Wednesday, June 30, 1971
United defeats Waikeria
Waikato Division 2
The excellent goalkeeping of Waikeria foiled many of Ngaruawahia’s attempts at goal in the game at Centennial Park on Saturday. It was made obvious that half-hearted taps were not going to qualify as goals against Waikeria.
Robin Turner scored first after five minutes, when his gap-playing ability at right wing earnt (sic) him a clear drive. Shortly afterwards United held their breath when Waikeria roistered a near-miss, goalkeeper Nightingale being off his game. Charles Gorman proved valuable all through the first half with his persistent drives up the field, with his forwards supporting him well.
Robin Turner netted again five minutes from the half-time whistle, to commence the second half two goals up. The second half was very scrappy, probably due to the changes in the team. Sandy MacDonald had to leave the field and his place in the backs was taken by Malcolm Burt. Sharky (Robert) Berryman came on into the forwards after an absence of several weeks due to injury.
It was 35 minutes in this half before the nets were touched, but this time it was in Waikeria’s favour, this move following a fairly drab period of unspectacular play.
Shortly after this United’s captain George Sunnex had to leave the field because of an injured ankle, which boded the possibility of him being unavailable for play for several weeks. Allan Rose replaced him for the remaining minutes.
Final score: Ngaruawahia United 2, Waikeria 1.
Loss to Matamata
Waikato Schoolboys Division 2
Two serious defensive errors cost Ngaruawahia High School their game against Matamata at Matamata College, where they were defeated 2-0. Rex Nightingale in goal conceded a penalty when ‘tackled’ an opposing forward who did not have the ball. The shot was netted.
Perhaps it was the long trip to Matamata or a laxity in attitude that lost them the match – however, a loss it was. If the seniors can win this week’s match they will be eligible to play off against the 1st Division teams for the H.M.N.Z.S. “Waikato” trophy.
Best game played this season
Waikato Schoolboys Division 4
Fairfield ‘B’ had the best of the encounter when Ngaruawahia met them on Saturday by 2 goals to 0. However, it was the best game of football that Ngaruawahia had played this season. The ground was greasy and waterlogged in places, but this did not dampen the enthusiasm of the players.
The most outstanding player for Ngaruawahia was Kevin Callaghan, who had his second game as goalkeeper. He did not restrict himself to just in front of his goal, but roamed over the whole goalkeeping area, where he was ever-ready to pick up any through balls. With some sacrifice of time and effort we may well see Kevin as our senior keeper.
With only 10 players, Ngaruawahia did well, Roger Miles, Colin White and Gary Barnes supplied the forwards with ample ball and wrapped up much of the attacking moves by Fairfield. Roger especially took good care of his opposing winger. Julian Barakat and Robert Paul linked well with the rest of the team. The forward line of G. Fox, G. Paikea, C. McPherson and D. Rose could not get enough bite behind their shots to trouble Fairfield’s goal. Despite the loss, the boys felt that this was their best game to date, and were very thankful to Mrs Barnes and Mr Rose for transport.