Soccer

A review of play by the soccer teams over the last month reveals the usual consequences of the vacation period; i.e., teams being forced to default, players absent, the morphine effects of "Capping" Ball, Senior teams playing low grade players and so on. Despite losses by all teams, however, the last Saturday of the vacation brought hard won rewards. The Thirds playing eight men against a full team beat Hutt 2-1, and later, on the same ground, the Seniors defeated the Hutt First Eleven, also 2-1.

The two teams it must be mentioned, left the local supporters very much incensed by these results. It appears there was even some talk of lynching. At one stage of the senior game our full-back, Sutton-Smith, who had been creating havoc amongst the Hutt players with his commando tactics, was lain low, winded. The bank of Hutt supporters arose en masse cheering hysterically. To their immense disappointment he resumed play.

Although the second grade team has not been playing during the vacation and up-to-date has registered only losses, the Captain. Robinson, centre-half. Dick, full-back, Bliss and especially the goalie, Ward, have revealed themselves as promising material.

The Third Grade team has won two of its games and suffered three close defeats. The shortage of a regular goalie is one of the greatest difficulties here. It is difficult to pick out individual players as all round the play is good. Nevertheless, the captain, Trott, and centre-half Reddy can hardly be neglected. Their play has been outstanding. Likewise the new player Hall deserves commendation.

The seniors have been fortunate in acquiring the services of Noel Hayman as centre-forward. He has been an important factor in giving form to our front-line attack and along with the tigerish Edmonds was largely responsible for our victory over the unbeaten Hutt team.