ASSOCIATION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1193, 31 July 1911, Page 9

ASSOCIATION.

SWIFTS LIKELV CUP WINNERS. SOME GOOD GAMES. ' Included in Saturday's Association foothall games was ono in which tho senior division championship was practically decided. Swifts by defeating Hospital aro now almost certain to annex the coveted honour once more. Good games were also witnessed on the Basin Reserve, Kelburnc Park, and Mh-amnr. Following are Ihj results of (he senior division matches:— Swifts 4 Hospital 2 Y.M.C.A 3 Wanderers 0 Ramblers 3 Diamonds 2 Thistle 3 Rovers 2 Corinthians 3 St. John's 1 HOSPITAL-SWIFTS. Tho two leading teams met at Porirua in a game, as stated above, fraught with serious consequences. In a fast and exciting match Swifts deservedly won, as they were tho better team oil tho day's play, their forward line being virile and clever. Sheer dash often took them through, and they obtained their four goals through ready opportunism, snapping up the ball and taking openings given then by mistakes of the Hospital defence, in which there was a sad lack of understanding. Hospitals were certainly bothered greatly by the bright sun in their eyes, which made the ball difficult to judge, but the Swifts' forwards wero as "pertinacious as sandflies." On the other hand, however, Hospital forwards did not wake up till the second half, when they gave of their best, tho game being more of an even nature and the display of football by both teams being of a high order. Moving down with a fierce rush, Swifts scorcd within two minutes, Mathieson taking advantage of a slip by the defence and netting from close quarters. Scott tested Cockburn, v ho saved finely, and Phillips worked through tho ccntre and into goal, but I'enlingtcn ran out and cleared. Tyrer tested tho keeper with a beauty at point-blank range, but ho disposed of tne ball in fine > style. Swifts scored again through Mcthicson, who was assisted by a lino collie dog, their -cooperation teing to i much for Cockburn, who had ran out to cloar. It urns a clear case of obstruction on the doggio's part, giving the player an open goal. Cockburn repelled a drive by Scott in grand style, another effort by tho winger striking tho top corner and glancing over. Pearson centred well for Phillips to placo , behind, and Vtssey put through the third goal for Swifts from a "mix up' clote ; in. Roots hit tho bar, and from the re- , bound Davis headed wide, half-timo arriving with Swifts leading by 3 goals to ; nothing. They wero clearly the best 1 team so far, playing with any amount i of vim. Mr. Godber would navo been

justified in stopping play when tho sixth forward for Swifts appeared, as tho dog before-montiojird was clearly tho cause of Swifts' second goal. Starting tho second half with great dash, Hospital scored by Elliott, whose goal was the climax to a fine piece of work by the inside man. Cockburn ran out and cleared, but liickerby secured well up, and drove in a great ball. The keeper saved in grand style, alto keeping out a good shot by Guise. Swifts .-cored again through Vesnoy, who whipped round Shand and snapped up the tatter's slow pass back to the keeper and placed through tui open goal. This about settled the issue, but up to tho end Hospital played hard to red.ice the deficit, Tyrer netting fair after some hefty work., Hospital, were awaided a penalty for a foul on Phillip.-, the whistle blowing as 'l'yrer again netted the ball. Roots drove tho penalty kick against the bar, and tho game ended in a hard-won victory for Swifts, after a contest worthy of both teams. THISTLE-ROVERS. A great game was witnessed on Saturday on the Basin Reserve, the contesting teams being Thistle and Rovers. From the commencement, vigorous, exciting, anil interesting play was tho order of the day. Rovers set. up a stitf pace imniediatoly after the kick-oil', and attacked with determination. Thistle being fortunate in keeping their goal intact. Alter Rovers had lost some of their vigour, Thistlo asserted themselves for a time, and scored the first goal of tho match through the medium of M'Lellan. Rovers made strenuous efforts to equalise, but luck was dead against them, and a second goal was scored by Ash. in favour of Thistle. Rovers now worked like Trojans, and combining nicely were ever a menace to Thistle's custodian. At last O'Shea scored, after a nice'passing run, from a corner kick. Croft secured and netted No. 2 for Hovers, the score at half-time being: Thistle, 2: Rovers, ]. Ou resuming, Rovers forced in great style, but tho ball was transferred to the other end, where Ash was conspicuous in a line individual effort. Play now travelled to Thistle's goal, and after some passing movements the Blues' custodian was called upon to save, which he did in good style. Thistle, with a fine passing rush, got in the vicinity of Rowan, who rail out to save from Hall and l)is colleague, hut ho was only 'partially successful, and tho ball landed in the net

again, making Thistle's third goal. The game at this stage became very exciting, and a certain scoro in favour of Rovers was prevented by Clapliam handling on the goal-line. The referee awarded a penalty to Rovers, which was of no avail, as Bradbury kicked wildly over the bar. On the day's play Rovers were the better team, Thistle being fortunate' to again, snatch two points. Mr. Haytor was referee.

CORINTHIANS—ST. JOHN'S. These teams met at Kelburne in splendid weather. The'ground was in a bad condition, but nevertheless a keen and willing encounter was witnessed. From the kick-off Corinthians were soon attacking, and four minutes from the start they opened the scoring account. ■ St. John's attacked and equalised through Ponsen, who scored with a good shot well out of Cattle's reach. "With the scores equal, both sides made strenuous efforts to gain the lead, Ives eventually giving Corinthians their second goal, three goals having been scored in the first fifteen minutes. Play was even and exciting after this. St. John's were very weak in shooting, their forwards missing somo easy chances. Before tlie interval Ives increased the lead of Corinthians from a well-placed corner by Turner. Tho second l half was commenced with another attack by the Corinthians, but St. John's defence was sound, and the ball was. soon transferred to the other end of the field, where the "Saint's" forwards had a splendid opportunity of reducing the margin against them. Their great fault was erratic shooting. Twice in succession they lost very easy chances. Play continued to be fast, first one side and then tho other having tho advantage. Towards tho close, however, St. John's set up a continuous attack, their forwards worked .the'.,ball .down well, but failed to find 1 the goal, and retired beaten by three goals to 1. Mr. H. Yeoman was referee. Y.M.C.A.—WANDERERS. A dull, uninteresting game was the outcome of the meeting of the;o two tennis at Duppa Street ground on Saturday. Occasionally, very occasionally at that, there were some flashes of good play, _ and individually some of the players did themselves justice, but as for anything like combined, systematic play, well, it was conspicuous by its absence. Once again bad shooting was much in evidence, and on a fow occasions, when both sides looked dangerous, this state of affairs was noticeable. Tho reason for it all might be that the game had no bearing 011 tho championship. Godsalvc registered the first goal for Y.M.C.A. shortly before half time was called, and during this spell Wanderers conceded many corners. During the second half Smith increased his side's lead to two goals, and a third was put on bv Godsalve after a nice piece of play, in 'which lie managed to beat two of tho Wanderers' backs. A feature of the match was the excellent exhibition of goal-keeping by Hollis for Y.M.C.A. Mr. E. Windlcy was Teferee.

RAMBLERS-DIAMONDS. No. 6 ground at Miramar was slippery, and frequent falls took place in the contest between Diamonds and Ramblers. Ramblers early took charge, and, though they lacked combination, created uneasiness in Diamond's quarters, but Roberts came to tho rescue and put heart into his colleagues with his sound, well-placed kicks. Diamonds had decidedly the worst of the first spell, and Ramblers organised many attacks on the left, Edwards leading the field, though often he kept the ball too long, and encountered Barnctt and Roberts, who wcro both in good form. After (i succession of attacks by Ramblers. Diamonds broke free, but Black's and Lowe's shots missed tho net, and Keeling freed his team, giving tho ball to Edwards, who dashed along, the ground, but Roberts saved with a long kick. A Diamonds player, thinking the ball was "out," handled it, and was penalised with a free-kick. Kirschberg took tho kick, and sent tho ball to Edwards, who centred to Hart, and he, in turn, kicked through at close Tange. The second spell opened vigorously, and Ramblers' backs wero soon in commission. They succeeded in checking tho early onslaughts, but not for long. If. Lowe, securing on the wing, sent the ball nicely into the centre, whero from a scramble his brother scored, making matters even. Webster had plenty to do in tho following minutes, and cleared well, but finally a long shot, by Black, eluded him, and Diamonds were in the lead. Ramblers were having trouble in keeping their opponents out, and when thev did break free they were sent back by 'Roberts and Barnctt. But Diamonds' forwards, though they kept on the pressure wore not able to score again, and within a few minutes of time Ramblers cleared their line. Smallbone. by a fine lane effort, raced to Diamonds' quarters, and with a splendid shot, notched the best goal of the game.. He tried again iust. after, but Patrick saved. Play worked back to Ramblers* goal, but Diamonds lost vim, and their shots were without sting. Just on time Keeling freed his team and Ramblers again became dangerous. A quick shot by Cross put Diamonds in the minority, and. though they had shown far better form in the second spell than Ramblers, the match went to the latter by 3 goals to 2. OTHER GAMES. The following are the results of games played in the Junior Division on Saturday gECOJ - D DIVISIO jj. Rovers tied with Brooklyn—two goals each. , . . Y.M.C.A. defeated St. John's by 5 goals to 3. M'Kay, Purvis, and Henderson scored for the winners. Wadcstown defeated Wanderers by 8 goals to nil. King (4), Magee, Ovorend, Kaywood, and M'Leod were the scorers. TniRD DIVISION. Brooklyn defeated Y.M.C.A. by two goals (o"nil. Barton and Brogan scored for tho winners. The game between Petone and St. David's was not played, owing to a difference of opinion as to the selection of tho referee. FIFTH DIVISION. Marist Bros, defeated St. David's by 116 goals to nil.

FIFTH A DIVISION. Brooklyn defeated Y.M.C.A. by 3 goals to 2. FIFTH B. Marist Bros, defeated Kangers by 3 goals to 1. Mconey and Walsh scored for the winners. SIXTH DIVISION. Rangers and Seaiouu tied. 2 all. . REPRESENTATIVE TEAMS. SECOND DIVISION". The following Second Division representative team has been picked to make the journey to Blenheim to play against Marlborough on August s:—Goal, W.hittlo (Brooklyn); barks, Warne (Wadestown), Roberts (Diamonds); half-backs, Shepherd (Wadestown), Pnrata (Too), Hatcher (Wanderers); forwards, Lowe (Diamonds), ICettlewelt (Wanderers), Burnett (Brooklyn), Wheldon (Diamonds), Martin (Rovers); reserves, Beavis (Brooklyn), Mageo (Wadestown). Players are requested to notify. Mr. Williams by Tuesday at latest if they are unable to travel. FOURTH DIVISION. . The selectors (Messrs. C. I\. Dick, B. L. Salmond, and T. Thompson) have picked tho following team to represont tho Fourth Division clubs in their match against Auckland on Saturday week:— Goal, C. Bidmead (Diamonds); full-backs, B. Bell (South Wellington). Wilkins (Brooklyn); halves. P. Baldwin (Brooklyn), J. Coleman (Swifts), A. Macintyro (Swifts); forwards, Kellaway (Brooklyn), Temperton' (Y.M.C.A.), Lcversadgo (Newtown Congregational), Parker (Institute), E. Guise (Swifts); reserve, Bosher.(Y.M.C.A.). The team, which will be in charge of Mr. C. K. Dick, will leave for Auckland by the Main Trunk express on next Thursday week. DUNEDIN RESULTS. IBy Teleeraph—Press Association.! Dunedin, July 30. Tho following were the scores in the first grade soccer matches, played yesterday Roslyn-Wakari 6, Christian Bros, 1; Northern 5, Southern nil; Mornington 4, Maori Hill 2; Kaitangata 3, Ravensbourne 1.

The position of the Senior Cup teams now stands as follows:—Roslyn-Wakari, 18 points; Northern, 15 points; Kaitangata, 11 points; Mornington, 14points; Christian Bros., 12 points; Maori Hill, 9 points; Ravensbourne, 5 points; Southern, 1 point.

BROWN SHIELD MATCH. CANTERBURY (HOLDERS) V. MANAWATU. This match was played at St. Albans Park, Christchurch, ou Satuulay afternoon before about 1500 spectators. The tea'ns were:— Canterbury (red and black).—Goal, Webster; backs, lletrick and Forest; halves, Howie, D. Fulierton, and Newall; forwards, Ward, Bissett, Norman, Worsdalc, and Williams. Manawatu (greeu and white).—Goal, Bristow; backs, Shoebridge and Slowuian; halves, Waghorn, Moxon, Malley; forwards, Greenwood, llearsey, Hughes, Morton, and Barker.

Mr. J. B. Paton, of Wellington, was referee. Manawatu kicked off with a light wind behind them, the sun being in Canler- I bury's eyes. Hughes was immediately prominent in a nice run towards the holders' goal, but lletrick relieved. Bissett, with pretty footwork, then transferred play to Manawatn's end, but Bristow was equal to liis posting shot. Norman and Bissett were now* indulging m some tricky play, but the Green halves and backs usually stepped in and'robbed them. Slowman was playing a fine game, and in fact at this stage, and for quite the first thirty minutes, the North Island country team had all the best of it, and had the holders of the shield thinking. The visitors, however, were lacking in the necessary bustle to force home the advantage their backs seemed to have over the southern forwards. A foul for tripping was awarded against Forrest close to the penalty area, and Shoebridgo skimmed the bar with a fine shot. Then Manawatu seemed to fall away, and the play changed to the Canterbury left wing. Bissett and Norman ran up, and Williams, who was well served, was pulled up for oft-side. Morton showed up with a good run, but Forrest intercepted with a mighty punt, which Ward snapped up and pos?e<i to Norman, and he in turn across to Williams, win centred. Tho ball hovered in the air, hit the inside of the far post, and fell into the net. Shortly afterwards Bristow was brought to his knees to save from Ward, and the latter, fol- | lowing on. bustled through. Half-time was then called.

Canterbury, now confident, pressed from the kick out, and Norman tricked about a lot, but to no purpose. Slowman and Shoebridge (Mana'vntu) lame to _ light whenever the Reds were manoeuvring to shoot. Hetrick, with a lofty kick from .the other end, sent Greenwood and Co. back agats. Howie was holding the Manawatu left wing in fine style, and the country team would persist in feeding their left. Canterbury now had the game safe, and .little Bristow was applauded for severat of his fine saves. At last Williams pot another "centre" in, the far post was hit agaiu, the ball ran Tight across, hit the other post, and then into the net. This was practically tho end, the Canterbury men thus holding the shield by 3 goals to nil.