SOCCER

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 140, 14 June 1924, Page 18

SOCCER

[BY ■•VANGUARQ-'l

The Wellington selectors will shortly have to face the task of selecting a team worthy of meeting the Chinese invaders, who, according to present arrangements, will play the local representatives on 19th July, and no time should be lost in ascertaining and comparing the capabili : ties of the many candidates worthy of a place in the eleven. Association football is very strong in Wellington this season; that fact has been amply •demonstrated by the high standard of play, which has been maintained in club games so far. For that reason, the task facing the selectors is by no means an easy one, and sound judgment will have to be exercised in getting together the strongest possible team to uphold tho reputation of the province. There are roughly 180 senior players to choose from, and eleven men are all that are needed. It may be taken for granted that tho selectors have already been keeping their eyes open, and that several men have been noted as-worthy of a place. Tho writer proposes to deal briefly with the various positions, and give Ilia opinion as to the capabilities of the respective claimants. Wellington must he considered very fortunate in its goal-keepers this season, for there avo at least three who must have stroiTg claims for the position of custodian—Ewing (of Thistle), Porteous (of Waterside), and Tanant (oE V.M.C.A.). "Vanguard" may say at once that of the three he prefers the Thistle man, who has shown remarkably consistent form for several seasons, and so far shows no signs of losing his brilliance. So far this season, his work has been brilliant all through, and the only goals he has let throu"h have been those which it would have been almost impossible for any goalkeeper to savo. There are those "who consider that Ewing is the best goalkeeper in the Dominion at the present time, and more than one reason may be advanced in support of this, claim. Tanant and Porteous are both sound custodians, but of the three Ewing is the most consistent. M'Girr (Y.MCA) Rudolp (Alarist), Taylor (Thistle), Bowyor (V.M.C.A.), and Thompson (Hospital) are all capable full-backs, who have proved themselves in club fixtures. M'Girr and Taylor have experience behind them, and would no doubt come out on top in a hard-fought game. M'Girr howeevr, has been playing centre half for his club in most of this season's fixtures, and if tho selectors should prefer to play M'Girr in that position they might very well try out Rudolf in tho back division. Now, as to halves. Wellington is not as strong in this department as might be desired, and, if there is any weakness in the team that is chosen it will probably bo in the half, back hue. Men who should be considerat a. rV MAAr^ Ur (Y- M- C-A.), Thomas (Marist), Cordiner (Thistle), Auld (Diamonds), Robinson (Hospital), Burke (Manst), and Trott (V.M.0.A.); of the-e there appears to be two certainties— M Arthur and Thomas both All Blacks of last season, and both very solid players. Now, as to the third "Van<mard" considers that Robinson is most entitled to a place. He has been playing a, great game for Hospital as centre-half this season, and, more than that, he has experience behind him. Last season he played centre forward for the Canterbury representative team, and in the previous season lie played -inside right for tho Otago representatives. Trott is a solid player, especially in defence, but his tactics are not those that are likely to prove very successful in a representative match. Hearne (Diamonds), M'Leod (Diamonds), P. Smith (Institute), Campbell (V.M.C.A.), Baliard (V.M.C.A), Stocks (South Wellington), Eton (Earon), and Dick (Hospital), are all possibies for forward positions. "Vanguard" considers the best line would be: Baliard, M'Leod, Stocks, Campbell and Dick, Baliard, Stocks, and Campbell cannot very well be left out, and M'Leod has proved his ability on more than one occasion. Dick is playing at the top of his form for Hospital this season as outside right, and should fill a long-felt want as right wing, a. position which the selectors have long experienced difficulty in filling satisfactorily . "Vanguard" considers that the following team would make a good showing against the Chinese:— °

Goal : Ewing (Thistle). Full-backs: Taylor (Thistle), and M'Girr (V.M.C.A.). Halves: Thomas (Marist), Robinson (Hospital), and M'Arthur (V.M.C.A.). Forwards: Ballard (V.M.C.A.), M'Leod (Diamonds), Stocks (South Wellington), Campbell (V.M.C.A.); and Dick (Hospital). NOTES. I Institute played particularly bright I football against V.M.C.A. A at Association Park last Saturday, and, had their goal work been more finished,, or had Young Men for one reason or another spelled off M'Uirr, the final scores would not have read with an 0 to the younger team's credit. Their play certainly lacked nothing in the way of pep and go, and their tackling was so thoroughly keen that Young Men's front line was unable to get going in anything like club style, until well on in the match, their pace keeping steadily up, whereas tho Institute defence was seemingly tiring after the strenuous going. The best half play, possibly the best all-round play, was shown by Jefferies at centre-half for Institute, but his luck with the ball anywhere within reasonablo distance of the goal was rather off colour. He sent in one or two likely shots from well out, but was inclined to rush things, M'Girr and Bowyers letting very little past to worry "Tarrant, whose afternoon was comfortable enough, not that'the Institute forwards failed in their job, but that the back line was so thoroughly reliable. The Y'M.C.A. forward line as first sent out, failed rather sadly upon tho right wing, an experiment which .did not justify itself on tlio afternoon's play, but the vanguard was later chauged about, Ballard going over to outside Tight, working there with Woolgar and Campbell. Hia game in that position wag one of his best, good footwork car*

SELECTING A TEAM

TASK BEFORE THE OFFICALS

CLAIMS OF THE PLAYERS

rying him through the defence solo on several occasions, but invariably he found himself by that time crowded towards tho corner flag and unable to send in anything on his own account. His at: tempt just on time from an imoossible angle, however, brought the first Y.M.C.A. goal, Campbell finishing off (from a rather doubtful position as to off-side), with Burt right out of position, and Bell falling back to relieve.- A perfectlyplaced centre from Baliard a few moments later, brought about the second goal, the ball dropping direct to Campbell hard in upon goal.

It was a hard fought game throughout^ shoulder charges being thoroughly willing and definite, but it was a game in which few penalties were given, and in which no free kicks for deliberate fouls were awarded. There were one or two casualties following particularly keen tackles, M'Arthur coming off very much second best during the second spell, but turning to again after a spell on the line. Jim Russell, the popular last season's skipper of the Karori senior team, was faveweUed in happy enough fashion after the Karon-Waterside match at Association Park last Saturday, not' that he is leaving AVellington, but that lie leaves the ranks of single meri. Mem. bers of the team and club and various friends, including lady friends, assembled after the game in the enclosure next the dressing-shed, to wish him and the future Mrs. Russell the best of luck and in addition to spoken words by the president of the club the musical honours due,to a popular clubmate on such an occasion and general handshaking, the members presented him, through their president, with a silver-mounted salad bowl and servers. Mr. Russell had been one of the club's brightest and-most consistent players, and likewise one of Wellington's brightest players, having represented the city in every grade from the sixth upwards, which must be something of a record. His active football, unfortunately, came to an end last season, for while playing for Wellington against Auckland he seriously injured an already doubtful knee, and was ordered by the doctor to . take • his" football in future more calmly, from the "bank. Diamonds turned the tables on Hospital at Poriraa. and avenged their cup defeat of a couple of weeks ago. In the cup game a goal divided the teams, and in the league match last Saturday, one goal divided the issue. , The game itself was a splendid one to' watch, despite the heavy continuous rain, and the ball control was splendid. Hospital had their chances in the first twenty minutes, when they' got their only goal, but should have got at least another. They also missed a penalty in the first half and,- generally speaking, the luck of the game was not with them. JS'ot that Diamonds did not deserve to win! They did, and played fine football throughout the game. Trewick, however, did not have anything like the work to 110 that the mud bespattered Waller was called on to perform. But it is goals that count, and Diamonds got two to their opponents' one. There has been very little between these two teams during the past couple of seasons, the most noteworthy, meeting being in the Charity Cup final, last season, when Hospital won by a much-discussed goal to nil. Diamonds commenced last Saturday ™jth the short-passing game, but later adopted the long passing, .which proved ircre effective on tha day. After the first twenty minutes Diamonds settled dtwn and gave quite as good as they took, and play swung rapidly from end to er.d. If the Diamonds' weakness was in front of goal, their main strength lay in the backs, Guest and Hawkins. These two played a wonderful game, and with Auld broke up many a dangerous situation. Time. and time again a Hospital rush would almost break through, only to be driven back by one of the trio The veteran Bidgood and Hellberg also played well, and helped their side to victory. The Hospital team played well, and although beaten shared the Hmcurs of the game. They missed opportunities, and so did the other side, but they have only themselves to blame for that. The main weakness of the forwards was hesitancy in front of goal, due, 20 doubt, to ! the weather conditions, although it was i surprising the way both teams coi'troll|ed the ball in the pouring rain. TreI wick did nof^ have a great deal to do, I although he brought off some very smart • saves, aid had no chance, with rhe two I against him.' J. Ferguson and Thompson were a pair of powerful, deterifined backs, and allowed little to pass them. Robinson was, however, the outstanding player, and as centre-half be gave a , splendid exhibition in attack ond dej fence. Ho does not hesitate to shoot j when the occasion arises, and is also a ' difficult man for the opposing forwards to beat. Hughes reappeared for the .first time this season, and strengthened the front line; the only goal coining irom a, nice pass from him to Gibb. B. Ferguson, met with a nasty accident during .the second spell, receiving a cut above the eye, which necessitated stitching after the game. J. Ferguson also had to receive medical attention after the game. The game'was played keenly, but in the best of spirit, .md the exhibition was a credit to both teams, and we want more games like it. •- ' "Should a- penalty kick be .".warded if two defenders 'sandwiched' an attacking player inside the penalty area?". The above question caused a lot of controversy at Home recently, and the following answer was given. "No. There is nothing in the laws which makes it illegal for two players, one at each side, to charge an opponent simultaneously. A penalty kick can only be given for a breach of law 9, which does not include "sandwiching." Karori is hy way of being rather nn unfortunate club in the manner in which it loses the best of its senior players, senerally by transfer to another centre. Muir is the latest to go, having moved up to Auckland, and the difference in their half line is marked onouprh. Against Watersides ah Association Park their play in this department was altogether weak, but that was generally made up by the fine back play of Henderson, late lof Thistle, and Prince, >vho Bare probably

the soundest back combination the club has yet mustered. Back play, however, cannot make up for lack of half play altogether, and though the forwards worked willingly and keenly they would have done better had the supply of leather been more regular and plentiful. There was also a lack of nice finish in front of goal, the attack being as keen as mustard up to a certain point and there falling away, but Wilkins went down hard for the full distance tune after time, and would have sent through had luck smiled on him just a trifle. Two of his shots bothered Porteous very considerably in the first spell. Karori »eed a keen centre-half and a couple of fast and moderately solid wingers to carry them through to ladder position, but there was no question that their game against Watersiders was a very marked improvement on the form they have shown in several recent matches. ', raters^ers played an ordinary game, the weakness, as in the case of Karori, being in th e half line, too much hanging on, with one half not a half, a forward out of place.

Karori should.not be sent out to Association Park too frequently, for, if club members will pardon my saying so, they are not so high on the championship table that they draw a record gate at the park, whereas if their games are staged nearer horns Karori will turn out m foreS to see them play, to the general betterment, of Karori club football and Association generally, for a gams played to a lively side-line is a better game than one in which twenty-two players and odd spectators are most interested. Ihat was not so at Association Park last. Saturday, for as play turned out the Karori-Waterside game had more goods to offer, until near the call of time, at any rate, than the V.M.C.A.-Institute match on No. 1. A Karori-any other team match at Anderson or Kelburn Park will gather together a bigger attendance than most other matches in which Karori does not take part. The larger the bank the keener the enthusiasm, which,. after Kipling, is certainly Advantage No. 1.

The leading team in the senior B division, Scottish Wanderers, added another win to their record on Saturday, when Seatoun suffered defeat at their hands by 4 goals to nil. Though the final result gave Scottish Wanderers a win by a substantial margin, the impression the team in action gave' was that they were not fully extended and could have added another point or two. Wet weather made a greasy ball difficult to manoeuvre on a slippery ground, but, notwithstanding that, Scottish Wanderers gave an exhibition of football which showed them to be in possession of the finer points of the game, and by which they appeared considerably superior in all departments to their opponents. Next season Scottish Wanderers can be confidently expected to be seen in senior A football. Seatoun made a good showing against the superior side, but the individual members of the team noticeably lacked finish-and sting to their work. On Saturday they were in scoring positions several times, but they did • not possess the necessary finish to score, their shooting, in particular, being very weak. The team possesses material which sadly needs coaching, but if theyaro taken in hand it should only be a question of time before they are a combination strong enough to seriously tackie the leading team in their grade. The fine defensive work of the Scottish backs made it difficult for Seatoun to penetrate the goal area. The outstanding performance of the day was made by Houston, who scored three goals. He is a fast, nippy back, and his shooting is deadly. Several times during the match he made brilliant solo efforts, and although li e did not always meet with success in netting the ball, he gave his opponents something to worry over. Scottish Wanderers' backs were safe in defence, and the forwards, among whom Robinson was prominent, battled hard, and continually kept the ball moving in the direction they desired.

The W.F.A. has decided that in future where teams do not.turn out when the referee blows his whistle, the latter's action in declaring the match" off, or awarding it to the team that answers the call promptly, will be supported. The subject was brought up for discussion this week when a letter was received from Mr. J. Gilbert, who stated that he notified both Thistle and Marist players at 2.42 p.m. on one occasion that it Was time they were on the field, and he went out and whistled, but could not get the game started before 2.58 p.m. Consequently, it was in failing light that the last quarter of an hour was played. In suggesting that the clubs and referees' association be written to, the chairman (Mr. W. Duncan) said that next month conditions would be worse as the days became shorter, and it would not fair to the referee. The chairman's suggestion was heartily endorsed by all members of the committee.

It is surprising what a poor knowledge of the laws some famous old players possess, and when' they take to writing articles and criticising referees it is apt to lead to trouble through people reading them and not knowing differently, taking them for granted. Steve Bloomer (says the "Sports Times") has made a "bloomer" with the following: N °-. I—"A referee stopped the game while an injured player received attention,, and started the game again by the usual throw-down. The ball was played before it touched the ground, and the referee immediately gave a free--5' !t c P layer-" Steve Bloomer says, The d^ision was a wrong one, but 1 regret to say it is a mistake many referees make. No referee can make out a good case for granting a freekick under such circumstances. The ball is dead, and therefore no infringement is possible. The referee should have thrown the ball down again." In the first place, he is wrong in using the term "thrown down," which has been altered for some time now to "drop the ball. Secondly, it is clearly provided lor m Law 17 that the punishment for tins orfence is a free-kick. No. 2— B lo omer says: "I once saw a referee award a goal which was absolutely illegitimate. A penalty kick had been taken, and the ball shot on to the crossbar; from the direct rebound, no other player having touched the ball, the penalty marksman netted, and the point was allowed to stand. Obviously the goal was offside." Although I agree tliat the goal was illegitimate, it should not be disallowed for "offside," but because the same player had played the ball twice from » penalty kick, contrary to Law 17, without another plavcr having touched the ball. Critics 'of referees, on points of law, should have a thorough knowledge of the laws, otherwise they are likely to mislead both players and spectators.

It has been reported that a glass eyp was p,icked up on a football field (England), following a match. Evidently th* referee had come prepared -with a number of "spares."