EXIT ABELS.

Auckland Star, Issue 154, 2 July 1934, Page 13

EXIT ABELS.

CHATHAM CUP CONTEST. STIRRING- GAME WITH PONSONBY. THREE CHAMPIONSHIP MATCHES. Saturday saw the worst weather conditions o£ the season, practically all the grounds suffering from the heavy rain of the early morning and the sharp showers during the afternoon. The Chatham Cup first round replay between Abels and POll- - was the main feature of the afternoon and took place on Blandford ParkCompared with the cup tie of the previous week one felt that the game was really worth while. Both teams played with astonishing pace 011 a ground that was very near to a quagmire, and there were times when the standard of football in these circumstances was surprisingly high. Ponsonby cannot be denied their victory, though Abels must be given credit for an excellent showing. The conditions on the park, especially in the goalmouths, would have been improved had the management adopted the suggestion, made by a follower of the code in the "Star" some weeks ago, and applied a decent coating o£ sawdust. The goalkeepers had a great handicap to contend with in the slippery ball and the even more slippery footing. Three senior championship games were played in addition to the Chatham Cup match, and Thistle, Y.M.C.A. and Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys gathered a brr.ee of points each from Shore United, Comrades and Eastern Suburbs respectively. REAL CUP TIE SOCCER. Supporters who braved the elements on Saturday afternoon and deserted the comforts of the fireside for the rigours of a stormy winter's day, must have felt amply paid by the Blandford Park game between Abels and Ponsonby. The second graders (Abels) and the present holders of the New Zealand club championship (Ponsonby), played really stirring cup tie Soccer, and it was not till the linal whistle sounded that one knew definitely which team would pass into the second round, so closely were the teams matched. And even with only seconds to go Abels came within a hair's breadth of equalising, but in the ground conditions players could not be blamed for missing chances. Ponsonby superiority lay in the great back play of Haggett, the breaking up of Grant at centre half and the efficiency of the three Inside forwards, McMillan, Innes and Farnan. Haggett has probably never played a better game than he did on Saturday. His tackling was most deadly, his speed amazing and his clearances astonishing for their length. With Grant he shadowed McLeay all the game, while he also had the pace and energy to intercept passing movements between the other forwards. Grant was at his best, play- . ing an ultra robust game and simply revelling in the mud, Innes excelled at centre-forward. His thrust and dash in the slushy going were a revelation, and ho distributed the ball with rare discretion. McMillan was the most elusive player on the ground and he made innumerable openings for the other forwards, while Farnan threw a deal of weight and clever footwork into his game, the trio lorming a great spear head in attack. Ponsonby s extreme wings were very weak. Abels have no doubt suffered a handicap this season in having to play out ox their class, and in comparatively poor coinpanv, and the two matches they have had j with Ponsonby arc the only occasions on | which they have been really tested. Ihe display of Cameron in goal was the finest seen on the park this season. His judgment and his anticipation were extremely clever, while his handling of the heavy, sodden ball was something to be wondered at. Woolley and Alexander were a pair of resolute backs who had much to do and generally did it -well. Owens is a fast improving half-back, while Pearson, on the left, played hard though not always in position. Christie was far from his best. Tlfe conditions slowed down his game considerably and there were times when he seemed to be unable to cope with the onrushing Ponsonby forwards. Abels' forward line against Abels' defence would have sot goals. It was the deadly tackling and spoiling of the opposition that nullified their efforts. Evan Williams was the best of the forward rank. His vigour and constructive play were outstanding. Next to him was Ansteed who, as a substitute outside left, shaped very creditably indeed. It was unfortunate that Gill and McLeay struck such heavy going, for time and time again their close passing game was marred by the soft ground, and they seldom shone as they have been wont. Robinson, on the right wing, lias played many better games. Though beaten by the odd goal Abels gave'i a very impressive display and showed , themselves a team the calibre of which! could well enhance the highest grade.