SOCCER

Evening Post, Volume CVI, Issue 48, 25 August 1923, Page 16

SOCCER

cj ■ {■V "VANGUARD"!

Wellington* hopes of gaining possession of the Brown Shield, the coveted trophy of Asaociation football in New New Zealand, fell short of realisation by two goals at the Auckland Domauviast Saturday, and those who witnessed the .match were generally of the opinion that the challengers were very fortunate:in getting off with no light a defeat. The Aucklanders gave a display of football I thaj. fully justified the many expressions of confidence heard in Queen street on the morning of the contest. The winrung team was machine-like in its actions, and, especially in the closing stages of the game, gave the, Wellington forwards no opportunitws at all. The challengers, although naturally disappointed at their failure to carry off the I honoure of the day, admitted very readily that they were beaten by a. team that knew the game in every .particular, and were the first to congratulate their opponents on their well-earned victory. The game before long resolved itself into a tfruggle between the Wellington backs ana the Auckland forwards, the latter being assisted to a very vajuable extent 4>y the backs. The struggle was an uneven one,., and the fact that Auckland were successful in securing two goals by no means reflects on the Wellington back divsiori. Bather does it indicate that the defence was particularly, strong, for the backs were subjected to an.almost constant attack by forwards who knew their business, and knew how to carry their plane of attack into effect. Individually and collectively, the Auckland forwards shone in bright movements from whistle to whistle, and they had the support of a/back, division that bad studied the art'of accurate placing, and had profited by that study. Clever discrimination was shown in passing movements, and these attacks for the main made promising progress until -well withm Wellington's territory. Here they met'with a stubborn opposition, which was maintained right through the game. Auckland's first goal wag sensational. It came two minutes after Russell had set the ball in motion, and was in one respect somewhat fortunate. Auckland attacked with vim." and Waller found it neceseary,to sprawl full length on the rround to save a good shot by Knott. The Diamonds' custodian was unable to recover in time to clear the leather from the danger zone, and, before other members of the Wellington team were able to lend a hand (or, rather a foot), Dacre, ever a sprightly figure, arid one of Auckland s star forwards, had rushed up and sent the leather hard into the net. It was a shock to Wellington supporters, and, to some extent, took the -wind out of their sails for a space. After this, however, Wellington's game improved, ™ ™c hope .was expressed that the challeagers, by dogged resistance, would be able to prevent further scoring, and, favoured in the second spell by any slight advantage from the elements, would be able to score at least the two goals that were needed at that stage to ensure success. For the space of a quarter oil an hour Wellington, apparently realising that attack is the best defence, pressed the Aucklanders in a determined fashion, and their efforts came very near to being rewarded. A pleasing forward movement saw. the leather go out to M'Leod, who was capably filling the post of left-wing. That player sent in a beautiful shot, which landed on the top of the net, just too high, and caused the net to come adrift from the horizontal. I her* were many who shouted for a goal, and there were those who declared after, the match that the leather, had gone under the bar. Under the circumstances, the view was quite a feasible one tci adopt, but an uninterrupted view from the top of the stand left little room tor doubt. Referee Downie's decision *or » «oal-kick v was a correct one, and Wellington were still one down. A lit--U? later on Kissock, centre-half, had a shot from some distance out, missing by the narrowest of margins, and Hindmarsh also came very close to levelling, the scores on one occasion. There was little doubt that the Wellington forwards were coming in for their fair share—more than their fair share—of misfortune, and accidents to several members of the team, although of a m'n°r description, had an unsteadying * *°/ » time. JM'Leod had to leave tne field for a space of ten minutes on account of an injury to his leg, and KubscU, centre-forward, was limping from the effects of a swollen knee for the greater part of the game. The first spell ended with Auckland one goal to the good, and indications early Tn the eec?u "[Pell pointed to the possibility that the Aucldander 6 would have little difficulty in keeping the challengers in check and scoring again themselves. Such proved to be the case. Right from the commencement of the second spell the AflcMandlers kept up a spirited attack oil the Wellington goal-mouth, and after a succession of corners and goal-kicks, Tremain wag aW6 to . rush the ball through from a fine centre by Dacre. vyeiiuig-ton s chances of scoring were getting smaller fund smaller all the lime, and,practically throughout the spell attention was directed to the question of keeping the Aucklandere out. In this the challengers were successful, a feet Mat was due in very large measure to a m „work °f Taylor, Gibb, M'Girr, and V/aller, who managed to turn every suoceedins attack away. It was a great Performance, and the crowd, satisfied • V hl,ckland would hold the shield, enjoy*?* "*• exhibition of defensive tactics to the. full. Only on two' or three occasions did the Wellington forwards get a feel 01 the ball at their feet. Once Russell was robbed of the baU just as he was going to shoot, and again Gilbertnon shot well and hard, only to see the ever-ready Craxton, the All Black

BROWN SHIELD

MATCH AGAINST AUCKLAND

WELLINGTON WEAK IN ATTACK

custodian, get in the way of the ball's progress. Taken all in all, the better team won, and won with ease at that.

"Vanguard" does not desire to run the gauntlet of a charge of looking for excuses for the defeat, but he will take the risk of joining with the chairman of the A.F.A. (Mr. A. Menzies, formerly of Wellington) in the remark that if Wellington had had its full strength in the field the result would have been'different. Mr. Menzies made that remark when- he presented the shield to the Auckland team, and although his hearers, naturally* elated by. a '"glorious victory," did not agree with him arid intimated so in no uncertain manner, the writer desires to make use of the words. In the first place Campbell and Ballard, two of Wellington's representatives in the All Black team, were nofc available for selection, and their absence had a big offset on the forward line. With Camp, bell as the pivot of the forward line things would have undoubtedly been different, and although M'Leod did well on the left wing, Ballard, with his experience behind him, would probably have proved a more dangerous opponent to the Aucklanders. Wellington was unfortunate in. that numerous changes in the team originally selected to travel had to be made. More than that, as one official of the Auckland Football Association stated, the fact that the team had to travel a long, and to many, a sleepless journey, just prior to the match, was worth two goals to the holders of the shield. Efforts should be made when the next Wellington team is sent in quest of tho trophy to allow for at least two clear days in Auckland, in order to give numbers bf the team a chance of getting together and learning: something of each others play. An interesting suggestion wag made to the writer that future Brown Shield matches should be played at some' central town, say, Palmerston North or Hamilton. This arrangement, of course, would not be in strict accordance with the conditions of <ie Brown Shield, but it would certainly ensure a fairer and more equitable test of strengths Another course which the W.F.A. might- consider is the playing of a match or two matches by the touring team before the more important fixture is played. A game together would .have made all the difference in the world to the members of the Wellington team which lort to Auckland last Saturday.

Both individually and collectively the Wellmgtsn forwards were far from strong. Smith (outside right) did not altogether justify his inclusion, and wag aot by any means the stamp of player he was in the match against Canterbury some months ago. For somo reason the halves sent the ball out his way quite a lot, but Neesham (Auckland's left half) did not find him a very dangerous opponent. There were several times when Smith failed to keep the ball in play, thus throwing away opportunities of giving the inside forwards a chance of proving themselves. Hmdmarsh (inside right) did fairly well in the position, although he, too, failed to take advantage of opportunities. Russell's comparative failure .to satisfactorily fill the 'position of centre forward^ was not altogether his own fault. This season he has been playing a fine gairie with the Karori Club as centre half, but, despite the fact that there are several centre forwards in Wellington quite capable of taking the position, he is asked to go to Auckland and lead the Wellington forwards in oub o' the mo6t important games of the season. Why? How long will it be before selectors realise that it is folly to play a man, even so good a man as Russell, out of his proper position? Tha: experiment -has been tried again and again, but the times it has succeeded are outnumbered by the times it has failed. Russell was also handicapped by a recurrence of an old trouble of strained knee just after the match started. Gilbertson was the most consistent of the Wellington forwards, but the Watersider was not given nearly enough to do. His shot towards the end of the game was a stinger, and any other goalkeeper but Cra.tton might have let it through. For the first twenty minutes M'Lood, loft wing, did brilliant work, and it looked as if the nature of Wellington's showing at attack would depend, on him to a very large extent. But Dame Fortune played her part, and he received a rather serious injury, which, although not preventing him from playing altogether, crippled him to such an extent that he was practically a back number for the remainder of the game. M'Girr (right half) worked well, but his game lacked the force which he shows as a rule in club fixtures. Kissock, of whom great things were expected, did not greatly please his Wellington admirers, and he did not compare very favourably with Corbett, the Auckland centre-half. Kissock experienced difficulty in keeping his feet, and was not very accurate in his placing. Jones, left half, was at home, and did iome good work. Gibb (right back) did some solid defensive work, and was an efficient companion for Taylor, who, as left back, played brilliantly all the way. The Auckland forwards found themselves up against solid opposition in Taylor, whose kicking a nd placing was a delight ta the spectators. Waller gave an excellent account of himself as goalkeeper, and saved a number of very difficult and accurate shots. Two or three times in the second spell he was knocked out, but he stood up to his task manfully. No goalkeeper could have dona more than he did. It was solely due to the fins work of the back

division of the team that averted a. greater defeat. . . There were few weaknesses in the Auckland team. Every man .worked well, and provided ample evidence of the fact that the game has gone ahead in Auckland m a truly remarkable manner. The standard of play in all departments was very high. Dacre, Knott, Simms; and Innes are all forwards of a very fine stamp,- good, forceful players who are worthy of a place in any New Zealand team. Tremaia (centre forward) was just a little out of hia class, and adverse comment that had been made by writers, in Auckland regarding his selectionw»s_warranted, to some extent at' least. He made amends for a some-' whit mediocre display by scoring a goal in the second spell. Auckland's half, line was B Uo very strong. CorbetV (centre) ahone out all the time, and on occasions completely overshadowed the Wellington man, Kissock. Corbett's game wa» all the more remarkable iv view of the fact that he was doubtful right up to the day of the match whether an obstinate cold would allow him to take the field. Neesham, left h*lf, proved more than a match for Smith, and Buchanan, on the other aide of the held, was safe all the time. M'lllizott and L. .Dacre filled the back positions with credit to themselves, and Craxton. the tall New Zealand goalkeeper, saved the very few shots that came his way One of the shots, fronr Gilberston, wan a difficult one, but he handled it like a master. Generally, the Aucklanderg had the game in their hands from the start, and they are not likely to lose the shield this seaison. Manawatu have a challenge in, and will play next Saturday. >: .

The match was the twenty-third that had been played between Auckland and Wellington for the Brown Shield, and it was theninth time that the Aucklauders, in series, had earned the right to hold the trophy. , The Wellington team received excellent treatment at the nands of the. Auckland people, who did' everything possible for their comfort. Ahree Wellington pressmen who' made the trip with the'team were also treated with the greatest possible courtesy, both by the Auckland, officials and Mr W Duncan, who proved to be one of the most popular managers that has ever travelled with a Wellington eleven. The behaviour of, the team was excellent in every respect, and came in for special praise from the proprietor of the hotel at wmcn the members were staying. The visit wa» an enjoyable one in every respect, and the hope was expressed that vie trip will become an annual one. Reference will b e made in next week's notes to the remarkable progress that has, been made by the game in th» Auckland district: ....*»• NOTES ■ ' ' V Hospitarwere hard put to it to mem Ww\v d ? f °nf gOBI BCored aSain6t South .Wellington last; Saturday The match, was the semi-final for the Charity Cup, and a great deal of interest centred in. the^game, as Hospital were weakened by the absence of Kissock and Uibb, who were away in Auckland, and with the town team at full strength a close game was expected. And the expectations were realised. Hospital scored the only goal of the match from a corner kick within ten minutes of the start, and while admitting they were lucky to win, they would have been distinctly unlucky if they had lost. The team was well shuffled, and players were playing in strange places. Gibson was taken out of the forwards to fill the centre half position. This considerably weakened the attack,' and Gibson did not give a very convincing display in his new position. His tackling was firstclass, but he dallied too long with the ball and neglected his forwards,- although he made amends by. holding Stocks and giving him very little scope Daily and Paterson did not combine at all well .on the right wing, while Hughes I was overplayed by Reyling and was given very few opportunities. Dick, in a new position, inside left, was the best forward on the ground and gave a-fine display, and his combination with Lambert was a constant source of trouble to the opposition. Shaw played a splendid game ,in the halves, and made, a welcome reappearance - after bis bout with influenza. Ferguson and Thompson, at back, particularly the latter, played, sterling games'and it v»as mainly due to their efforts that thoir team won a place in the final. Trewick did all that was asked of him, and in the first half especially, with the strong sun in" his eyes, did some splendid catching and fielding. Gell kept a good goal for South Wellington, and had no chance with the only goal scored. He has all the advantages for the position, and it is surprising that this fine goalie has been so frequently overlooked for representative honours. Martin and Bell kicked well at back and made few mistakes, but Reyling was the star performer, and played an outstanding game. He was, quite the best half on the ground, and time and time again broke up the Hospital attack and set his own forwards away. The forwards were a nice even lot and played a fine passing game, their only weakness; and it is a vital one; being yin front of the goal. Much was expected of Stocks, who is considered Wellington's best centre forward, but he did not get much opportunity. He certainly distributed the ball well and kept his wingß well supplied. It was a game of old heads against young heads,, and there is no doubt the old heads were glad when the final whistle, blew. , <

In the week intervening between the Msrist match and the South Wellington game last Saturday, Hospital opened up their ground from end to end and put a drain through' it. Turf and all were replaced in time for the game last Saturday. It is the intention to put cross drains in the ground and at the end of the season plough ihe ground and re-level and bow. The ground is rightly looked upon as pne*of the best, if not the best, under the control of the W.F.A.. but it was not giving satisfaction of late to the Hospital authorities on acount of sinking and consequent faulty drainage. With the improvements outlined and others proposod, it should next season be one of the finest appointed grounds for Association football in tlie country.

Reporting on the Brown Shield match, the referee (Mr. J. M. Downie) stated that the game was played in a remarkably well spirited fashion, being free from foul play, although at all times it was willing. Every player on the field behaved in a : most gentlemanly manner, and took hard knocks 'with a smile. Several minor; injuries occurred, and these were attended to off the field. There was little or no appealing. Wellington forwards were very weak, but the defence was splendid.

CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE. Senior X. ■ Senior B. ».. W, t. D. Fer. Agrt. Ptß. p. w. L. D. For. Agat. Sts. Waterside ... t to 0 32 3 18 Inititute 10 9 1 o 38 6 18 ;J 1 0IP|I*£ » 8 2 1. 27 13 IS Scot. Wander. 10 7 2 i 25 13 ik Diamonds ...... 8 5 3 1 15 10 12 Porlrua 10 4 | } 14 16 12 TMstte 8 4 2 2 15 17 10 Sth. Wgtn. ... 10 4 3 3 19 15 11 .... 10 3.4 S 81 21 » BrooUlyS 9 3 S 3 22 le 0 f» ro" X 0 3 S 2 16 31 8 Wand Bay ... 0 2 6 1 U 22 5 Marlst 9 o 4 b jo go 6 STi f ta „,*,.„ 9 ! $ 3 13 ,»5 g Welgaaco „.„. • « 7 » c 3B s V.M.C.A. ....„ 11 Si « 12 35 b