FOOTBALL NOTES.

Ashburton Guardian, Volume XXXVII, Issue 9051, 23 July 1917, Page 3

FOOTBALL NOTES.

(By HALF-BACK.)

Football in Ashburton is now in full swing, and a good deal of public interest has been aroused in the competition. Naturally the ranks of the players have been sadly depleted by the war, and many a sterling Rugger player is now playing a greater game on the fields of France and on the desert sands of Egypt, and not a few have made their "final dash." So far, in the present competiton, four teams have taken the field, but there is a possibility that Old Boys, through lack of players, will have to withdraw their B team. So far the standard of play has not been up to expectations. It is evident that the teams have neglected the most important thing— practice. There is a lack of combination, and without this the games invariably develop into an unilteresting scramble.; [■ ' ■ .

Southern Crosses "victory last Thursday over' Old Boys A was a surprise to: many. It was a case of tables turned. Nevertheless,' there was little to choose between tlio teams. Gross had the heavier pack, while Old Boys possessed superior backs. Smith's try for Gross was a great effort. Possibly, had Hood been further back, he would have had a chance of stopping him. Neither side formed a scrum correctly. The ball was hooked well, but the supports invariably kicked it back into the scrum. The supports should remember that they are not the hookers. Their duty is to hold the scrum arid leave a clear passage for the exodus of the ball. They should hold the- scrum till the ball is cioar and the backs in motion. There were Hashes of good back play on Thursday. The Old Uoys' backs took part in a good rush, but Wright was tackled near the line. Day, tor Old Boys, is a clever back, but his passing leaves much room for improvement. Southern Cross made a mistake in not " feeding '■' Smith, who is a speedy back, but his handling of the ball leaves much to be desired.

Gross has made a valuable find in their full-back, Marsden. His work on Thursday was a veritable treat. Old Boys failed to bustle him; ho fielded the ball splendidly, and extricated his side from many tight corners. Hood, for Old Boys, was clearly out of place at full-back. His position is centre-three-quarter, as he possesses speed and scoring ability. The previous Thursday High School were defeated by Old Boys. A few remarks on this game would not be out of place. School would have done well to have played the back game, but Withell at first five-eighths hesitated to transfer to his backs, and many opportunities were lost. They have good backs —Miller, Lewis, and others, who would prove a good combination if given more opportunities.

With the defeat of Old Boys by Cross, the competition is made more oven, as these two teams and High School are now even. The meeting of School and Cross should provide interesting football, and if School give their backs a chance, their hopes of victory are bright. In the first two matches there was unwelcome leaven of dirty play, but last Thursday's game was fairly clean. It is quite time that players shoxild realise that such tactics are not included in the rules of football, and are not what the spectators want. Besides, it reflects no credit on the players or on their club.

[Football notes, by "Half-back," will appear in the "Guardian" every Monday.]