THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

Auckland Star, Volume 55, Issue 136, 10 June 1924, Page 9

THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

THE SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP. CRITICAL ANALYSIS. (By LIGHT BLUE.) As a mmlt of tho full programme of pnmos played on King's Birthday, the Henior championship tables now read as follows :—

Two points for a win, ouc lor a draw. Hellaby's and Tramways had a ding-done struggle 'at the Domain last Tuesday, ant] a hard came euded with the sror<» ouc all. had the best of the first half, a line goal by Croft giving his team the lead, which they held till the lotervaJ. W. Lowell, Kane and Himnicr also performed well, but the Trommies soon equalised. The game at the finish was keenly contested, juid o, lot of fooling was shown, as some of the players were inclined to got out 01 hand. The result places -the B Division in a most Interesting state. At Victoria I'ark PonsonDy, after holding a rwo-goal lead, had to admit defeat from thf> well balanced Harbour Board team. The halves of the latter team proved too strong, and at the finish had the Ior»l forwards well in hand. Batty made a present of the first goal, even allowing for the fact that there was a free kick was given. Otherwise he gave a good display. Mitchell and Brittain were the superior pair of backs the Judicious placing of the latter being in marked contrast to the erratic kicking of Braitbwalte. Corbett and Jones played a grand game, and were well supported by the forwards in front, of whom Caldwell and Palmer were best. A good understanding has been struck between these two players, and both are deadly in front of goal. Hayes and Henshaw also played well. Clark, in goal, bad a couple of miraculous saves, and could not be blamed for the Board's third goal, which came about through a misunderstanding of the "Pony" backs. Neesha>n seems to have lost his form of late, while Meager t . played hard without

showing brilliancy. Their latest recruit, Morrison, showed clever touches, and justilied his selection. Innis had a couple of good goals, and shoAved a lot of dash, but has yet a lot to learn about centre forward play. He was poorly supported by his inside men, who failed to strike a combination. Dickson and Timm showed clever work at times, but the opposing defence was too strong. An enjoyable game was witnessed between Thistle and Northcote, with the latter team winning a hard game by the odd goal in five. Ferguson. Ritchie. Keane and Williams were best for Thistle, while Bell, Tremnin. Knott and Burford were best for the suburban team, who will yet have to be reckoned with in the competition. As mentioned in these columns, the question of referees is becoming an urgent one, and the several incidents which have happened of late have not done the game much good. Certuin players seem to think their word should be law, and inexperienced referees seem afraid to exert their authority, with the inevitable result that the games suffer. The local association have been most unfortunate in losing the services of Mr. A. E. Calslev who has had to return to the Old Country for business reasons. Senior referees arc so scarce ihnt bis absence will be keenly missed by the players.

> A DIVISION. Goals P. W. r,. D. For. Aβ. Pts. Harbour Board 701117 711 Northcote 7 5 2 0 27 Iβ 10 PmiHouby .... 7 4 2 J 20 13 0 North Shore.. 7 2 :! 2 14 17 -6 Thistle 7 2 4 1 22 2:1 5 Watersiders . . 7 0 C 1 T 32 1 B DIVISION. Y.M.C.A 7 S 1 1 23 10 11 Tramways ... 7 4 1 2 14 S 10 Ilellaby'K 7 4 2 1 17 5 9 Philomel 7 4 :t 0 36 16 8 Metropolitan . 7 1 0 0 13 23 2 Londoners ... T X l> O «J 30 2