at a minimum, while Christie skied a penalty kick. The score sheet was blank at half-time, were very solid in defence, while Trewhella and Allen were the best of a somewhat scratchy front line. Paton was safe, as usual, in the Y.M. goal, feeding the front line attack, overbut the halves were again faulty in kicking giving Belmont ample time for clearing. The forwards were not formidable in the opening half, but became more businesslike in the second spell, wfith some fine concerted movements.

PONIES STILL IMPROVING Fonsonby and Trams journeyed to Onehunga to decide thetr bocC the Fonies had no difficulty in sec*' ins full points at the expense ot decimated transporters. Ponso ran all over the Trams in the i> " portion of the same, and helped selves to five of the best teams turned round. In the tm , half the leaders eased up the nr sure, and the A.C.C. men took a <hL tase of the lull to reduce the leni i. a couple of goals. A rather str»/ Sling display of the round ban tSL’ saw Fonsonby victorious bv flvemw* to two. Y.M.C.A. WINS AGAIN Like Xorthcote the Belmont nu Boys are still seeking their first no* in the senior Soccer championahlwbr failed to notch it at the expense J the unbeaten Young Men. who hat, scored full points in every match n in previous games. Belmont made , brave show, and although Y M hu the breeze in the first half the recraa kept the score even with a goal »«e« Both sides were very fit, and the pact was warm from start to finish. Tfc, experiment or playing Humphries „ outside right instead of centre dll not strengthen Y.M.’s attack, but - settled down to more finished work ia the second spell, and established 1 three-goal lead before the end, wht» Lithgow added another for Beimcr with a swerving drive from well out. Chesney. Murphy, Kolias and Lithgc* Xorthcot o had to resume without Gidley, the naval wing forward, who was taken to the hospital for repairs to a nasty cut over the eye, and play, ing shorthanded the ’Cotes put up a game defence. Lyons partially saved a well-placed corner-kick, but Giles the Scots' latest centre, nipped In and headed into the net. Kay tried hard u ram through on his own, and Cumming was conspicuous on the oppoe::* wins; but the defence held good and Xorthcote went down again writh its colours flying gallantly.

A NAVAL ENGAGEMENT An exciting “extra” on Saturdays programme was the naval battle, staged at headquarters as a curtainraiser, between rival teams from the cruisers Dunedin and Diomede, and the supremacy of the squadron wen: to the flagship, after a free-scoring display, by five goals to two.