SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1047, 11 August 1930, Page 7

SOCCER CHAMPIONSHIP

POSITION OF CLUBS

feat for the leaders. Y.M. struggled gallantly to maintain its record, and there were some exciting rallies with Surtees hard pressed to clear the greasy sphere, but the luck of the Ponies heUJ good, and there was a rousing cheer from the club enthusiasts when closing time brought a welcome relief with the narrowest of victories to Ponsonby. Under such conditions a win to either side was mostly a matter of clianc*?, and a draw might have been a more satisfactory ending. Criticism of players would scarcely be just, but a wor.l of praise is dertainly due to the evergreen Innes for the way he defied the elements, and his perfect ball control was almost uncanny. The result reawakens interest in the championship, as Y.M. has still Thistle and Trams to meet. A RUNAWAY VICTORY Despite the heavy rain, the groufld was in fa Jr order, except round the goal mouths, when Onehunga lined up against Thistle on Saturday. While Thistle had its regular team, Onehunga was unlucky in having Zuill and Marr absent, the one owing to illness, the other owing to the fact that the Navy was away at sea. Birehall, the fourth grade goalie for Onehunga, substituted for Zuilf, and Rutherford, whose knee was almost recovered, played in place of Marr. Thistle early showed its superiority. Soon after the start, McLeay scored, and five minutes later he repeated l:is act. The visiting team was showing excellent combination in the forward line, and both these goals came as th© result of neat'passing movements. Onehunga livened up for a spell and broke through Thistle’s defence. A torrid five minutes ensued round the goa* mouth, ending only when Moon and Whimster. both appearing to kick th*-; ball together, landed it past Gerrard The referee, however, disallowed the goal, ruling that it was off-side. The game then resumed its former state, in which Thistle had Onehunga all at sea and was able, through McLeay. to add three more goals before half-time The second half was very uninteresting to watch. McLeav scored Iris sixth goal for Thistle almost immed*:ately after the kick-off, and McLeod followed up with another shortly after McLEAY'S SEVEN GOALS Things were looking decidedly black for the home team, but it stuck to its guns. After a period of midfield play, it invaded Thistle’s territory, and Scholes managed to shoot past Gerrard to score Oneliunga’s first goal. Thistle

P. W. L. D. F. A. Pts. Y.M.C.A. 12 9 1 2 43 18 20 Trams ... 11 7 3 1 38 26 15 Ponsonby . . 12 6 4 2 33 24 14 Celtic. ... 12 e 5 1 24 31 13 Thistle ... 11 5 6 — 31 23 10 Onehunga. .12 3 7 2 27 36 8 Corinthians. 12 3 8 1 22 43 7 Manurewa. . 12 3 8 1 16 33 7