A POOR GAME

Evening Post, Volume CVIII, Issue 78, 29 September 1924, Page 4

A POOR GAME

CHATHAM CUP FINAL HARBOUR BOARD WIN AFTER EXTRA TIME HEAVY GROUND SPOILS PLAY. "When/it was announced that the final game for the Chatham Cup would be played at Athletic Park, and that it would be preceded by the local Charity Cup final, there waa every prospect that Association football followers would be provided with an excellent afternoon's sport', but that prospect fell ehort of realisation on Saturday afternoon. Certainly there was much to interest in the curtain-raiser, but the form shown in the big match came as a keen disappointment to those who were expecting to see something-good from what should be the cream of New Zealand's Association football club teams. In a large measure the state of the ground was to blame. The heavy rain of the past few days had made the ground very heavy, and by the time 22 Charity Cup seekers and a- referee had tramped over it for over an hour and a half it was far from being in a fit state for play, especially when so much was attached to the game. However ( a postponement was out of the question, and New Zealand's premier Soccer fixture was decided under conditions that were very far from ideal. The weather also had the effect of reducing the number of spectators. All that would have mattered little had the game provided anything in the natre pt brilliant play, but a more uninspiring game could not have been imagined. Both teams were lacking in vim, and at times play was very much below senior form. The first two spells were of a fairly, even description, and as the scoro3 were letfel—one all—when fulltime sounded, the referee ordered another half-hour's play. During the course of this Harbour Board unexpectedly asserted themselves, and, by scoring two goals, earned the right to hold*the Chatham Cup for ttie next twelve months. The teams took the field as follows :— Seacliff (pale blue). —Rivers; Anderson and Munay; Cox, Waugh, and Rogers; M'Dougall, Simmons, Hooper, Bailey,, and Hamlin. Auckland Harbour Board (blue and white).—Batty ; Mitchell, and Brittain ; Worthington, Bell, Jones; Tocker, Palmer, Margiaon, Heyes, and Drayton. PLAY. DESCRIBED. Seacliff, playing from the north, kicked off, and immediately attacked, Bailey having a shot, which narrowly missed. Harbour Board invaded their opponents' territory, and Palmer was responsible for some bright play. Tocker failed to finish off a, good movement, and Seacliff went away again. It was not long, however, before the scene changed, but strong defence by Seacliff prevented any dangerous movements. Palmer was almost through on one occasion. Rivers being fortunate to save. Anderson saved from an awkward corner, but Auckland were soon on the mov» again, and kept Seacliff busy near their own line. M'Dougall gained possession on the right wing, and after a, nice run down the line, sent in a good centre, which struck tlie aido of the goal-post. The resulting kick brought relief to Harbour Board, and Seocliff had to concede a corner. Heyes did not make the most of this, and the ball travelled upfield again. Rivers was called on to save, and Pnlmer brought relief with a good run. _ Tocker had a shot, and Anderson, miskicking, almost turned tho bull into the net. Seacliffa goal wus in danger twice in succession, once by Margison, who tested Rivers with a great shot. The custodian wus safe, | however, and roused enthusiasm by somo excellent clearances. The Auckland team maintained tho pressure, but ultimately Seacliff found relief. An in- j fringoiheiit robbed them of a chance, j and Auckland wore away again, only being pulled up by offside play. Palmer and Tocker wero assorted in some good combined work, but Boacliff forcocl tho pace a^ain, only to overrun tho leather at the critical" moment. Hooper, Bailey, and Hamlin initiated a. nice forward movement, and the latter centred correctly. Mitchell got in the way, and a corner resulted. Auckland found relief from this, but Seacliff soon attacked again, Hamlin just missing with a chopping shot. Seacliff kept up the pressure, but spoilt excellent chances by getting offside. Hooper had only the keeper to beat, but Batty, sprawling at full length, managed to divert the ball for a corner. The next minute Auckland were almost through Palmer back-heeling just in front of the goal, and almost beating Rivers. With dramatic suddenness play changed to the other end, and as tho result of a nice piece of play by M'Dougall, Simmons banged the leather into the net, giving Batty no chance, Seacliff 1, Auckland 0,

Seacliff generally had the best of matters during the next ten minutes or so, and when Harbour Board did come near their opponents' lino they were unable to make the most of their opportunity. Weak shooting was their main faulty Tooker and Paimer missing several good chances. HARBOUR BOARD DRAW LEVEL. Seacliff took Harbour Board by surprise from the kick-off, and looked dangerous. Faulty play let Harbour Board away, and Seaoliff were fortunate in keeping their goal intact. Andersou was a big factor in the defence, his kicking being sure and accurate. Harbour Board kept up the pressure for a time, but before very long Soacliff came again. Neither side was playing with any show of brilliance, and a succession of throw-ins made for dismal play, which spectators did not appreciate. Harbour Board forced matters, and a corner came their way. Seacliff attacked again, however, and in their turn they also received a corner. Play centred in mid-field for a while, but neither team put'any vim into their work. After a somewhat wearj'ing spell of play, Auckland attacked, and after an interesting exchange of play Palmer sent; the ball into the net. Seacliff 1, Harbour Board 1. The change in the outlook of the game brightened matters up a little. Harbour Board went out in search of another goal, but Palmer lacked wide when in a good position. Time sounded without further score, and extra time had to be played. During the course of this Harbour Board very largely took charge of the game, and Margison and Heyes each scored a goal. Seacliff made strenuous efforts to draw level again, but the game ended: Harbour Board 3 Seacliff 1