SOCCER OPENS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 100, 1 May 1933, Page 14

SOCCER OPENS.

I SOME BRIGHT GAMES. i i FORM GOOD FOR KICK-OFF. DECISIVE RESULTS RECORDED. I Rather later than usual, the Soccer senior competition got under way on Saturday with five game 6, and the form shown can .be described on the average as very satisfactory for a beginning. There was a great mixture of old and young players in opposition and playing together, and, while many faults can be found, it is some time since such fast football was seen at the rising of the curtain. The results were:— Tramways 5, beat Thistle 1, Glen Innes 7, beat Abels 3. Y.M.C.A. 4, beat New Lynn 1. Shore United 1, beat Onehunga 0. Comrades 4, drew with Ponsonby 4. Perhaps the feature of the afternoon was the display of the Comrades team, making its debut in the senior grade, against Ponsonby, on Blandford Park. The match certainly was the most interesting and keenly contested curtain raiser seen at headquarters for many seasons. The youngsters to the grade astonished their opponents, and incidentally the spectators, by their fast, nippy, bright game, and If they sometimes erred in their tactics it was a fault that can easily be -remedied. The side is certainly diminutive and light tor seniors, but all the players are fast on the ball, swing it about with promising attention and care as to where it is going, and their general display was minus the aimless kicking of some of the more experienced combinations. Ponsonby had a hard task to make up their two-goal deficit, but towards the close wore down the opposition to draw level with nothing to spare. It was bright football all the way, and as events proved, much the better game of the afternoon on the park from a spectator's point of view. Comrades forwards attracted more attention than the defence, due to their vigorous attacking movements, and to the clever combination of the wing men. Skinner on the extreme left flank promises to be a "find," but he was solidly supported by Marvin, his partner, the pair making a very dangerous wing. Evans and Francis on the other wing also gave a deal of trouble to the Ponsonby defence, while Wright in centre kept his wing men going nicely, and, like his team mates, carried an accurate and strong shot. In the defence of Comrades, Hooton in the pivotal position played a strong hustling game as also did the wing halfbacks. They must cultivate greater resource, however, particularly in passing back when in a tight corner. Taken all over the Comrades made many friends by their plucky and clever display, and quite deserved their point. Ponsonby did not move with that rhythm that one looked for. They certainly did not have the advantage that their opponents had in having previously played together as a combination, but nevertheless, and allowing for the fact that several of the players were juniors, Ponsonby will require to show greater cohesion and understanding to keep up their reputation. The defence was at times somewhat uncertain, especially Stewart, who was nonplussed by the dash of his opponents, but Haggett adopted the game that Comrades played, and repeatedly broke up attacks. Morrison found the Comrades' left wing a hot handful. Pearson showed promise in centrehalf, and is a strong bustling player who should develop into a useful adjunct to the ; team. Masters was not much at home ; against the fnst-moving greens. In the for- i wards Ponsonby had a relapse of their j former complaint—they could not shoot . from the closest range, with with an open j goal. Jepson was useful and bustling without being brilliant as a centre, though ( the placing of the half-backs was not nlways of the best. Innes brought off several clever movements, hut Diamond seemed to rove too much to be of the best service to the attack. The left wing. A. Morrison and Formnn. showed clever footwork and understanding, but failed unaccountably in shooting. The match was really enjoyable to watch. j

The game between Y.M.C.A. and New Lynn proved a most spirited encounter, and a fast and lively bout saw Y.M. win by four goals to one. The winners fielded what was practically a team of promoted juniors, and with one or two ex reptlons the promotions were jiisM'Uii. New Lynn also had several new members J. Stewart, Marlow, Cotton and Hamilton turning out In the their colours. I\ Kny was also back with his old club. The ,Y.M. team showed promising combination for the initial game of the season, and with more experience for the younger players will prove a stiff proposition. Cowie was solid in goal, his great clearing kicks putting his side on the attack repeatedly. Movcntt played a sound game at full-back, but Thompson was frequently out of position. The half-back line was very solid, Chapman playing a good constructive game and defending solidly. Coltman (right) and Thornes (left) ably supported Chapman, although the former was inclined to get out of .position. It is hard to individualise in the forward line, all playing with dash and understanding. Humphreys, Murane, Klddolls and Pearson showed cohesion, but Hill kept his eyes on the incoming tackier instead of the ball. He will no doubt improve, as he is the youngest of the promoted juniors. It was New Lynn's unlucky day. Morris turned out with his ribs bandaged owing to a previous accident, but nevertheless played fairly well in goal. Rei,d suffered a twisted knee in the later stages of the game after playing well previously. Carr was also a passenger in the second spell having injured his ankle in the first spell when playing well. Kay was resourceful at full-back with Eeld getting in some solid defensive work. The half-backs were not convincing. They did a great amount of defensive work, but their constructive play was lacking. Twinn and Munro were the best of the trio, Jones being only fair. Marlin and Hamilton played well together on the left wing, getting in some nice work, but Stewart was not a success in the centre, evidently being out of form. Cotton played a solid game, but was handicapped by Carr being a passenger on the right wing. Carr was unlucky as he -was playing well when injured. THISTLE DISAPPOINTING. Tramways resuscitation realised the highest anticipation of its supporters, and the defeat of Thistle left nothing to chance. They fully deserved the points. While the team did not move with that ■ clock-work precision of Chatham Cup days, that was hardly to be expected in the first match ; what was more surprising was the way the players stood the pace of a game that was never slow. Thistle certainly disappointed—that is to say, they did not come anywhere near the standard that was expected. It must be conceded that the Scots did not turn out as was intended. The team had to be reshuffled owing to the absence of Kay and Williamson, and the reserves were not placed to the best advantage. During the game, too, there was further changing of places In a way that did not prove nt all efficacious, but apart from all these factors the team work of Thistle was not what it usually is. The half-backs did not place as they ought to have, and .there was far too much get-rid-of-the-ball-at-any-price about their game. It was a further misfortune for Thistle that Dunsmore played his worst game for seasons, and even Hislop was not up to concert pitch. Woods was the most enterpris- , ing forward of the black and whites, and should liavis been tried at centre-forward. Altogether Thistle have this blot to erase from their escutcheon. Tramways made the most of every opportunitv they had, and were much more deadly in front of goal than the Scots were. While inone of the players was brilliant there . was not a failure, and the foundations of a strong combination seemed to be in the making. The defence -was often in difficulties, but showed resource and understanding, and there was accuracy in their finishing movements. Donaldson was sometimes weak on the extreme left, but otherwise the forward line, ably led by Spencer and with clever manoeuvring by Evan WHlialns and McMillan, should develop as the season progresses. The game lacked the "zip" of former meetings of these old-time rivals, ~n o doubt to the impotcucy of the IlUStle, (

ONEHUNGA MISSES CHANCES. That Oneliunga opened the season with a defeat was probably more their own fault tliau that of their opponents. Not that Shore United are not entitled to full credit for their victory, which will be welcome nt the start of their new venture. Oneliunga threw away chance after chance, and failed to finish oft many nice movements. Both teams showed the effects of the initial lightning pace, but the game throughout was very keenly contested with the play surprisingly good for the start ot' the season. Onehunga was somewhat weak in the middle line, yet there were times when Dick opened up the play with well-placed, long passes, but tlie forwards were not good enough for the Shore defence. Wilson at outside left for Oneliunga, was prominent throughout, the game with bright touch-line dashes, and great goal drives, aud Forrester showed many clever touches, but there is not yet the cohesion that the team will require to develop. Shore's display was characteristic; 11 was fast, dashing, not troubled witl linesse, but altogether they were a hot hand ful for any opposition. There was nevei any dilly-dallying or hanging too long t( the ball, and all the players showed powei and speed that kept the game ever on th< swing. The rearguard was more successfu as spoilers than linished tacticians, ant there was some lusty kicking, while th< forwards adopted an unorthodox style thai is always a problem to counteract. Ger rard and H. Smith were a solid pair' oi backs, and Chubb showed promise at centre; half while the entire forward rank die well' The United should be satisfied witl: their first essay in the senior grade since the mCrgcr of tlic two North Shore clubs. GLEN INNES' BIG WIN. There was never much doubt as to which team would he the ultimate winner in the match between Glen Innes and Abels, the latter making its debut in senior matches, at Walker Park on Saturday. Glen Innes were a superior combination and definitely more skilful in strategic moves. The score, 7 to 3, was a fairly good indication of the comparative strength 'of the teams. Abels revealed definite promise of better things as the season progresses. They have yet to accustom themselves to a higher standard of opponent. Glen Innes were much too strong in the forwards for Abels, and in the back line as well. The Glen Innes halves worked well, although the laurels lay Indisputably with the forward line. Ilitchin, although playing energetically, showed the weakness of hanging on too long, and failed repeatedly to realise his opportunity for centring. The Glen Innes forwards repeatedly lost chances this way. R. Welch was responsible for most of the Glen Innes scores, while the other scores were got by Clark and Smith. Anstecd was perhaps the shining light in Abels' eleven, obtaining two goals. I-lowlett got the other. There was considerable doubt as to whether Ansteed's first score was really over the goal line, but, if this was so, the first score netted by U. Welch was equally is doubtful, as many members of both teams, and those on the line, considered it was offside. Lucas, the Abels' goalie, was sublect to much bombardment, and, although lie let seven goals pass him, he rose well to many difficult occasions and fisted out. AUCKLAND REPRESENTATIVES MATCH AGAINST THE NAVY. Players chosen by the selector to the tVuckland Football Association, Mr. A. E." Backhouse, to go into training for the natch against the Navy at Blandford Park lext Saturday:—Zulu, Stone, Gerrard, Morrison, Christie, Grant, Crahbe (South ~nd), Blackie, Dunsmore, Spencer, Jislop, Kay. Players will attend at Blandford Park o-morrow at 7 p.m. GRADE GAMES. SECOND GRADE. Onehunga 0, beat Ponsonby 1. Mt. Albert Grammar 0.8. 5, beat Y.M.C.A.

Ponsonby A G, beat Comrades 0. Glen Innes 4, beat Tramways 2. Onehunga B G, beat Ponsonby 1. Tamaki G, beat Abels 2. THIRD OPEN. Henderson 18, beat I'apatoetoo 0. teamen's United 7, beat Swanson 1. FOURTH GRADE. Mt. Albert Grammar 0.8. 0, drew with Mt. Albert Grammar 0. FIFTH GRADE. 3T.M.C.A. 4 beat Metro. College 1. GAMES IN PROVINCE. nUNTLY. Thistle 0, beat Hamilton United 2. HAMILTON. Rotowaro 3, beat Hamilton Wanderers 0. THAMES VALLEY. Waitoa 4, heat To Arolia 3. GAMES IN SOUTH. CIIRISTCHURCH. Llnwood 2, beat Nomads 1. Thistle 4, beat Rangers 0. Technical 2, beat Western 1. DUNEDIN. Northcril~~(Ll>cat Port Chalmers 1. Maori Hill 4T~Dwrt, High School Old Boyß Seacliff 5, beat Kaitangata 0. WELLINGTON. First Division B.—Mnrist 3, bent Waterside 2 ; Petone G, beat Swifts 2 ; Diamond 15, beat Hutt 2 ; Hospital 8, beat Technical 5.