AUCKLAND TRIUMPHS

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 231, 30 September 1935, Page 12

AUCKLAND TRIUMPHS

SOCCER REP. MATCH.

NAVY SOUNDLY BEATEN.

YOUNG LOCAL TEAM IMPRESSES

What had been anticipated as more than a severe test for the young Auckland eleven which Mr. VV. Zuill had selected-ti meet the Navy proved to be something iu the nature of a surprising triumph for the local eleven. The Service turned out a strong combination, whereas the Aucklandera liad not played together as a team before and were not expected to prove a cohesive force. However, the game proved that the Aucklnnders had a very promising element of team work and combination

and that the players could settle down to an understanding much quicker than was anticipated. On the day it was a triumph for Auckland, though it must be stated that the Navy has had stronger teams and some of the players did not reproduce the form of which they are capable.

What may give the Navy a chance to rehabilitate itself i" public opinion is tho match that has been arranged for next Saturday, when North Shore United and the Navy will play their fourth game this season. The three games to date have all ended in draws and there is a keen interest publicly to see what is hoped to be the deciding encounter. Added interest will be givon the game in the fact that W. Hooper, the Otago representative centre, who played in the now historic Philomel-Shore game of some years ago, is at present at the naval depot for reservist training and is expected to take hie place in the Navy eleven. The Navy on Saturday started off with great dash and the first 20 minutes provided a game of thrills, but Auckland later commenced to get a grip of the game and never let up. The young and virile forward line proved too fast on the ball for their opponents and the Navy half-back line could not cope with them. The young players introduced into the front line by Selector Zuill thoroughly justified their inclusion and gave a clever exhibition of combined play that gava the opposing dcfcnco a hectic time. All-round Team Work.

The .support they got from the halfback lino was first class; in fact, the general all-round team work of the Auckland eleven was of a high order. Tho Navy weakness was in the half-back line, for never at any time did they get a grip of the opposing front rankers, whoso clover and elusive play was a feature of the game. Gavan gave a good display in the Auckland goal and cleared in fine style, showing activity in coming out for some daring clearances. Gerrard and Speed were right up to form in the full-back lino, clearing with judgment and showing a solid defensive front to every Navy attack. The half-back line was a good trio, Chapman in the centre getting in soma clever constructive play and letting his forwards away with some nice passes, while his defence work was beyond reproach. Walters and Watson were in their usual good form, getting through a lot of work in first-class style. Clever Auckland Forwards. The front line was responsible for an autstanding display and their clever footivork and general nippiness quite disconicrtcd tho opposing defence. Jepeon in the centre did not let any scoring opportunities pass and, being well supplied with the ball by the clever play of the inside men, got quite a crop of goals. Francis (light) and Fyvio (left) made a very mccessful debut in their first senior opresentative game and their clever constructive play was u feature of the natch. Franois on his display seems to jo tho player who will Jill the position n future representative teams that has jeen so capably tilled by Dunsmoro for nany years. Mullane, who was also playng his first representative game, gave a >loasing display, and his combined work vith Fyvio was first class. Robinson got n some good work on the right wing { jut bad positional play at times caused lim to crowd his inside men. Navy Half-baoks Weak. After three successive draws with North Shore, all of which were thrilling games, great things were expected of tiie Navv team, but they failed to live up to their reputation. The forward lino did some great work, but they did not get tlio support from the backs that they should have done. The weakness was principally in the half-back line. Thov hud such a lot of work to do on defence that they could not help their front line much. The quickness of their opponents 011 tho ball was responsible for this and there was n<\ let up right through the game. Fnrnhill gave an outstanding display'in the Navy goal in snite of the eight goals against his team, clearing cleverly, and most of the goals that beat him were short-range shots after the forwards had got through the defence. Watts and Howe had a heavy day, but got through their work in good style, getting in some solid defence at times. Gatehouse, Buss and Scott had a trying time in the halfback line. Buss seemed to lack that sting that has characterised his previous efforts, while his colleagues were much below ! form. Tho whole line is capable of a much better display. Tho front line showed some nice constructive play and with better support would liava considerably reduced tne margin of the score against them. Leonard in the centre distributed the play cleverly and was well supported by Longbone, at inside right, who gave a finished display. Elvvell (011 the right wing) did not get much latitude, being well marked by the opposing half, but he showed clover work. Bellamy played a good game on the left wing and was well on the target, being unlucky in not getting a couple of goals. Peebles worked hard at inside left and combined cleverly with Bellamy, this combination giving the defence plenty to do.