SOCCER FOOTBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 207, 2 September 1936, Page 18

SOCCER FOOTBALL.

SECOND DIVISION.

DOINGS ON SATURDAY.

FINAL STAGES OF CHAMPIONSHIP. Saturday's games saw no change in the positions 011 the ladder, but Suburbs had to go all out to secure full points from V.M.C.A. by the odd goal in three, while Philomel had a runaway victory over a depleted Onehunga team by eight goals to one. On Victoria Park, where Eastern Suburbs met Y.M.C.A., the surface conditions were surprisingly good, but a blustering north-easterly gale made it hard to judge the flight of the ball, and upset shooting calculations. Suburbs played with the breeze behind them in the first spell, and held a continuous territorial advantage until half-time. A few spasmodic raids by the Y.M. van were ineffective, but the back division defended well under prolonged pressure, and forced Suburbs to resort to long-range firing, which was often wide of the target. Mowat and Sims were conspicuous in the defence, with Milliard in goal full of resource in clearing dangerous shots, and it was only after halt' an hour of attacking that Welch drove hard to goal from about 30 yards out, and tiic gale carried a curly shot to the corner of the net out of Milliard's reach, to put Suburbs one up 011 the turn round.

It was the Young Men's turn in the second half, but their penetration with a J following wind was less effective than Suburbs, and in a relief raid Milliard ; punched clear for Marlow to cut in _ quickly from the opposite wing and net smartly. Y.M. battled hard to wipe oft' the deficit, and Suburbs settled down to a • dogged defence, Birchall being smart in I clearing anything that came to the goal mouth, until Jones let fly from long range ! with a dropping shot which the wind carried out of the goalie's reach. From then to the finish Y.M. dominated the game, but lack of finishing thrust in the front line, and dogged cUfence by Suburbs backs, prevented Y.M. equalising, and the more seasoned suburbanites were fortunate to gain full points after a dour struggle. GOALS GALORE FOR NAVY. Onehunga arrived three men short at the Outer Domain owing to sickness and casualties, and although two more arrived, the Manukau men were one short to the end. Navy were strengthened by tlie return of Lonsdale and Vines to the base, and made light of the depleted opposition. The turf was in good order, and with a stiff breeze behind them in the opening spell the Phillies made some excellent target practice. Luke, at inside left, scored a hat trick, with Colley and Brown a goal each, to put Philomel five up at the interval, when Luke changed to centrehalf for the remainder of the game. In the second spell Colley made his tally three and Green added another, while Torquist, with a neat effort, notched the only score for the Manukau side, who went down by eight goals to one. NAVY TO VISIT HAMILTON. This week-end a team from the Naval Depot will visit Hamilton, and arrangements are being made by the South Auckland Association to give the matelots a good reception, as the visit two years ago was a great success, and the sailors are sure of another warm welcome. The South Auckland enthusiasts first suggested the visit when in town to play the curtainraiser to the Auckland-Navy match, and wanted the game for King's Birthday, but exigencies of the service would not allow for this. When a suitable date was found formal application was made to the authorities here, but owing to some misunderstanding it had not been dealt with before the intending visit was announced*. The censure recorded by the A.F.A.

seemed scarcely warranted, as no slight 011 the Control Board was intended. The naval men arrange -many games throughout the season without troubling with any formal notification, and are usually regarded as extra-territorial so far as control is concerned. The Navy is also keen and willing to assist the Soccer code in any way it can wherever it finds itself, and a carping attitude towards their efforts is hardly likely to prove helpful. CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS. Onehunga have now completed their championship series, and Suburbs have to play. Abels have still to meet Philomel, Y.M.C.A. and Suburbs to complete the final round, and Philomel play Y.M.C.A. and Abels. Barring accidents, Abels are not likely to be displaced from the top of the ladder, but the second rung is still in doubt, with Philomel an improving side as the ships return to the naval base. So far no official decision has been given as to whether clubs can claim points for matches won against the clubs which have withdrawn from the contest, but it is generally assumed those games will be washed out. Omitting those matches, the following points have been scored by the respective clubs remaining in: — Abels beat Philomel, 5—2 (twice); Suburbs, 4—3 and 7—2; Y.M.C.A., 5—3; Onehunga, 9—2 and 7 —o, and drew with Onehunga, 3—3. Eastern Suburbs beat Onehunga, 4—2 and 6—l (twice); Y.M.C.A., 4—3 and 2—l; Philomel, G—4, and drew with Y'.M.C.A., I—l,1 —1, and Philomel, 3 —3. Philomel beat Suburbs, 3—2; Onehunga, 4—o and 8—1; Y.M.C.A., 3—o and 4—l, and drew with Suburbs, 3—3. Y.M.C.A. beat Onehunga, s—l and 6—2; Abels, 4 —3, and drew with Suburbs, I—l. Onehunga beat Y.M.C.A., 3—l; Philomel, 3—l, and di'ew with Abels, 3—3. Competition Table., Goals. Cli. P. \V. 1,. D. F. A. rts. Abels !> 7 1 1 48 21 15 E. Suburbs ... 11 (5 3 2 30 30 14 Philonel 10 5 4 1 34 2G 11 Y.M.C.A 10 3 G 1 25 28 7 Onehunga 12 2 !) 1 l'j U0 5