SOCCER TITLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 223, 20 September 1935, Page 13

SOCCER TITLE.

AUCKLAND PREMIERSHIP.

CHAMPION OF CHAMPIONS. PONSONBY V. MOUNT ALBERT GRAMMAR. The champion of champions match tomorrow between Ponsonby, competition winners, and Mt. Albert Grammar Old Boys, winners of the Falcon Cup, the knock-out contest, will decide the premiership of the season and the destination of the Scott Ramsay Rose' Bowl. There is very little, if anything, between the teams now, though at one part of the season Ponsonby were undoubtedly the best team in the city. However, they have had to make slight alterations in their side, but have still a strong and formidable combination. Grammar are closing what is without doubt their most successful playing year, and are determined to close it with the winning of honours. The match will undoubtedly be one of the keenest contests of the season, and the verdict an open question right to the close. The curtain-raiser should provide an interesting contest when Abels, champions of the second grade, will fight for inclusion in the first six teams comprising the first division of the senior grade next season, against Metro-College, who occupy sixth place on the championship table. Abels have for the last three seasons been striving to gain admission to the highest grade, and are no whit less keen now. They have a strong, bustling eleven, and will no doubt be anxious to take revenge on Metro, who barred their way to senior status last season. The babiesof the senior grade, however, are not likely to take the challenge lightly, and a fast encounter should result. For the third time in three weeks, Shore United will play the Navy. The series of games has produced two draws, and the third attempt to reach a decisive result to-morrow should result in an even more thrilling and exciting encounter. Teams are as follows: — NORTH SHORE. Seniors.-—.T. Cowie, P. Gcrrnrd, C. Ekman, R. James, R. Stone, C. Walters, J. Moore, L. Stevenson, J. McCluskey, E. Ekman, K. Waters. PONSONBY. Seniors.—Watson, Sims, Jones, Barry, IJaggctt, Masters, Inucs, McCullum, Riggan, Farnan, Mullane. THISTLE. Second Grade A.—Hunter, McKendriek, Risley, Niehoi, Nicholson, Kennedy, Roger, PoHvyn, McDiarniid, Clark, Constable, Haycock, Kcan. ABELS. Second Grade.—Caiutrou, .'ones, A'axander, J. Owens, GiU, J. 1". Owuus, Uolhupcii, Hamilton, Wright, Chambers, Anutced.

BUSINESS HOUSES,

PHILOMEL AND MARITIME WIN.

Two matches were staged this week in the mid-week competition o£ the A.l'.A. The weather was Ideal, and some interesting football was witnessed by a fair attendance of spectators. Philomel beat Onehunga Woollen Mills and the Maritime eleven proved too good for Sargood, Son and Ewcn. Exchange defaulted to Hospital. Philomel v. Onehunga. Two of the strongest teams met each other when 11.M.5. Philomel and Onehunga Woollen Mills fought out a lively game of enterprising football. Although the sailors won by three goals to nil, the score was not altogether an exact indication of the general merits of the teams. After some pretty combined play Woodham notched the lirst goal for the Navy. Gill, Wilson and Lindsay distributed the ball well, but Blockley and Forrester were well marked by Mellis and Owens, the Navy's last line of defence. Philomel's second goal was the outcome of a weak pass back by Gill, the ball being intercepted by Woodham, who with a swerve shot, beat McDermott easily. The Navy ciianged over with two goals to its credit. The Woollen Mills infused treat dash during the final spell, and kept tlieir opponents busy. Gill, Wolfenden, Blockley and Rutherford were prominent in individual play. Lavis was called upon to save many shuts from Blockley, Lindsay and Darragh, but acquitted himself well. Luke broke away on his left wing, and passed neatly to Colley, who drove in a low, fast, swerving shot from the corner flag, which Woodham tapped neatly into the net. Ihe Woollen Mills fought out the remainder of the game with dash and courage, but were unable to make up the deficit. Mr. L. J. Check was referee. Sargoods v. Maritime. This game was fast and the easy turf assisted the players in ball control, which was a marked feature of the game. Woolsey and Wade were sound in defence, and kert Sargoods' front line busy. Wright heat Carson with two good shots within fifteen minutes of the start of the game. Farnam also registered a brace of goals soon afterwards. Cleal broke away for Sargoods and when in a handy position passed neatly to Atkins, who made no mistake. Birt whistle scored a spectacular goal just before half-time. Maritime 4, Sargoods 2. The second half was more evenly contested, and Sargoods could do anything but score. Watts had a merry time in goal for Maritime, and was forced to concede four corner kicks in rapid succession. Colbourne, Masters, Brown and Graham forced the pace for Sargoods. Just before *lie call )f time Feeney added a further goal lor Maritime, making the score Maritime 5, Sargoods 2. Mr. G. Mallard was referee. Following is the draw for next week's matches, to be played at Blandford Park : — Wednesday.—Hospital v. Sargood, Son, and Bwen, 4.15 p.m., Mr. F. Austin; Philomel v. Telephone Exchange, 3.15 p.m., Mr. Hamilton. Thursday.—Maritime v. Onehunga Woollen Mills, 4.15 p.m., Mr. Guthrie.