1927 LAUNCESTON K.O CUP Final
Stoke Climsland 2-0 Ashwater
S.Pridham, Francis Heath Attendance 1,200
Stoke Climsland Retain Cup
UNSEEMLY BEHAVIOUR OF SPECTATORS
Ashwater Player Injured
The final between Stoke Climsland and Ashwater in the Launceston and District Knock-out Cup competition was played at Hurdon, Launceston on Friday evening last.
The game was fast and cleanly contested during the first half, deteriorated during the second half, when largely owing to the barracking of a certain section of the spectators tempers got ruffled with the result that some questionable tactics were indulged in by both teams.
On the run of the game Stoke Climsland were the superior team though Ashwater were by no means outclassed as the final score of 2-0 for Stoke Climsland would suggest.
Almost at the conclusion of the game the Ashwater captain Mr Stanley Tubb was injured and had to receive attention from members of the Launceston Ambulance Brigade.
Launceston Town Band under Bandmaster Worden) rendered various selections
The Game
The first half was fought out in a cleanly contested spirit and the score of 2 goals to 0 at the interval in favour of Stoke Climsland flattered their superiority.
Ashwater played a fine game and it was weakness in front of goal that robbed them of success. In the opening stages Stoke dominated the play and Heath, on one occasion was tackled just in time when he was nearly through. Later the same player from a neat ring wing pass shot high over the bar with practically an open goal.
Getting into their stride Ashwater worked their way to the Stoke goal and Raddall saved a hot drive from the centre half. After this attack the Ashwater goalie made a big blunder by leaving his charge but Heath put the leather behind. J.Tubbs made tracks towards the Stoke Climsland goal and Raddall saved his shot.
A conspicuous movement by Stubb and the outside left looked promising but the resultant centre travelled across the Stoke Climsland goalmouth unharmed.
Subsequent play was of a ding dong nature, with both defences showing their prowess the display of Ashwater being brilliant. Both of Stoke's goal were notched in less than five minutes, Pridham with a pass from a pass by Heath beat the Ashwater custodian with a good drive and Heath scored number two which was rather lucky, the goalie making a weak attempt at saving.
Ashwater upon this reverse, set the pace, which was too hot for the Stoke Climsland backs and only the brilliance of Raddall prevented their downfall. Ashwater's right half sent in a long shot. Raddall made a very weak save and was forced to give a corner which he punched clear. Just on the interval, the Ashwater outside left sent in a hot shot from close range, but Raddall saved.
Half-time: Stoke Climsland 2 Ashwater 0
The scene on the pitch in the concluding half represented that of a boxing booth (minus the ring), the Ashwater goalie having several one minute rounds with various spectators.
With regard to the play, some good movements were served up by both teams, but it was quite clear that ill feeling had crept in. Ashwater's goalie saved a fine shot from the Stoke right winger by punching the ball over the bar. J Tubb missed a glorious opportunity from a forward pass his final effort being putrid.
Pridham had a good chance of increasing the lead when from close range he shot wildly over the bar. Ashwater's defence were supreme, the timely tackling and kicking of the backs being splendid. Stephens the Ashwater veteran left half was a great inspiration to the team, his headwork being a noteworthy feature.
Ashwater's goalie came through a victor in a raid by the opposing forwards; the ball was on the verge of entering the net, he dived and punched clear amidst wild applause.
Pridham hit the cross bar with a shot and on the rebound Heath had a drive saved.
A pretty movement in which Ashwater's forwards participated carried the ball to the Stoke goalmouth where S.Tubb shot over the bar from close range. Both teams strove hard for goals and Ashwater were very unlucky as they put up a hard fight
Presentation of Cup and Medals
At the conclusion of the game Canon F.E.Lewis congratulated the Stoke Climsland captain and team and the Mayoress (Mrs H. Kittow) presented the cup and medals
Rev Lewis said that before they presented the cup that evening he would like to call attention to one thing. He was sure that all sympathised with the man who was hurt so badly at the beginning the week- (hear, hear) - and he would like them to show their sympathy by holding up their hands and sending a message to him.
The gathering expressed their sympathy by holding up their hands.
Continuing Canon Lewis said they had witnessed a very good game that evening and Ashwater need not be ashamed of the courage and good play they had shown that evening -(hear, hear)- but they must remember that Stoke Climsland was invulnerable, irrepressible and unconquerable. For four or five years Stoke Climsland had won the cup and he wished they would have the cup with Stoke Climsland and that they could have a new one. (Hear, hear). What they had to do was present the awards of honour which had been successfully won by Stoke Climsland that night, not forgetting Ashwater would take home with them tributes for a well contested game.
The Mayoress then presented the cup to the Stoke Climsland captain amidst applause.
Returning thanks the Stoke captain said he thought the Stoke Climsland supporters would congratulate Ashwater on the splendid play they had put up (Hear, hear)
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