Soccer...

On Monday V.U.C. did everything but score against Massey. Their rugged defence managed to keep the green forwards out but it was mainly the hard bumpy ground that was responsible for keeping the score down to 2-0. The next day the team fared much better against Lincoln whom they trounced by 10 goals to nil. Teamwork was much more evident with the ball being moved about "on the carpet" to the advantage of our boys. In the afternoon on the same day Victoria encountered more opposition from Otago who who were defeated by 3 to nil. all scored by Preston, who was playing a great game. Wednesday saw Vic. matched against Auckland, who played a rugged, long kicking game which was of no avail against the superior positioning of the V.U.C. defence.

The stage was set for the deciding match against Canterbury on Thursday. Everyone seemed to be fit enough but the hard grounds had taken their toll on the players' feet. There was concern in the Vic. camp as Don Robinson, their star fullback, had left the night before. A slightly weakened team took the field against C.U.C. and it took a while to settle down. Very soon Vic. was down 1—3 due to some misunderstanding in the defence. In the second half Vic. threw everything into the attacks and on several occasions came close to scoring, but it was not till the last minute of the match that Victoria equalised, bringing a tense and exciting game to a thrilling finish.

Some comments on individual performances:—

E. Harris captained the side very ably and was throughout a tower of strength on defence. He also captained the N.Z.U. side and was awarded a N.Z.U. blue.

A. Preston played excellently all through, showing great ball control and a great variety of tricks to fool the defence. He also earned a N.Z.U. blue this year, having received one last year.

D. Robinson was the best full-back in the tournament. The fact that he could not stay for the N.Z.U. game may have cost him a N.Z.U. blue. Don showed terrific speed and an unusual tigerishness that had been previously lacking in his game. At left full-back he had perfect understanding with the centre-half.

W. Aldridge, certainly the most energetic forward in the team, scored some good goals. Chosen as centre-forward for the N.Z.U. team, Bill performed very creditably indeed in the tournament. With a little more ruggedness this player can become an extremely dangerous man in front of goal.

W. Millward, selected for the N.Z.U. side, was the outstanding wing-half. He is excellent on defence but tended to loft the ball on attack. If he learns to pass the ball along the ground he would be more effective as an attacking wing-half.

E. D. Laws was one of the keenest members of the team. He used ground passes to team-mates very effectively but lacks speed. Dave took Robinson's place in the N.Z.U. team as the latter was not available.

G. Watson, normally a very heady footballer, was a disappointment at tournament. Nothing seemed to go right for him except the corner kicks.

B. Reddy did not relish the conditions at all and found the ball extremely hard to control. He was well below his usual club form except on defence.

B. Legge was perhaps the unluckiest member of the team. Brian is a very efficient goalkeeper, but the fact that he had little to do may have cost him a place in the N.Z.U. team.

R. Harris showed flashes of good ball control and shoots with either foot. He scored two excellent goals with neat snappy shots.

G. Hollyman. a tireless worker from the junior team, was always in the thick of play. Physically well built, this boy is improving very rapidly.

R. Lea is another member of the junior team who played only two games but did his best in both. He must learn to pass to a teammate whenever possible.

P. Brown also played 2 games. In the first he was disappointing but he improved in the second. Peter has the football in him but he seems to lack determination and vigour for a forward.