Wednesday, June 2, 1971
United 3, Te Kuiti 1
Waikato Division 2
Ngaruawahia United beat Te Kuiti 3-1 in an interesting game played at Centennial Park on Saturday.
United settled down quickly after the kick-off, and went into the attack immediately, with some very good drives up both wings. There was a tendency to bunch up in midfield by Te Kuiti, which pulled United players out of position. However, United forwards still managed to push the ball out to the wingers, who carried the ball well up the pitch to make frequent attempts at goal.
United’s attempts were rewarded when, after 20 minutes, Charles Gorman kicked the first goal of the match. Shortly after, however, and injury caused him to retire, much to the disappointment of team-mates. He was replaced by R. (Sharkey) Berryman.
The game continued to be interesting, with Sharkey showing great determination and working very hard.
United had the edge over Te Kuiti, and had more possession of the ball. They had obviously settled down much more quickly than the previous week and were having a better game.
Shortly before half-time, Allan Rose centred a corner kick well, and Steven Barr was very unlucky to miss his attempt at goal.
The second half again saw United pushing well towards goal, and they were again rewarded for their efforts when Allan Rose gained United’s second goal after 30 minutes.
Play followed a similar pattern, being consistent, with some good clearing kicks from Sandy MacDonald, and goalkeeper, Rex Nightingale, being the usual tower of strength with some excellent goal kicks.
United’s third and final goal came after 40 minutes of play, and at this stage Te Kuiti appeared unlikely to score, but made a comeback when, after 43 minutes, they gained their goal.
Ngaruawahia continued to attack well right to the end of the game, and in the closing minutes, Captain George Sunnex was unfortunate to miss with a further attempt at goal.
The final whistle blew with the score at Ngaruawahia United 3, Te Kuiti 1.
From a spectator’s point of view a very interesting game which could, with plenty of practises, be improved.
This week’s team: G. Sunnex (capt..), R. Nightingale (goalkeeper), B. White, D. Sidney, S. Barr, A. Rose, S. MacDonald, C. Gorman, M. Burt, M. Frankhauser, S. Berryman (replacement).
Senior Schoolboys First Defeat
Cambridge had a convincing win over Ngaruawahia to the tune of 4 goals to 0. Ngaruawahia could not find any answer to the solid play of their opponents as they combined in recurring attacking moves. Steven Barr had one solo run the length of the field to have the ball taken from him as he prepared to shoot. This is Ngaruawahia’s first defeat in four games.
Junior Schoolboys fight valiantly
Ngaruawahia High School Juniors fought valiantly against a superior team when they met Fairfield ‘A’ on Saturday. Fairfield had better ball control and kicking ability and knew the basic moves as compared with the local boys. Although they worked hard, the Ngaruawahia boys could not maintain a pattern of play, due to poor passing and kicking.
Fairfield’s first goal came when a lobbed ball slid through the arms of Robert Moana and bounced back to the attacker, who goaled. Craig McPherson came very close with a fine angled drive that shaved the upright.
Craig came close again when he had the Fairfield keeper at full stretch to tip away another fine shot. Frankie Tui nearly netted when his drive rose over the bar from 15 yards out. Fairfield’s last goal came from a scrimmage in front of the goal, and the ball was in before anyone realised.
Players to stand out for Ngaruawahia were Craig McPherson, Steven Marshall and Frankie Tui. Final score 2-0.