Wednesday 21st March 1973

Semi-Finalists Found in Soccer at Ngaruawahia

Pre-season Tournament

The elimination matches of the second pre-season tournament run by the Ngaruawahia united Soccer Club were played at Ngaruawahia last Saturday. Although not the best day for soccer, the heat sapping energy rapidly, some good matches were seen. The winners of each game meet this Saturday in the semi-finals.

Cambridge proved too strong for Wanderers in the first encounter and ran out winners to the tune of 6 goals to 1.

The second match between Te Kuiti and Otorohanga College was more of a spectators game than the first match. Play see-sawed continually with good shots and saves from both ends. It was Te Kuiti who made the most of their opponent’s defensive errors and won 4-2.

The Hamilton-Matamata encounter was perhaps the best of the day with Matamata making dangerous use of the through ball in their attacks. Hamilton preferred to work in closer shooting. Hamilton lost 2-3.

The final game was between the hosts Ngaruawahia and Claudlands Rovers. Rovers went ahead 3-1 after trailing 1-0 and finally took the game at 3-2. Ngaruawahia had the opportunities (including a penalty) but made little of them.

The semi-finals and the finals will be played this Saturday (24).

Draw: Cambridge v. Te Kuiti at 9.30. Matamata v. Claudlands Rovers 11.00. Final between winners at 2.30.

A fill-in game between Huntly and another team will occupy the 12.30 to 2.30 slot.