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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 13, No. 21. Spetember 14, 1950

Success for Soccer Eleven

Success for Soccer Eleven

With a well deserved win over "Swifts" last Saturday, the Senior B eleven is assured of a place in the top Division next year. After a shaky start the boys settled down to some neat play with Compton, Meuli, Walls, Richardson and Spiers playing splendid football with luck, the score might have been more.

Although no laurels were won by the Tournament team, this local success is very gratifying indeed. Only three senior players went South to Otago. To be promoted to Senior A status is one thing, but to maintain the team up there is another: for competition is keener there, and everyone knows about the shifting personnel of varsity clubs. The only solution seems to be to invite outside players to join the club. It is intended to approach the Exec. about this. Players who have been connected with other universities would be given first preference. Our club is not big enough to field a senior XI without the help of outsiders. Only in this way can we hope to maintain our team in Senior A.

Most credit for success goes to Jack Walls who has done much in getting the team together each week. Richardson has been the backbone of the team. No less than 25 players took part in the matches played, and there were seven different goalies—of whom Hayman, Davidson and Sutton-Smith played well. Hayman impressed with his fine goal kicks and punting, while Davidson was solid and businesslike. Perhaps Sutton-Smith was the best of the trio for his all-round competence. Robinson has become a solid full-back. The "find" of the season was Saxton who hails from England: he has the makings of a good full back if he cuts out his tendency to dribble too much. His heading is the finest in the club. Right half Bal Reddy has been slower and a little disappointing this year. Centre half Richardson can't be faulted in any respect, and he is master of the slide tackle. M. Spiers at left half has always been sound on attack and defence, while S. Spiers at right wing had bad luck in getting a fractured arm. His form suffered as a result, but he made up for it with a dashing display in the last game of the season. Compton (inside or wing) is energetic, and has scored two goals from corner kicks—directly; no mean feat. Walls as an inside forward, is the hardest toiler—noted for his lovely ground passes. Gray is a game player and is not afraid to tackle anyone, has been a bit unlucky at times when his shots hit the cross bar. Konda Reddy has impressed with his powerful play, but a weak ankle has hampered him. Seager is a new player who has performed well and worked tirelessly. Meuli is by far the most versatile player and the fastest. His excellent ball control and foot-work have baffled many.

Below is a table for the year's results: the club can be proud:
Played: 17 games
Won: 11
Lost: 5
Drew: 1
Goals for: 50
Against: 28
Ch. points: 21

(Note: two games for the Chatham Cup and Victory Cup did not count for championship.)

B.L.R.