Wednesday, June 23, 1971
Ngaruawahia “Shoccer”
Waikato Division 2
A most disappointing spectacle was the lot of the Ngaruawahia United supporters as they saw their “team” go down in a deserved defeat by Teachers-Varsity, 6-2, on Saturday. Deliberate fouling and needless bickering between players of the United team would have turned the stomach of the most ardent fan.
Only for about 10 minutes did the team cohese purposefully, and then Teachers began to successfully probe the weaknesses of United’s defence.
Rex Nightingale was tested to the limit by the Varsity forwards, who cleverly manipulated the ball in front of goal. The 6 goals were intelligently constructed, and they carved up the United defence at will.
Robin Turner had two bright spots in an otherwise static display in the forwards when he netted both Ngaruawahia’s goals from the right wing. Ngaruawahia sorely missed the sparkle of Allan Rose in the forwards.
There were many players who should have lost their places to the reserves who watched in anguish at the lethargic display.
Also it could be said that having a coach to referee the match is not the best for either team. Ken Chisholm presented Varsity with numerous free kicks (one a penalty) for late tackles, and United will have to cease fielding unfit players while the fit ones are grounded as reserves. It is hoped that the United selectors will deliberate more carefully when choosing this Saturday’s team against Waikeria.
Team: Nightingale, White, Frankhauser, MacDonald, C. Gorman, N. Gorman, Chisholm, Barr, Turner, Burt, Sunnex. Reserves: R. Berryman, S. Mark, T. Janssen.