ASSOCIATION GAME.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIV, Issue 155, 1 July 1913, Page 8

ASSOCIATION GAME.

HOCKEY.

Although Evertan defeated Ponsonby by two goals to nil, the score hardly represents the run of the game. Evertan were far and away the better team ou tbe day. and with a less capable custodian than Oldnall to elude they must have come through with at least a dozen goals to the good.

It would be difficult to sort out the players iv the winning team for special comment. The half-hacks had the full measure of the Ponsonby forwards, and were able to give a good deal of assistance to their own forwards.

Baker, at centre half, besides scoring the opening goal, worked like a Trojan, and was ably assisted by Booth and Pitkin. The lastnamed player opened a little shakily, but soon settled down, and played a useful game.

Centre-forward Boy lie was well watched, and stood a lot of knocking about. For the losers, the one man who stood out head and shoulders above the rest was Oldnall. the skipper and goal-keeper. The way he dealt with shot after shot was marvellous. Had he not been at the top of his form the score would have been very much higher in favour o." Everton. Johnson and Almond (Ponsonby) are a pair of backs who never know when they are beaten, and can always be relied upon to play a hard and vigorous game. The latter lost his head on two or three occasions on Saturday, and. after having been cautioned twice by the referee, he received his marching orders. It was rather surprising- on Saturday to see a first-grade match played without goal nets. The task of the referee is quite hard enough in the ordinary coarse without requiring anything else tp make it harder. With a close shot it is very difficult (in some circumstances almost impossible! for a referee to say whether the ball goes inside or outside the post. Close attention to these seemingly unimportant details is what is going to keep on making very steady friends for the Association game. The unfortunate ordering-off incident will be the subject of an inquiry by the A.F.A. executive in the ordinary course, so that comment must be expressed with that fact borne in mind. The referee will naturally be called upon to make his report, and to substantiate his charge, and it is a mere statement of fact to say that Mr. Guest can be thoroughly relied upon to state his case fairly and | without bias. It was a pity that aj member of the A.F.A. Management Committee officially expressed his opinion at half-time that the Ponsonby full-back I should have been sent off during the first half of the game. That might very well have been kept for the committee-room. I Everyone will admit that it is essential I in the interests of the game to uphold the ! authority of the referee. There is a i proper place for official reprimand, if| necessary, but that place is not the field j of play—in the presence of the players. The Brotherhood team, who have been : doing so well this season, have another! trouble to face. Their centre-forward,' George Cordcry. is leaving for America next Friday. He has been of great as-' sistance to his club, and has heen improv-j ing his form each week. Cordery will I be greatly missed by his cltrb-mates, who, I with all the other senior players in Auckland, wish him a safe voyage and good fortune. Corrin; Brotherhood's left back, who| was the best player on the -field in the I game against Otahuhu on Saturday, is, from the spectator's point of view, one of the best defenders in the first division. This season he has strengthened Brotherhood's defence to a remarkable deVgree, and never once has he failed to oe in his best form.

With a good deal of pleasure an opportunity is taken to make a correction at the request of a good sportsman, who is desirous that honour should be given where honour is due. Mr. .1. R. Turnbull writes: "Please allow mc to make a correction in your football nates of last Tuesday regarding the Brotherhood Club. lam not the secretary or manager, but simply chairman—a position I am proud of. Our secretary is Mr. E. J. Hutson, who has kept the boys together, and led them on to their present position by having a practice-shed provided for them, and also a social room. Mr. 'Hutson has devoted a great deal of valuable time—in fact, more than any other member of his non-playin-g committee could have done—to the club's welfare, and we all appreciate his work, and feel that much, if not all. of (the club's success is due to him." Mr. Turubull was connected with the soccer game for over 20 years at Home, and, in view of the above letter, we can realise [ that he is a good man for Auckland, and hardly need his assurance (that- he will be only too pleased to help all he cau to further the game in this city.

The fouTth division match, hctween Richmond and North Shore, proved very interesting, especially in the second spell. At half-time no score had been registered, although several vain attempts had been made by both teams. In the second spell, Shore kicked off, and immediately set up a passing rush, the centre forward. Spinley, making a nice run down the field, and passing neatly to Aiison, who in turn passed to Hay on the right wing. Tile latter got in a very nice shot from a difficult angle, which completely baffled the opponent-,' goal-keeper, and registered Shore's first goal. From this on give and take play ensued, Richmond for some time having Shore hard pressed, and the goal-keeper (Lunn) saved his side by conceding a corner. From the corner, Coleman, for Shore, gained possession, and, with a nice kick, sent his forwards away with a rush. Chapman effectually saved his side with a long kick, but Coleman gained possession, and again placed the ball at the feet of his centre-forward. Spinley rushed .the ball down the field, and, after a melee in front' of goal, sent in a hot shot, which caught Richmond's goal-keeper in the arms, and rolled into the net. Play was even till the whistle sounded, leaving Shore winners by 2 goals to nil. For them, Coleman played a magnificent game, both in the defence and attack, and continually saved his side from what looked like a certain goal. He was easily the best player on the ground. Spinley, Alison, and Emiraldi also played good games. For the losers. Grieve and Chapman were the only players to show up .to advantage. The match Brotherhood v. Shore well exemplified how far succeed attends the efforts of those who seize the opportunity. In Ihe first spell Shun; n-.id nearly the whole of the play, and I think Rrothcrhood were within rdriking distance ot the home goal only three times: yet on each of those occasions they scored. So far art Shore's c-ll'orts were concerned, the goal-peats might have been placed only to mark the end of the ground, for their shooting was seldam directed towards the uprights. hi the sceond spell play evened up more, but Shore still hid' slightly the better of it. so long aei the ball \va.< not close to Brotherhood's goal. A foul a couple of yards from the visitors' goal prevented an, almost certain score, but

Brotherhood got relief. Shortly after, however,, a pretty one was put through by WooEey, but no further additions were made by either side. Where Brotherhood had one opening, Shore had half-a-dozen, so the visitors thoroughly deserved their win by making use of what opportunities offered. Their leu-king was cleaner and quicker than that of the Shore team, but. at the same time, several of their men should be cautioned against the dangeror-ri practice of jumping ami then double kicking. it would be well if players would thoroughly instil in their minds the fact that Soccer is intended primarily as a recreation for the body, and that, the tongue is not the principal member t--be used, fur the game will run much more sweetly with a minimum of talk-1

In the sixth division. V..M.C.A. met and defeated Grey Lynn by 2 goals to nil. From the outset, V.M.C.A. took the upper hand, although at. times Grey Lynn were unfortunate in not Hcoring. Both teams indulged in hard kicking in preference to combination. V.M.C.A. forwards lacked dash, and were continually crowding the half-line. Edmunds' play was the redeeming feature of the match.

In the rtitu division. Devonport Presbyterians, playing one short, accounted for Tabernacle hy 3 to nil. Play was of an even and interesting nature, the two Tabernacle backs— Garlick and Hailing—warding off the attacks in good style. For the Presbyterians, Fairgray and Burke were the most conspicuous of an even lot. Everton fifth gradi* team secured their first win on Saturday by defeating Northcote 2 to nil. l-'rom tbe kick-off, Everton began to press, and Northcote, being one ishort. had a busy time to keep the forwards out. OVonnor was right up to form for Everton. being well supported by Barnes. For Northcote. (.'redness was the mainstay, and repeatedly proved the stumbling-block to Everton's forwards.

The seventh scries of matches for the local were played last Saturday, when, contrary to expectations, University went under to Ponsonby. With the exception of a. draw with Auckland last year, University have maintained a sequence of successes since Mount Eden surprised them last season. This match was even v bigger surprise, as Ponsonby had only opened their winning account the week before. The game could not be termed a brilliant exposition of hockey, as the rough j nature of the ground and the long grass i hampered operations to a large extent. jln this respect University suffered most. I Finessing was out of the question, and I the backs were compelled to resort to I elementary methods to cope with Poiij sonby's attacks. The hard, sharp passing by the losers' forward line failed to materialise, and the attack lost a lot of sting. Before University became aceliI matised Ponsonby caused trouble and j pierced the defence of the champions. I With one goal against them University were not anxious—the game was young and there was any amount of time to eh-.inge the state of affair.-. Frequent charges failed 1o do the trick owing to I the Activity of the I'onsonby backs, '.mil I wild hitting and shooting by no fewer I than four of the forwards "lost certain scores before half-time. lmd not been idle, and circled just as often as University, but not with so much determination. The second spell saw Uni versily more eager, and notwithstanding that the defence was searched, it was impregnable. Again chances were lost by University, and though Ponsonbv also lost them, their attack" was not nearly so prolonged. Maekie. in goal, did all that was required of him. saving a couple of critical situations. Mincher made his first appearance this season, and was a valuable asset to Ponsonbv. .Tacobsen played the game of his life for j Ponsoni-y, and in the second spell his tackling was very deadly. Alison never faltered, and outshone everybody but J'jeobsen. whose work was if anything less artistic. Collins was as steady as 'a rock. The whole of the forward line worked hard, and it is extremely difficult to individualise. Among the ' student* .Speight's hitting was as sound as ever, but in stopping lie was not up to the murk. Howe was not so prominent as usual, but did many thin~s well. Whittaker was responsible for some fine defensive work. Reynolds showed to better advantage in the second spell than in the first, and Mahony made some good openings from time to time.

A good deal of interest was centred in the meeting between Areta and Mount Eden. Great rivalry exists between these two teams, and the supporters of each were confident of their team's ability to win. From the outset it was clearly evident the pace was to be a cracker and so it proved. The blacks forced the pace, and quickly found the circle, only to be repulsed and driven to defensive tactics. The first spell ended in Areta's favour, with a. goal to each team, while the second half saw Mount Eden most aggressive -and a repetition of the first halfs score. A drawn game gives tbe merits of the teams. Although the vanguards passed freely. both indulged in the same fault of hitting too straight, and no doubt the amount of overrunning ran be directly attributed to the state of the cround. The best of Mount Eden's forwards was 0. Bartleet, who has seldom been seen to such advantage. He shared the first goal, -while the second score came as the result of a clever stroke. McLeod was always prominent and narrowly missed the not, while Drower (left wing) proved a source of trouble. Woolford apoeared in place of Alexander, and made a creditable showing, while Malcolm is seen to greater advantage as a right wing. A. Bartleet was the best of the half line, and indulged in clever intercepting, while Hunt showed marked improvement. Though he was by no means as brilliant as his two confreres, Garrett left little to cavil at. King made many good saves, checking some dangerous "attacks, and Cole was more prominent in speculating. Laird has now charge of the net. and made a favourable impression. In fuct, in dispensing with '.he three fullback game. Mount Eden have considerably strengthened their defence. Between Areta's uprights Dryland was frequently tested. He left w"idc-going lalls to pass, and brought off good saves by kicking. Ellison was difficult to overcome, and he cleared with well-directed hitting. England again displayed brilliancy at times, but would often undo a good effort by badly-directed hitting. There was not much lo choose hetween Richards and Staintan, The latter was inclined to roam towards the left. ,l,ut this «a< i H his efforts to support Graham. who replaced White. In the attacking lino Thomas made many openings. Moginnie's dashes were very dangerous. He liad hard luck in being cheeked by Cole in the second half, wJaen he gained J3w «rd»^-iMSB«-ae«p!tf33»^

Coltman and McLeod on the left were not so conspicuous as usual. Preston at right-wing forced the pace, but spoilt good opportunities by one-handed play. Auckland visited North Shore, and tried conclusions with the local eleven, coming out victorious by six goals to nil! In the first spell, the home team put up a good fight, and should actually have scored on one occasion, but the ball just went outside of an open goal. The game ffcrht made by North Shore in the first spell caused considerable excitement among their supporters, and it was expected that they would fully extend .their more experienced opponents in the second half, but Auckland pulled together much better, and piled on four more goals. Horspool came in for practically the whole of the work in the full-back line, land gave a good performance. The I halves were moderate, Lepine being about fthe best. Havana gh was inclined to hang on too long. In the forwards, Smythe was seen to better advantage, while both wingers—Murray and Moore —played well. For North. Shore, Farquharson was a tower of strength, and was ably assisted by Bongard, a young player with a future. Whittaker had a busy afternoon, and, although inclined to get out of position, came out of the ordeal well. Manning was the most con- , s-picuous of the front division. Little and Grace also put in a great deal of work. It is interesting to note at this juncture that the first hockey match played in Auckland was between the two great rival clubs that meet next Saturday. The match was played at Dilworth's paddock on June 3rd. 1833, and resulted in a win for Auckland. Tbe competition of 1.103 ended in a win apiece for the two teams. During the next five contests one drawn game resulted: then from 1000 until the second meeting, iv 1900. Auckland were victorious. That second fixture brought a score of one all. It was but the turning point, for honours were from then about even. The biggee-? win recorded was jy Auckland in 1904, with a score of 6 goals to 1. In all, 22 contests have been played, 14 wins standing to Auckland's credit, and four to University's, the remaining four having been drawn, while Auckland have 57 goals against "Varsity's 24. At Kcmuera tomorrow (Wednesday) the annual Training College match between Past and Present members will eventuate. The Referees' Association had a very interesting meeting last night. Several of the clubs wrote, acknowledging the offer for lectures upon the rules, and on Friday night Messrs. Hay and Curric will attend the Mount Eden Club's meeting. Two more new members, in Mr. Poole, of Tauranga. and Mr. Mollard, an cx-Ttii player, were elected. Mr. E. E. Madden delivered the final portion of his lecture upon the rules of the game to the Referees' A-soeiation at the last meeting, and, as a result of the questions asked, a very beneficial discussion ensued, and points were explained which should be of the greatest value to referees.

LACROSSE

Last Saturday's match between Rowing Club and Grafton was by no mean* one-sided, a.s reported. From tha faeeotr. Fii-i. put his -Mc on the attack, and some good play was witnessed on both sides, neither siiie gaining any a-uvant'g.-during the first twenty minutes' play. After changing cuds, play was nzraiu very even, until :■ few minute-, bef'>re half-time, when Rowing (.lull took the

aggrc.'.-,-ive, and continued to attack Bragge finally scoring for Rowing Club. The first spell ended: Rowing Club, 1; Grafton. 0.

Play was still even during t'le remainder of the gamp, nut il n few minutes before lime was called, when Grafton's attack rallied, and scored - goals in succe=i»inn. the final scores being: Grafton. 10; Rowing Club, 7.

( The pick of Rowing Club's defence were Collinson and Whitten who played splendidly. Rowing Club's at tack was good, but they lack the linidh of the older plciycrs. dwelling too long before shooting. liad th\v the necessary finish to their play on Saturday, there is no doubt that the scorecs would have been decidedly the other way. Philson was the pick of (irafton's a.ttaek, and played well. Oliver and Thornton both played well on the defence for Orafton. Heath also displayed his usual form as goal-keeper. Mr. Pledger is to be congratulated on the form his team is showing in the second round, and thanks is due to him for the trouble he has taken in coaching the players.

BOXING.

THE AMATEUR CHAMPIONSHIPS. Final arrangements In eonnertion with the amateur boxing championship meeting, lo be held in the Town Hall on the Bth and !>th inst.. were made by the Northern Boxing Association last evening.

Officials for the tournament were, appointed as follows:—M.C.. Mr H. A. Keeping; stage manager. Mr M. Halllu: clerk of scales. Messrs L. Cook and W. Arnold; judges and referees, Messrs TT. A. Keesing, F. Burns, and I. Dyer: call stewards, Messrs SI. Connelly. J. W. Brown. 11. McIlnonc. and J. Gillett: timekeepers. Messrs F. Bnms. Jno. Russell, and r. B. (Jreenbough: medical steward. Mr J. W. Russell.

In addition to tbe semi-finals and finals on the Wednesday evening, there will also be a sis-round contest between Rod Standeu and Bert Murphy.