ASSOCIATION.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 56, 13 April 1914, Page 2

ASSOCIATION.

Tlfove being no other Soccer attractions 011 Saturday afternoon, enthusiasts converged upon St. Albans Park to witness the annual fixture between the local Nomads and Dunedin Mornington. Local football has made an earlier start this year, and in consequence the wearers of the all-blue were more fit than the Dunedinites, who have as yet had little practice, although the Otago season opens on the IStli inst. Considerable difficulty is experienced in getting full teams to travel so early in the season, and Mornington were forced to introduce junior talent. In consequence, they were not at all sanguine of their ability to successfully cope with the reputedly strongest club in Canterbury; As the game progressed, however, this fear proved unfounded, as the young blood played with confidence and undoubted ability. Some time elapsed before the players settled down to the game in earnest, when it was apparent that the visitors in the vicinity of goal were being allowed too much freedom—in other words, the Nomads' defence, with the exception of "Clay," was decidedly uncertain and unreliable. Two of the goals notched by the visitors were gifts—the first through Webster's bad judgment and the second through Lulliam's carelessness, a "soft" free kick from 40yds out not being considered worthy of attention. »

In the second spell tlie spectators witnessed forward combination rarely to be seen, and only one thing was wanted to cap the delightful exhibition given by the Nomads' forwards, and that was goals. Had they gained one every time they tried to <lo so," then the visitors would have been completely swamped. It may be urged that the above remark would apply to almost any club; but let ine say at once that Hollyman, the custodian, was the man who saved Mornington from an overwhelming- defeat. When I say that the Nomads' front rank gave a delightful exhibition, I must also hasten to qualify that statement somewhat. Their passing was perfection, and it lasted for one-half of the game at least. What appeared to me to be a fatal fault, however, was that they were inclined to overdo it, in their realisation of the fact that by such methods as they adopted tliey could run rings round the opposing defence. That, of course, was all very well, and pretty to watch, but goals are wanted, and plenty of them. Every time the visitors came down on the opposition goal they were dangerous on account of weak defence. Deuchrass, the Mornington centre, was hard to keep out, but would do with a leaf oat of Taylor's book —less individual play. Simpson still retains liis clever illusive touches, and, playing along with players of the type opposed to him, would proA'ide a class of football seldom witnessed. Weight is beginning to tell to some tunle, and I shouldn't wonder if this should be his last season. "Donald,'' who I recall as a wing forward of" Northern :'s," was the outstanding half of the visitors' three. This player could put in a shot with plenty of "sting" as a forward, and that he hasn't forgotten the art was evidenced on Saturday, when he accepted the rebound from the boj-, giving Lulham no chance.

In the last fifteen minutes the Nomads had by far the larger amount of play, and v.-ere certainly due for the equalising goal uracil earlier. From this 011 it looked odds'oil them winning, but the whistle sounded all too soon for them, and a welcome sound to manv of the visitors, who were "all out." "The visitors were entertained in the even ing at the Veterans' Hall, where, after the usual .toasts had been "celebrated," some excellent items were rendered. The president of the C.F.A. unexpecthis appearance later in the evenly,, and was received with prolonged applause. In proposing the toast of the Otago Football Association, lie worked his way 011 to his pet subject, and gave those present something to take to their next club meeting to think about.

From certain statements made at this function, Soccer enthusiasts —and, in fact, all connected with the game in Canterbury—will.receive some pleasant surprises in the near future which should make the adherents of "cer tain other games" green with envy at the gigantic, strides "our" game has made recently.

Mr Simpson gave an interesting account of the progress of the game in Otago. From being a small body they have risen to an equal position with the previous leading winter sport, Rugby, and from their schools' report there is no doubt that within a year or two Dunedin will be looked upon as the leading centre with Association football predominating. The prospects of a season on such an important and up-to-date park as the Caledonian Grtrnml will undoubtedly spur clubs to exceptional activity itt

the desire to present teams worthy, of the privilege of playing upon this firstclass ground. Green Island, who were suspended some icars, ago by the 0.F.A., have again applied fer. admission to the senior competition. Should their application be accepted, ten clubs will form the senior competition. This year celebrates Mr S. S. Myers's twenty-fifth year as president of the Otago Football Association. A splendid idea for educating strangers to the game is being adopted in Diinedin-—distributing cards giving the simple outlines of the games and the rules at the entrance gates to the different grounds. The method is not new by any means, but such cards can be used to some purpose in educating the public to the game. The local authorities have been led to believe from time to time that the New Zealand Council were preparing an accident insurance scheme to extend over the whole Dominion, and have in consequence held their hand. If such a scheme is not forthcoming it is time the Canterbury Centre made a.move in this direction oil their own.

Tt is rather a significant fact that the Wellington Football Association has sent notices out to all the clubs affiliated: — '' That an insurance fee of 1/6 shall accompany each player's registration form, otherwise the application will be considered informal."

I I understand a deputation is to appear at to-morrow's meeting of the Management Committee from the Linwood Club requesting the local association to consider the adoption of a similar scheme. The Nomads have ''signed on" May, late of Lyttelton, with a view to strengthening their defence. May is a goalkeeper of considerable ability, with excellent reach and judgment, and if in anything like his old form, should have the desired effect.

May, Watson, and 'Williamson should be good enough for the most of oppositions, although the latter has not as yet shown anything like his last season's form. Besides securing the services-.of Norman, the Rangers have signed on A. Walton, a new chum. Walton gained his experience in Halifax, where he latterly played for ISorby Bridge in the Halifax District Senior League. This player should be a considerable lielp to the Ranas his position, right back, is one they were anxious to fill.

Norman will be of most assistance to his club if played at although from a representative point of view it is a mistake to put him there when he is looked upon as Canterbury's pivot. His experience would steady up the middle division, and his ability for putting in the unexpected daisy cutter could he utilised in that position ■ just as well. Bunny side considered him of most value in the middle division.

Rave Fullerton will not be seen in the Nomads' ranks in the opening competition games, and there is a probability of his donning a jersey of another colour; Great are the vicissitudes of football fortune. A year ago Sheffield Wednesday were well in the running for the English League Championship; to-day they have the shadow of the second division hanging over them, and in their company (although two points safer) Newcastle United, a club whom nobody had thought of in connection with such a reduction.

Eagerly anxious for points, these unfortunates met before 30,000 people, and 90 minutes of determined effort gave them one point each, but nevei 1 a goal. I understand a special general meeting of the delegates to the C.F.A. is to be called for the 21st inst., when the following business will be dealt with: — Rules to govern privately-owned playing enclosures; the purchasing of an area of land suitable for a private football ground. The competition- matches commence on Saturday first, and the first round draw will be published on Wednesday.