ASSOCIATION

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 223, 21 June 1928, Page 15

ASSOCIATION

By

“Goalie”

THE CHAMPIONSHIP

The second round series of games for the 1928 championship were commenced last Saturday. There were no surprises—the only game which could not safely be forecasted was the Marist-l’etone game. Although this is Petone’s first season in the senior A competition they have established a reputation for a very good standard of play. Their visits to. the Basin lieserve have revealed some" very fine players in their ranks. They commenced the season in great style, and beat Marist, Hospital, Seatoun, and drew with Institute before their colours were lowered by Y.M.C.A. at the Basin Reserve in their fifth championship game. From then till last Saturday Petone in four gayies have only managed to add one point—a draw with Thistle—to their championship score. It is true that although defeated by Y.M.C.A., Diamonds and Marist, the margins have been small, as a glance at the scores reveal, being 2 —l, 3—2, and 3 —l respectively. These three teams with Thistle occupy the first four places, Petone coming next. It is quite possible that before the end of the season they will improve that position, for they are a hard team to defeat, as the leaders know. Although Diamonds have led the way right through this season their lead now is small —only two points. Marist are their nearest rivals, with Thistle and Y.M.C.A. within reach. Unless something unforeseen happens the champion club of 1928 is one of these four. Diamonds have gone steadily forward with the loss of only two points in eight games. Unfortunately they have been deprived of Ewing for two Saturdays, and also were without Findlay last Saturday through injury. Findlay’s further absence would be a serious matter, as the Diamond right-half is one of the strongest links in the team. The Diamond Club is not strong in reserves to replace regular players who may be unable to take the field for various reasons, and although they lead by two points, one loss (providing, of course, that Marist remained undefeated), would seriously, affect their chances of the 1928 premiership. Diamonds, however, show no signs of weakening at this stage, and the indications are that they will go on to final victory. Their path is not. an easy one, and is more difficult than chat experienced by champion teams of the last tew seasons. The improved standard of play this season has naturally led to stronger opposition, and the more even matching of the teams. For some years now the leading team has been faced with one really strong rival, in most cases the Marist club, but this year there are three teams in addition to Marist who are likely to upset the position. Going to the other end of the scale, we find the youngest members of the senior A division, Institute and Seatoun, fighting hard to avoid relegation. Seatoun in-eight games have failed to notch a single -oint, while Institute, with one* win and two’ drawn games, have 4 points to their credit. It seems then that Seatoun, after two years in senior A company, will have to go back to senior B and start all over again next season. Nevertheless, Seatoun would be foolish io give up the battle so early in the season. They have still/ime to retrieve the situation, although, as indicated. their prospects of doing this are far from bright. Hearne, the old Diamond captain, turned out for Seatoun 'ast Saturday, and although his inclusion will strengthen the team, it will require almost super-human efforts to enable the team to climb from tfie position they row occupy in the league fable.

Watchfulness Needed. - In last week’s notes the writer drew attention to an Auckland writer's comments on illegal play which, according to the article, had assumed rather disturbing dimensions in the northern city. Further io that, a report reached Wellington. from Auckland that the Thistle

Club of that city had intimated the!* intention to withdraw from the compel!tion there, arising out of a disagreement regarding the suspension of a Thistle player. Last season this same club gained publicity over something of a like nature, but wiser counsels prevailed aud they withdrew their resignation. Other associations in the south have had. this same trouble in recent years, but: fortunately the Wellington Association has not been faced with it, for some years at any rate, although there .may have been threats. However, the position here is not quite as it should be and needs careful watching. In senior games the Basin Reserve has been the > scene of several incidents which scarcely reflect credit on the players and teams concerned. It is surely not necessary to remind players that while on the ( field of play they should conduct themselves as true sportsmen whether the? are fighting a losing or a winning battle. Fortunately illegal tactics —arguing with opponents and referees—are confined io a few players of the senior grade, - and the writer does not wish to convey' the. impression that all is wrong with the conduct of the code. At the same time, the close attention of the W.F.A. and W.R.F.A. is required if these incidents are not to assume greater proportions, which they will do if adequate discip-' linary measures are not taken by- the' bodies concerned against the offenders. Let us hope that a repitition of these Basin Reserve incidents will not ocean again and that players will piny ’the' grime for the sake of the game, wi|t or lose.

Notes About Players. Diamonds were minus Findlay at righthalf on Saturday, his knee injury o! ] the previous week keeping him off: the field. Bolt proved a good substitute. Waller, Diamonds’ old time goalie, received quite a welcome when he took his' place between the sticks, after an absence of three or four years. He hasn’t forgotten his game. Smith was well on the mark, and secured his share of the seven goals against Institute. Tarrant was an absentee from- Institute on Saturday, and Rustqrholz kept goal for them. Brownlie, the old representative player, was at centre-half. , Institute made quite a good show ia the first half, but in the second spell there was only one team in it for the greater part of the time. Even without extra time, 2.3 CT is not too early a start these days, and the light was getting bad when the whistle went for time on Saturday. 5 .petone are far from satisfied over the decision regarding McKee,, nnd ru/ the matter concerning Leslie they consider that they have a really good case for-ja refund of the amount which the Ndw Zealand Council paid over to .7 Villa [Christchurch). Why did the W.F.A. take Ewing's <:ase of miscoudust in committee after hear- . ing other cases in open meeting? ’ There , should be no preferential treat meiit. This is the sort of thing that lays the W.F.A open to criticism by other clubs. It has been said that Ewing is goitjg to retire from the game, but his presence at the match on Saturday docs not. seem , to show that he has lost interest. j-l ■

Farqtiharson, of Petone, is a versatile player, lie has been playing rigid-back, but on Saturday was at left-half, and played well too. He had a nasty bump in the ribs when Barton went to kick a high ball, nnd the Petone man ran into bis boot. . ■ Will Petone have to replay their t'hafTiam Cup tic with Thistle on accountSM playing McKee? ?- It is improbable I hat Hearne will pljty again for Diamonds. Transfer fimc;is past, although it seems somewhat early to close the transfer list. 2.