SOCCER

Evening Post, Issue 65, 13 September 1924, Page 18

SOCCER

IBY "VANQUARD")

The third Test match 'between China and New Zealand, played at Dunedin last Saturday, proved to be the deciding fixture of the series, as New Zealand won. by five goals to three and thus ■made their claim for the rubber beyond dispute. Played at Carisbrook, tb_e game attracted a crowd of about 10,000 spectators inside the ground enclosure and also -a good number who viewed the match'from "Scotchmen's Heights," that well-known point of vantage just alongside . Carijs'brook. According to the "Evening Star," the spectators were treated to a good and at times brilliant exposition of the Soccer code, and they • were not slow to show their approval. The game, particularly in the first spoil, was very fast. It was apparent, in the second spell that the New Zealand forwards had adopted a, ca' canny policy (reports the "Star"). Their'play lacked th'*e-sting that marked it in the first spell, and their shooting became, in many cases, weak." The Chinese, on the other hand, with a deficit to "make up, lent more ginger to their play, and many fine forward attempts were seen. Wu, who was injured in a former match, had not quite recovered, but" he played a great game, making many fi*i openings. Chang, in'the centreforward .position, also played well, and Ting, the left-winger, was often brilliant. The half-backs' were good, but at times they were inclined to kick a trifle too hard. The New Zealand vanguard scored two goals in the first few minutes of the game, and things looked pretty blue for the visitors, but they played on undaunted. Anderson and M'Girr played well in the full-back position, and Murray shone ' among the halves. The three inside forwards, assisted ably by M'Doiigall and Howarthtne two. wingers, played good-games. Ihe nnal score—s-3 in favour of New Zealand—is a pretty fair index of the teams merits. New Zealand owed its victory to the fine work of the forwards particularly in the first, spell, coupled with an able defence by the backs. Both teams, combined fairly well Those who scored for New Zealand were Cook Mj, Lothian (2), and Howarth (the leftwinger). Ting, Chang, and W u were responsible-for China's tally of three Interesting comment on the match is T b5 £? ra Knddiman, an ex-Aber-deen and Glasgow Rangers player, in a special article contributed to the Dunedin "Star," summing up t h e match, Ruddiman remarks; "The -W on the whole, was a very fast -nfc? inn rmrl? dr Pl?f' imd ilHhe half m-particular there was not one weak spot -m the New Zealand team The forwards were well backed up by the halves and the close ground passfug' of the whole brigade was a most pleasing feature. China in my opinion, were really outclassed on the day's play, but they did not seem to be able to adapt themselves to the ground conditions. Ihoy had weaknesses here and there, and after Wednesday's display I looked for better things from Chan. Liang, Jap, and Chang. The'full-backs failed to coyer up, and the halves were often out of position. The forwards were too much given to working well into goal before shooting, and many fine chances of testing GwiUiam were not made use of. Wu deserves every credit for-his plucky display, and his were the brains that led'up to two of the Chinese goals. Chang, Ting, and Wu are very, deft at hooking, the ball with either j' j I>ao did not nisPil'e confidence, and did not give the feeling of security that Gwilliam did. He played a safe game, and fielded the ball well. Anderson and M'Girr made an ideal pair of backs; Murray was the best half; and, although the-whole forward line of the All Blacks was excellent, I have' yet to see better inside forward play here than that shown by Lothian, Cook and Ml'Elljgott. jThe 'tViangular 'comKfrawon of Murray, Lothian, and Howarth was worth going a long way to see, being the finest feature in the game." A correspondent writes: '"The ashes have again been won by New Zealand, and the remaining Tests with China will still be full of interest, although the results can make no difference. It is certain that.China, will be keen to-win at least one Test, and I would liko to suggest that i£ a- match is played in Wellington the game" should bo a true Now Zealand v. China contest. We have iiad four teams selected this season to represent New Zealand, but there ha\e Deeu very few New Zealanders selected. We have always had our representative teams in the past mostly composed of Scots, Englishmen, and Irishmen, and 'labelled them New Zealanders. At Home a man can only play for the country of his birth, and in the years to come thesame thing will no doubt apply here. T here need be no fear of getting a firstclass team of native-born players together, and I think it. would be ve-y encouraging to the players in the junior grades if such a team were selected 1 am not in touch with the players in cUier centres, or, rather, their nationality, but a few of the local ones that come to mind would, form the nucleus oi a strong team. Tarranfc, Porteous M Grirr, M'Arthur, Burke, Thomas. M'■iMligott, Barton, Lambert,, M'Leod nnt a"d othel' s probably 'as ■good are all New Zealand born.; Then there are Daure and Cook, and the reader will probably think' of many more. There would- be no trouble in getting a worthy and true New Zealand team to represent nnd I am sure it would prove a. popular draw." -

. OUR. SCHOOL REPRESENTATIVES. The twelve boys selected to represent Wellington in the annual tournament this year, held in Dunedin, have evci-y reason to feel proud of themselves. On and off the- field they proved .worthy representatives of the Capital Ciiy," iln d wens a credit, to all concerned. The trip .South was eiijoyaWu from sta-rt to iinish, the train journey from, the Cathedral City to the Scotch capital proving; of e.\- , ceptional interest to the boys, At Christ- ■■

THE" THIRD TEST

LOCAL SCHOOLBOYS' TOUR

NOTES AND COMMENTS

church the Wellington boys were joined by the Canterbury representatives. They were met at Duuediu by the officials of the O.F.A. and schools' representatives, together with the numerous hosts who kindly provided homes for them during their stay in Dunedin.

Wednesday morning saw the team at practice on the Oval for an hour, and in the afternoon they witnessed the first match of the tournament, Otago v. Canterbury, as well as the Chinese University v. Otago fixture. The Otago boys ijad^ the advantage of weight and speed against any of their opponents, and it was soon evident that Canterbury had little chance of lowering their colours. By the time half tho first spell had ended Otago had notched 4 goals. Canterbury rallied, and after vigorous effort eucceedsd in netting 2 goals. The second spell was more even, the Canterbury team playing with more vim and dash, but nevertheless were altogether outmatched, the Otago team securing two more_ goals before tho game ended, thus winning the first game of the tournament in a somewhat easy manner by 6 goals to 2.

The second game, Canterbury v. Wellington, took place on the "Oval on Thursday. The weather conditions were perfect, and there was a good crowd of spectators. Wellington opened in brisk fashion, and in five or'six minutes had secured two goals, Cotton netting the ball on both occasions. Under-estimating the real worth of their opponents, the Wellington boys then took things somewhat easily, and Canterbury succeeded in notching a goal. Cotton retaliated with another goal, making the score 3-1 iv Wellington's favour at the end of the first, spell. With two goals to spare, Wellington continued to take matters somewhat easy, and for the greater part', of the second spell Canterbury had decidedly the best of the game, and succeeded in adding another goal to their credit. Wellington seemed content with a lead of one goal, and, although Canterbury's attack was somewhat determined, the defence of the Black and Gold was too sound, and the game ended in a- win for Wellington by 3 goals to 2.

The third and final match of the tournament took place on Carisbrook Ground between the victors over Canterbury—• Otago and Wellington. The game, unfortunately, was played throughout' in a regular downpour of rain. The heavy ground and greasy ball were factors in favour of Otago, who were much the l'eavier team, but, although Wellington lacked weight, they made, up for it in skill, and the boys played the "game of their lives." Before entering the field of play they were impressed with the idea that it did not matter who scored as long as the team scored. Eight v. ell did the boys carry out their instructions, and from the dick oft Otago ior once found they were up against a stiff proposition. Although the conditions did not favour brilliant football, yet the combination of the Wellington forwards told against the weight of Otago, and when half-time bell rang the .score was Wellington 2, Otago 0. The second, spell was a determined fight on the part of Otago to stave off defeat. Wycliffe, in goal, was the hero of the match, and was easily the best " goalie" in the. tournament. Otago eventually succeeded in netting a goal,' making the' bcore 2-1 in "Wellington's favour. Give-, and-take play followed, and right on call of time for an accidental infringement near the corner a penalty kick v-as awarded Otago. Against a blinding rain Wycliffe had little chance of saving, and amid, the loud cheers of Otago's supporters Addison's drive found the net, and thus a defeat was averted.

The Otago papers gave Upchurch the ciedifc of the infringement which lost the match to Wellington. Upchurch, the smallest boy in the team, is exceedingly hurt, and in fairness to him it is only right, to say he was nowhere near the ball whsn the penalty .was given. The culprit* was Clementson, who was I much nearer the corner than the pen- i alty was' when the .purely accidental! breach took place. Thus the game and tournament conluded with honours equal between Otago and Wellington. ,The Dunedin papers were loud in their praise oi the- Otago representatives, remarking that the Otago boys have a- proud record in the competitions, having always won the premiership. This is rather misleading. Although not defeated, they were compelled last year as well as this year at Christchurcli to divide the honours with Wellington., each team having a win and a draw to its credit. Result of matches were as follows:— / P-> W. L. D. C.'jp. Otago 2 1 — 1 3 Wellington. ... 2 1 l 3 Canterbury ... 2 " — 2 0 A GENTLE REBUKE. A gentle rebuke from South Africa-! The following letter has, been received in Sydney from an enthusiast, in Capetown : "The Soccer people in this country have recently enjoyed a joke. A •byclney club wrote to the South African Football Association suggesting- that they should be invited to tour "South Africa. If the suggestion had come through the Commonwealth Football Association there would have been some dignity about it. It is realised here that Soccer in Australia is making tve-' mendous headway as far as popularity is concerned, but the Australian players have not yet met real class footballers. They will know how they stand 111 the Soccer world when the English team visits them next year. As Uu- as South Africa is concerned for the first time in its history a team leaves to tour laigland, Scotland,, and Ireland by tomorrow's boat. The programme in 'front of them is a very heavy one. In addition to the British programme (hey have to touv tile Continent, where the quality of Soccer is very hijrli indeed. South African Soccer should be .good.' seeino(■hey fcave enjoyed visits from sis English foams during the past 30 years; that is, 3 the lessons taught have been

W ? Jl^- , The team is leaving for England » fully representative n Lh mca» ■ bein S' elected after tft , S°uth_ African born, which is as it should be. ' KOTJSS.. . . i w^ hwJlf C"?i Ss!t/ ? f Playing to «ie whistle irtiH lliust''ated in tbe Hospital-Wat-eiside game last Saturday. A Water side player took the ball wk down field ntV ,1 la? fM P°ssession, the HpsPrtal players stopped and claimed a bye. Iheir opponent however, did not E to», wnore it. was met and netted The Hos pita players had only themst^s to" field wUI One raan on the it, ( the play goes on. The correct motto is .flay the whistle. HowJff .? etr en and ilospitdl last Saturday was a good hard cup-tie struggle, with the football rareW ?S^ClaSS> but always interestingWat^side; considering their position fn the league table, gave a- surprisingly good d.splay, especially in the first halt 7 »u?f» JTV' °f course- "We or no guide as to how a team will shape in the cup There is a different atmosphere 2it Sm, competition which pervades players and spectators conse quently the play is usuaU P^ator s rot •/ n? ha! a was an absentee, and Waters.de took the field with ten men,, but a fow minutes later Rene filled the acan ?y at Rene, who has not played the Soccer code for some time partnered Du-yer, and both players gave I a splendid display of defensW football I i'orteous had a busy afternoon, and showed nne anticipation in dealing with many awkward _situations.. He met with a nasty accident early in the second half but resumed after receiving medical attention. •Collins, Irvine, and Jenkn s played wall iv the halves and the latter a promoted junior, was unfortunate in oeing the means of Hospital getting their only goal. The ball was going straight for goal when Jenkins handled/and the referee had no option but to award a penalty All the forwards played well! I particularly A'icolle and Came, except for a pronounced weakness in front of goal! They had the chances in the first spell I when their superior combination genl eraliy had the better of the gameVbut, hes.tat.ion or wild kicking spoilt 'their ?f* n H°? piiial. were m™™ Dick, who s still on the injured list, and his place vas taken by M'Bride, a new arrival from Home. The latter, although obviously out of form, gave glimpses of bet ter things to come. The home forwards played much, better in the second'spell, and well supported by their halves, kept \\ aters.de practically penned up on the efensiye. D. Ferguson played one of lus best games this season and was well supported by Hughes and Lambert. The team was rearranged for the second half Gibb going in the forwards, Robinson to half-back, and Thompson back The cliauge put more dash into the team, the three players mentioned playing splendidly throughout. Tyson and J. Ferguson also did well, although the latter received a severe knock and had to retire for some time. Trewick showed good .judgment in coming out of goal to meet breakaways by hi s opponents and was never at fault.. At. the conclusion, with the scores level,.the teams appeared to prepare to play extra time, and then a general discussion took place on the held. Waterside objected to continue as they contended that extra, time was not compulsory in semi-finals, and to settle the argument they left the field Hospital is appealing to' the W.F.A. on the matter, and the result will be known before these notes are' printed.

V.M.C.A., lacking three of their strangest players, M'Arthur. from the half-line, M'Giny from back (both of whom were at Dunedin . for the Test match), and- Ballard, from his inside positton, further weakened their chances against Thistle at Association Park last baturday by not playing—as a team— with marked vigour. Individually, also, in the second spell, the punch fell off particularly in the forward Jine. The defence was lively enough; it had to be,, for Thistle halves and forwards were out for business right to the whistle. •Apparently the win on the penalty goal kicked by Logan when Bowyers pulled up Boadle to the dissatisfaction of tho reieree did not satisfy them.

That casual feeling could not be ascribed to Brosnan by any stretch, of imagination. Either he possesses a. wondrous tough skin or an unlimited supply of good luck, for he risked and came through tackles on Saturday that would have spelt ambulance for most other players; not that his game is too keen towards the other fellow, but that he goes in and gets it with apparently unbounded faith in his tough hide, or good luck. I would like to think ithat he will get through indefinitely without crashing, but lam afraid not. His was quite the most vigorous and interesting game on the field.

Campbell had an easy afternoon of it, for him, not having any great amount to do with the ball, probably as a result of the disorganisation of the forward line, and, when his chances did come along, he was watched and blocked in every attempt at goal by Taylor and Wetherspoon. He did not get his goal on Saturday. Holt^took up a new position, at right back, as partner to Bowyers, and there played a very sound game; a place game, moreover, which must, surely have: been somewhat of a trial to an old front-line war-horse. That basketball effect provided by a wing man pleased the spectators immensely ; the ■ referee was, however, a man.of little humour. Both goalkeepers had fair afternoons, but Tarrant had to move more quickly and more often than did-Ewing. Several of Tarrant's saves were particularly bright, a couple of "certainties" going over the bar just 011 time. The Thistle .front line, Smith, Boadle, Pearce, Logan, and Crundwell, played good football, particularly so the left wingers, the play leading up to Pearce's goal, left wing to right, and ' a good centre, being ' typical, and in this instance deceiving Tarrant badly. Crundwell plays on as he has always played, with any amount of dash and go, "but somehow his game in a blue jersey does not seem to have the finish which he showed under the black. If for no other reason than that they put pep into their play, which Young Men -did not, generally speaking, Thistle deserve their win. R. Hone demonstrated on Saturday that it is not the tools that make the man by playing for Waterside in long I pants and canvas deck shoes. Ho was i i hurriedly ■ pressed into service, and, being quite unprepared, pulled on a jersey and took the field, playing a great game at full-back. .. Half-way through the game Ueno lost a large portion'of one shoe, but it seemed to make little difference to his play, although he received some good-humoured banter from the bus.