SOCCER JOTTINGS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 152, 30 June 1927, Page 14

SOCCER JOTTINGS.

AUCKLAWDERS AT DUNEDIN.

QUINTET PERFORM CREDITABLY,

TINKLER FIT FOR SECOND TEST,

According to exchanges from Dunedin, the Auckland members of the New Zealand Test team 011 the whole gave a sound display in a game which has been described as the best seen in Dunedin for many a day. In the view of one scribe, Dan Jones was the best of the half-backs, and it is a pity Tinkler's play was interefered with by tlio • accident he sustained. Innes •was a thorn in the ficsh of the opposing defence, , and Spencer and Hislop were ever thrustful in their goalwanl efforts. Cue critic states that Ilislop was just a little inclined to wander, and it has b.ien suggested by an Auckland official that he may have been looking for the partner he didn't have.

Most of the scribes down south are enthusiastic regarding the football of the Canadians, which they state is the finest seen in New Zealand. It seems that the team has struck a clever, artistic game and the feature of their display appears to have been their along-the-carpet passes and the triangular, game. By the latter method it is stated they made vast «slices of ground very rapidly, and tlreir short passing was a treat to witness. It is evident that the New Zealanders were up against a talented and vigorous opposition, and their division of the honours is all the more meritorious.

A message from the special correspondent of the "Star" in Dunedin records , a pleasant little incident during the visit of the Canadians in Dunedin. ,Tho correspondent telegraphs:— "Generosity brings its own rewards. One happy man watched the Soccer Test imatcli at Carisbrook on Saturday. He was James Adam, manager of the Canadian team. When he attended the

previous meeting of the Management Committee 01 the Otago Football Association, he listened : to the reading of a letter from the Normal School Club asking that . the secondary boys' team be admitted free to the match. The secretary told how this team had turned out short

just ior tne sport of the game, and Mr. Adam promptly said to send them along as his guests. The boys were met on Saturday by Mr. Adam, who introduced them individually to the Canadian team. Then the boys met Mr. Adam, and presented him >vitli a greenstone paper knife, silver mounted and engraved. "At last night's meeting of the Management Committee Mr. Adam asked to make public the appreciative gift of the school boys, who had given Eim a delightful surprise."

In connection with Tinkler's accident and ' the 'probability of Carter taking his place, no further advice has been received in Auckland, flora which it is assumed that the Tramways halfback is again fit for his place in the team. The arrangement wis that Carter was to have been informed by Tuesday, so as to proceed south yesterday, but no further communication has come ■from the sole selector. . The second round draw 'of the Chatham Cup will be made on Tuesday next, and the matches may lie played off the following Saturday. With the senior competition gradually devolve ing into a one team show, it is as well for the management to get ahead with the more attractive and interesting features of the season before the rep.' games set in and upset tlie run of affairs. The competition games could probably be shelved for the time being and cup ties substituted. There are, of course, only half of the teams now in the Chatham Cup, and the remainder would require to be provided for in some way, so as to avoid players standing on the bank. The Grounds' Committee may have given the subject consideration already, but in the near future interest in competition games will wane unless many unexpected things happen meantime. Some scheme should be forthcoming. Saturday's Games. While the race at the top of the table is apparently a fairly uneven one, the struggle to avoid the "distinction" of "wooden spoonists" is by no means half-hearted. The meeting of Onehunga and Y.M. on Blandford Park, in the first game on Saturday, ought to produce a keen and exciting struggle. Y.M.C.A. showed surprising form at the Shore on Saturday, while Onehunga also played progressive football on the Domain. The teams are very evenly matched, and both can be relied upon to make a supreme effort to notch the full points. Northcote will also stretch North Shore, who are still minus the assistance of Jones and Baxter. The 'Cote gave a very impressive display last Saturday, and it is by no means impossible for them to more than ''shake up" the Pevonport men. Tramways, in their present weakened state, will find Navy a hard enough nut to crack, and if they manage a draw, will have reason to compliment themselves. Ponsonby will put up a brave show against Thistle,-though probably only a few inveterate enthusiasts will look forward with, any degree of optimism to the chances of the Ponies for a win.