SOCCER

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 254, 24 July 1935, Page 14

SOCCER

Win-at-all-cost Tactics Popular With Some

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History of Chatham Cup; Notes and Comments

(By

Flag-Kick.)

It is. unfortunate but nevertheless true that win-at-all-costs tactics are popular with a few tSoecer players in Wellington, aud the present is an opportune time to impress upon everyone the desirability of clean, honest, good sport seeing that representative and Chatham Cup fixtures are in the oiling. What are called the "dirty" player and the “squealer” are no good to their clubs or to the province they represent, and the sooner they drop out of the game either voluntarily or otherwise the better. They are a bad advertisement and even one of these players iu a team is liable to bring the whole club into disrepute. That should be borne iu mind by club officials whose duty it. should be to see that this type of player either changes his tactics or makes way for someone else.

It is not suggested that Soccer is in any way notorious for unsportsmanlike play; in fact, one is pleased to say, the game on the whole is played by fellows who are remarkably good sports. But all the same there is a minority whose tactics are not approved in the book of rules, and that minority if not checked iu time might encourage others to follow in its footsteps. Certainly Soccer is no parlour game, and if a man cannot stand up to hard knocks he should not be playing, but those hard knocks should not be given unnecessarily. There are occasions when we see a player charged when he is not iu possession of the ball, when an appeal for a corner is made when it is obvious a goal-kick should be awarded, when a player who knows he has kicked the ball out attempts to get away with the throw-in, and usually most serious of all .is the occasional spectacle of a man claiming a foul against someone else in the penalty area. Happenings of this sort should not occur in this grand game, and it would 'be in the interests of the sport if more serious penalties were imposed on the offenders, some of whom should be given more than a “severe caution.’’

111-considered barracking from the sideline is another thing that should be curbed, for very often a player “loses his head” because of the advice thrown out by the spectator. In that connection, however, it is pleasing to record there has been a distinct improvement in the last year or so.

Team for Canterbury. Canterbury supporters can expect to see a really good game ou Saturday when the Wellington team will play a return match with the South Islanders. Admittedly, the team does not represent Wellington’s full strength, but at the same time is composed of many fine players who can be relied on to give the opposition a hard fight. Six members of the team made the trip to Auckland last month, these being Turkington, Haines, Lougbottom, Cocks, Hatchard and Craig. The newscomers are Hopper, Iliudle, J. Marshall, Shaukie, Webster, and G. Sutherland (reserves), players who have given several tip-top performances this season. It is very pleasing to see that Shankie has found a place, for there is no denying that he is a good man.

Cliatliam Cup Contests. The usual keen interest is being taken in the Chatham Cup contests, aud ou Saturday there was a big crowd at the Basin Reserve to see Hospital win the Wellington final from Waterside. The North Island final will be played on August 2-1 at either Auckland or Hamilton, and the New Zealand final will be decided in Wellington iu September. Since the competition was inaugurated in 1923, the cup has been won by Wellington clubs on four occasions—in 1925 by Y.M.C.A.. 192 S by Petone, 1930 by Petone, and 1932 by Marist. It would not be surprising if Hospital had its turn 'this year, for there is no doubt about the fact that they are a really good side, and equally brilliant on defence and attack. The following is a brief history of the cup :—

. On December 14, 1922, members of the New Zealand Football Association received an invitation to visit 11.M.5. Chatham for the purpose of receiving a silver challenge cup. Those who attended were Sir Charles Skerrett (then Mr. C. P. Skerrett), Messrs. C. E. Fordham, A. G. Barnett, R. Y. Walls, F. Sanders, H. Yeoman, W. Munekton, 11. G. Mayer, Frank Campbell. .3. I. Graves, B. L. Salmon (honorary secretary) and Alf. 'Williams (secretary of the Wellington Football Association). The cup. valued at £l5O, was placed on the deck of the ship and the whole of the ship’s company paraded for the presentation. Captain Prickett, who made the presentation, stated that a deputation of the ship’s compati.v had interviewed him expressing a desire to give a football cup to New Zeauanri in return for the kindness extended to all during .the time of the ships’ sojourn in the Dominion. An order had been placed with an English firm for the cun, which was a replica of the English < 'up. In receiving the trophy Sit’ Charles Skerxtt said the motive which bad animated the gift was appreciated. Rules for the competition were framed by the council and the first competition took place in 1923. the entrants being clubs'that played games on the knock-out system until the finalist of each island was found. Results of Cup Games.

Results of the finals are as follow: — 11123. Seacliff (Otago) 3 beat Y.M.C.A. (Wellington), 0; 1024, Harbour Board (Auckland) 3 beat Seacliff (Otago) 1; 4025, Y.M.C.A. (Wellington) 3 bent Seacliff (Otago) 2; 1026. Sunnyside (Canterbury) 4 beat North Shore (Auckland) 2; 1027. Pousouby (Auckland) 3 beat Northern (Otago) 2; 102-S, Petone .(Wellington) 1 beat'Northern (Otago) 0; 1021), Tramways (Auckland) 4 beat Seacliff (Otago) 0; 1030. Petone (Wellington) 2 beat• Western (Canterbury) 1; 1031, Tramurewa (Aucklandl r» beat Nomads (Canterbury) 2; 1032, Marist (WellingIon) 5 beat All Blacks (Buller) 0; 1033, Ponsonby (Auckland) 2 beat All Blacks (Buller)' 1 : 1034, Thistle (Auckland) 2 beat Thistle (Christchurch) 1. Play and Players.

Swifts quite easily could have scored a round dozen against Lower Hutt, but to a certain extent they restrained themselves. Shaukie, who did not actually score a goal, quite obviously did not attempt to make proper use of a spot-kick. Shaukie was the brainiest and cleverest player ou the field, Ms all-round general work being the outstanding feature of a one-sided game. His tricky bouts with his partner, Hamill, were delightful to watch. They had to counter with two of the best players on the Butt side, Cross and Carlson. Cross played a rare game at right back, and shows aptitude for this position. Stobbs was another who worked hard.

Swifts played well as a team from goal outward. Mahoney, a newcomer from Auckland, did not make an inspiring debut, but must'be excused ou the grounds of strange surroundings. He distributes (he play well. Hutt must, be complimented on (he manner in which they are facing their difficulties. They are taking their successive heavy defeats in the best sporting manner, and fighting'back cleanly all the time.

The Hutt team from the start of the season has been the victim of misfortune through injuries, and a lack of experienced players to fill the vacancies. The unfortunate accident to Barney Brown was a heavy blow.

If spectators knew the difficulties the Hospital custodian, Wyatt, was playing

under on Saturday they would have applauded bis''brilliant clearances even more lustily. Wyatt had several teeth extracted during the week and was m bed for three days.. Actually he got out of bed to take part in the match. A Caisley, the young Hospital forward dropped out of the team at the very last ’minute in most unusual circumstances. He took the field but ricked his ankle while having a preliminary shot at goal, and had to come off. The previous week Caisley damaged the same ankle, but massage treatment was given and he was assured that there were no chances of further trouble. . Several persons who are connected with Soccer one way or another were at the Basin Reserve to see the local final. However, one could not help 'but wonder why these men are not seen on the Soccer reserves more regularly. It has been suggested that certain officials watch a different sport on most Saturdays. Let us hope there is no truth in that, for the luke-warm type of individual is not much 'ood in an official capacity.