SOCCER TUSSLE.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 140, 15 June 1936, Page 13

SOCCER TUSSLE.

SENIOR TITLE. LEADERS DEPOSED. I PONSONBY OX TOP RUNG. i There were two surprises to some people in the lirst division senior games on Saturday,_ and as a result of the last scries of games in the first round of the competition there has been something like musical chairs amongst the top teams. >Mount Albert Grammar's defeat of Thistle put the latter from top place to third, while Ponsonby's mftitorious win at Shore put them in the lead at the *top with one point ahead of Grammar. Comrades and Metro-College draw did not alter the position at the bottom, Comrades being lust in the race, "Metro next with- 3 points, one more than Comrades, andfcShore with ■i being third from the bottom.. The relegation issue would seem likdyf' to be strenuously contested - ere the season closes. t t ■.. . - V l ' Championship table:—• Goals. Ch. P. W. L. D. F. A. Pis. I'onsonby .... 5 4" 1- — 20 10 8 Alt. Albert 0.8. 5 3 11 17 12 7 Thistle 5 3 2 — 22 15 fi North Shore ..5 2 3 — 14 -1 4 Metro-College ..5 1 3 1 • 13 20 o Comrades 5 — 3 2 14 22 J PONSONBY'S VICTORY, i The game at Devonport between Ponsonbv and North Shore was one of the hardest, games seen on the Shore ground for some time, the tackling being of a very solid description, with a suspicion at times that it was not above board. Caisley received a, very nasty gash over the eye, hut his knock was a pure accident. Hagget •ind Dobson were very lame towards the finish of the match, but played plucky games, doing a lot of solid defensive work in the final stages. Smith was sound in goal, but should overcome a weakness ho •has developed in leaving his charge. Cliap•man played a splendid all round game at centre half, defending solidly, while his constructive play was first-class. Masters and Sims were also in good form. The front line were Immeasurably superior to their opponents in constructive play, and, ably led by Innes, who was the outstanding forward on the field, gave tlielr best display to date. Riggans was somewhat slow in the centre, but McFarlane and Mullane, on the wings, and Caisley at inside left, took full advantage of Innes' constructive play. Caisley was unfortunate in not being able to resume in the second spell, as lie was playing a splendid game prior to his injury. His loss was very evident towards the close of the game, when the four, remaining forwards had run themselves to a standstill in trying to make up for his absence.

Cameron has given a much, bettor play in goal. Gerrard wits the jnainstay or the Shore defence, getting through a heavy afternoon's work with credit. He was ably supported by West, who was particularly good on defence when under pressure. Walters gave an outstanding display in the half-back line, but James at centre was only ; fair. Blackie spoilt a good showing by his roaming tendencies, and if he can overcome this fault will be a - good right half. The forward line played with any amount of dash, but badly crowded one another on attack, with the result that the opposing defence was able to cover tham easily. Emery made quite a good showing on the right wing when he got the ball, but he was starved most of the game.] Simes was good on the left, but found.V.the opposing defence a« hard proposition. Stevenson, Ekman and Archer infused any amount of vigour into their play, but their finishing was very weak, except for a couple of drives by Stevenson, and Ekinan's goal. Ekman deserves credit for his goal, as it was a real good effort. It was a pity that temper overcame sonic of the players' judgment, as the game was hard enough without introducing the boxing element.

THISTLE DEFEAT,

Though Grammar gained the day by three there was nut that difference between run teams; ~jii>l'ai3ti territorially the losers liail much greater advantage, but once again rliu old maxim was emphasised—it's goals ;iiat count. Thistle had not a single l'or.vard who could shoot or finish outfield movements. All five were feeble in front of goal, whereas Grammar took what chances there were, and —as very seldom Happens —Arthur Watson gave away two sott goals. Comment on the game would bo incomplete without reference to the nickering that seemed to be carried on 'jetween the Thistle players, and this evidence of discord was very obvious in their play. A team divided against" itself cannot nope for success, and tiiere were incidents that certainly did the side and the players anything but credit. Williams and Keid were fairly safe and 'tlie weakness in the hair-backs was in placing. The forwards were rank failures on the day. Grammar played a strong, lusty game, and Warren had not a little to do with the victory, for he saved on several occasions very smartly. McFariane and Harrocks defended well, while the half-backs, like those of Thistle, often kicked recklessly, though the tackling was deadly. Ncedham was fair on the right and Wood, his partner, did well as a substitute 011 the wing. Jepson was well held, while Spencer made many clever openings and gave Woods, his partner, as well as the other forwards, splendid support.

METRO.-COMRADES DRAW.

Only when tlie game was well on in the second half did Metro.-Gollege seem to get the measure of Comrades, whom they met at Western Springs 011 Saturday, and they were lucky to draw. The ground and the weather were perfect for fast football, a fact that Comra'des alone Seemed to appreciate. Right from the kick-off they set the pace, and, though their passing was often wild and their efforts unfinished, they broke through time and again by their fast following up. Their forwards were always enterprising, ' though they spoiled many good chances by the inability to finish. A. Francis, at centre, and M. Francis at his right, had worked hard throughout the game, and the former deserved better luck with some of his shots. So, too, did Carter, outside left, who several times sent the ball in with terrific pace, only to shake the posts or rattle the; cross-bar. In the half line Hay ward was the most prominent, both in attack and defence. Bentley and Gilmour had some trying, times as full-backs when the Metro, forwards broke through, but acquitted themselves well, Bentley being particularly noticeable for his determined tackling. Although they showed bursts of energy, Metro-College forwards seemed to lack the dash of Comrades. Cleal led. them well!; A. Flyger, on his right, was always active; and enterprising, but McDougall, at inside, left, did not seeiii to fit in, although' lie! tried some solo efforts that came near to success. A fault which all of them shared to a greater or less degree was clumsiness, in collecting the ball and delay in shooting. With Comrades tackling hard, they often lost chances of taking a shot and were forced instead to pass, with the consequence that the attack would break! down. Cronin worked solidly at centre half, while C. Flyger at right half afforded; a lot of support to his forwards. Jones worked hard, but had to go off witli a slight con? cussion.in the second half. Neither, of tli-i full-backs, Speed and Holinan, was as good as usual, clearing kicks rarely travelling far enough upfield. Reappearing after an absence of V some weeks. Gavan played a safe game in goal.

SECONDARY SCHOOLS,

SENIORS. Mount -Albert*. Grammar A, 5 beat Technical 3. •~'- Takapuna Grammar 5, beat Mount Albert Grammar B 2. INTERMEDIATE. Mt. Albert Grammar 7, beat Technical 1. Mount Albert Grammar B 1, drew with Otahulm 1. Auckland Grammar 7, beat Takapuna 0. v,' JUNIORS. Mt. Albert Grammar G, beat Technical 3. Alt. Albert Grammar 1, beat Otahuliu 0. Kowhai 2, beat Mount Albert Grammar 0 Takapuna 2, drew with Auckland Grammar 2.

GAMES IN THE PROVINCE.

SOUTH AUCKLAND. Wanderers 4, beat Starr Town 2. .luniors.I—ltuvrrs1—Ituvrrs A 6, beat Rovers B 3; Wanderers A 3. heat Wanderers B 1.