The Huntly Press
Wednesday 9th August 1978
Junior Soccer
Ngaruawahia-Affco 9th grade ‘A’ defeated Fairfield ‘A’ in the first round match for the Parker-Hilton trophy at Ngaruawahia on Saturday. Ngaruawahia took initiative from the start, but poor finishing by the forwards and some good saves by the Fairfield goalie kept them out until the 15th minute when Eugene Patterson slipped through the defence and lobbed the ball over the keeper.
In the second half, right wing Gavin Skewer carried the ball down the sideline and centred to striker David Tilstone who made no mistake from close range. Eugene Patterson did the work for the third and ‘final goal but his shot was blocked by the Fairfield keeper. The rebound fell to Malcolm Douglas who hit the ball low into the far corner of the net.
Players to stand out for Ngaruawahia were Gavin Skewer, Blair Aberhart and Glen Sterling.
Schoolgirl Soccer
An early goal from Karina Graves started Ngaruawahia’s goal-rush against Fraser No 3 at Ngaruawahia on Saturday morning. Ngaruawahia (Narra) had been narrow victors over Fraser in their first encounter and a revamped home team appeared to dominate much of the game at Ngaruawahia.
Not one of the players in the Narra team failed to do their best. The second goal, from Paula Douglas, brought up the half time score. Jenny Clow and Betsy Maxwell (2) netted in the second spell.
Mid-fielder Ann-Marie Wanakore worked herself to a standstill and was well supported by Adriana Kaui at centre-back. Adriana’s solid clearances gave Jenny Clow and Karina Graves plenty to work with up front. Goal keeper Diane Fairey had little to do as she was mostly well protected by her backs, who were obviously under instruction not to let the attack get anywhere near the goal. However she was called on to make two fine saves.
Left back Robin Harris had her best game of the year and was partnered by Diane Edmonds at right-back, whose solid display 40 cemented her position as a dependable defender under pressure. Kathleen Maru got through a good rate of work at right-half, mostly demolishing any attacks building up on her side. Betsy Maxwell worked alongside Lyn Karina on the left and these two stood out as arguably the two best players in the Narra team. Lyn’s crossed drives had Fraser in a tizzy and Betsy was the other player who, thoughout her game, made accurate interpasses with Adriana and Lyn, and sealed her successful game with a curling field goat and a penalty.
Paula Douglas worked well on the right wing, feeding strikers Jenny and Karina. At one stage late in the game, the Fraser keeper swapped for a fullback and tried to mark Lyn Karina out of her effective attacking role. Being also a solid girl, she nearly wiped out Lyn in an enthusiastic charge.
Fraser were unable to find the net but did give Narra a scare or two. The Narra girl’s unwillingness to use the inside of the foot for accurate controlled play, saw many chances go astray, and in this manner, five further goals went begging.
Player of the day was shared by Ann-Marie Wanakore, Betsy Maxwell and Lynette Karina.