Winter Sport

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 100, 30 April 1927, Page 22

Winter Sport

closing stages were exciting, hut the whistle beat them. Both teams were weak in the forwards, and the shooting was below the standard, with far too many chances missed. Bentley, in goal •for the winners, gave a good display. M'Girr and Ward, at back, did well, particularly the former, who played quite at tho top of his form. The halves were mainly defensive with Trott tho pick. The forwards improved immensely as the game progressed, and towards the finish were going well. Eigby, a new man at centre-forward, gave a pleasing display and with Ballard was the mainstay of the front line. Worth, Cohen, and Lock played well individually. The Hospital front' lino was weak, with Marshall, a new man, outstanding. He is a nippy little player, and is not .afraid to shoot, Hughes and Mullins, of the old brigade, did well while their condition lasted. Lambert and Keely did not combine well on the left wing. The former player shoots too much for an outside man, and would be much more effective if he put it across for his inside men to deal with. Neely, a new man, is on the light side, but was nippy and put in a lot of good work. Simon wbb the pick of a hard-working set of halves, while Gibb and Thompson were in fine form at back. Murray was at times uncertain in goal, although saving well on occasions. A Drawn Game. There was very little football, as far as the spectators were concerned^- in tho Diamond-Seatoun match played at Seatoun on Saturday, and which resulted in a draw, each side scoring two goals. The game was played in a heavy northerly wind, which seriously interfered with the game, and upset the calculations of the players to a great extent. Of course, football of a high standard cannot be expected at the beginning of the season, but in the first few games weaknesses in the team are apparent, and the opportunity is given the selectors of strengthening those weaknesses, if they are able. oaturday'B match at Seatoun was of more than ordinary interest. Diamonds just managed to retain their senior status last season, and Seatoun is the senior B team which won their competition, and was promoted to the higher grade. The teams are about of equal strength, and the score was a fair indication of their respective merits. Eight from the beginning Seatoun mado the pace, and forced the game. They never let up throughout the match, and for a great part of the time kept Diamonds on the defensive. In th s first few : moments of play the suburban side worked down to the Diamond goal. The latter's backs were not as safe as usual in clearing, and a corner resulted; A hard shot came from Kinder, Seatoun's centre forward, and Guppy, the Diamond goalie, was lucky in just getting his finger-tips on tho leather. He managed to deflect it over the back of the net. Diamonds were not to be found 80 easy as Seatoun would like, and a rally saw the Seatoun goal threatened, but the backs were safe. Then the Seatoun flanks came into action, and Smyth took the leather down tho wing,' and put in a shot which game his side a chance to score. The cross-kick was not taken full advantage of. A few moments later M'Leod was prominent in a nice piece of work, but his shot was weak, the ball sliding across the goal mouth. The first goal came from an effort in which Smyth and Kinder figured. The former sent the ball in'from the wing at tho right time, and Kinder put the finising touches, sending the ball into tho not from close up. Smith, Diamond's centre forward, headed a forward rush, and the leather was sont to M'Leod. Tho latter lost the ball, and tho goalie cleared. Smith then tried a long shot at goal, and his effort was almost successful, the ball hitting tho cross-bar. Diamonds made strenuous efforts to score, and they were ovontually successful, when from a scramble in front of the goal M'Cormack scored. The goalie got his hands on to tho ball, but he fumbled and carried tho leather over the line. Tho second half of the match was just as strenuously contested as tho first. M'Kenzio scored for Seatoun, and M'Cormaek sr/cured the equalising goal for Diamonds. In the concluding fifteen minutes or so both sides made strenuous efforts to score 2 gain, and Seatoun were nearly successful. Diamonds just managed to hold them, and an evenly contested game ended in a draw— 2-2. Notes on the Players. Diamonds showed little control of tho ball in tho forward line. The vanguard was the team's weakest part, and it w.is not up to the strength 0? the opposing forward combination. M'Leod was playing out of his usual position, and should have been on the other wing. This was quito apparent, as at no time did he show to the same advan tago he has, in previous seasons. Diamonds were trying a new goalkeeper—Guppy. It must bo admitted that'the heavy wind mado his work doubly hard, but ho did not display the neatness and quickness which are essential to his work. He was noi sure of the ball. Smith, as' centro forward, was not tho success he should havo been. His passing was erratic, and his failure to receive easy passes -from M'Leod resulted in his side missing opportunities of scoring. The full-backs, Guest and Hcarne, played thoir usual solid game, and rarely let anything pass. Both worked hard during the match, and especially so in the latter stages, when their goal was,being seriously threatened. Chowan, in the half-line, was playing below standard. His passing was erratic, and his kicking lacked the right direction. On the other side, the Seatoun forward line was. the best part of the team, and Smyth, the winger, was responsible for quito a lot of good work; Wyatt, in goal, played a good game, but took risks occasionally, though on Saturday he was lucky. Chances for Country I'layers. Complaint was made at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Association this week that selectors of teams to take part in tho English trophy matches^ were not paying sufficient attention to the. country players. It would appear that there is justification for the complaint. In the case of Wellington, ,at any rate, country players have been given no place in teams which, according to the rules, are supposed to represent the province and not merely the city. For this the selectors are not to blame, as no opportunity has been given to them to go into the country to see the players in action, and it is a risky thing to include any player on reputation alone. That more consideration should be given to the claims of country players cannot be denied, as there aro many players under the minor associations who are worthy of a place in New Zealand's best. Here is a case in point. When Kissock, the Now Zealand and Auckland representative, was on the West Coast, he was altogether overlooked by the Canterbury representatives. As soon as he moved to Auckland and became a city resident, he gained a place in the Auckland eleven, and later in tho New Zealand cloven. Quite an interesting suggestion was made at the annual meeting by Mr. A. Varney (chairman of the council). Mr. Varney_ suggested that

each of the major associations should stage a Town v. Country match early in the season. In this way the best players in the province' would bo brought together, and all the stars would: have an equal chance of catching the eye of the selectors. This plan would certainly entail some extra expenditure on the part of the local associations, but this fact should not deter them, as they should have tho interests of the game sufficiently at heart to be prepared to make some sacrifice. The proposal is commended to the earnest consideration oil the major associations, and the writer gives expression to the hope that Wellington will lead the way in making a Town v. Country match an annual fixture. . The Selectors. The Management Committee of tho Wellington Association has decided to adhere to the principle of a selection committee of three, and during the coming season Messrs. A. Williams, W. Wilson, and W. B. Hicks will have the task of sorting out players for representative honours. While it must be admitted that the selectors appointed are all men of experience and sound judgment, it is to bo regretted that;tho name of Mr. H. L. Godber does not appear.- Over a long term of years Mr. Godber has rendered yeoman service to the game, as a plsiyer, administrator, selector, and enthusiast, and his shrewd judgment as to the worth of a player made him a very valuable member of the Selection Committee last year.' How he came to be overlooked this year—ho was not even nominated—is a matter which is puzzling many players at the present time. Probably members of the committee will have some explanation to offer at the nnxt general meeting of delegates. In the meantime the writer expresses his veiy keen regret that so great an enthusiast and so able a judgo of the game has been forced into a back seat. Schoolboy Soccer. Each season sees the number of youngsters taking up Soccer steadily increasing, though there is still, particularly in certain of tho secondary schools, more or less of a ban upon official school Soccer, though the boys are free to join outside clubs if they so desire, suggesting that the attitude is something like this: There is nothing really wrong about Association football, we just can't be bothered with it. Which was the general attitude some years ago, when the round' ball was rather a laughable curiosity, but today Bngby players do not bo'greatly outnumber those 'who go out'with the round ball. The fact v that Association is becoming more and more popular with the boys, and, if the Canadian tour proves as successful as the oxpense to be incurred must, make one wish, this season should give lowergrade Soccer a tremendous lift. It can be accepted that as a general rule boys at school do not require very much in the way of orthodox training —as a matter of fact only a few of the senior men worry their heads very much over regular and serious training work—providing that they are normal boys as regards energy, that they spend plenty of time outdoors and that their health is good. What exercises they do go in for should be in the direction of improving their all-round physique and health. Muscle grinding exercises, even the small boy heeds no telling today, never took' anyone anywhere but to the most convenient cemetery at an unduly early date, and to footballers in particular such .exercises ar6 much, worse than useless. r • The Light Touch. But if serious training is not recommended for youngsters, practice is, fbr practice is a very different matter, n»t practice in the art of outshining tlie heavy work of senior players seen on Saturdays, but in the basic points of the game. It is possible, though arguable, that an experienced player -tan put through neat work in a heavy fashion, but the youngster who starts o$ in bull-at-the-gate tackling and chai-ging-down will in' the end be Jeft hopelessly behind by tho chap alongside him who started off with the determination to gain a real control of the ball. Dan Jones—every youngster who knows the game at ail knew his" play a season ,or so ago—was a first-rate) example to lower-grado players. His work was really neat, withal pretty attrenuous, but the neatness was the outstanding feature. Generally speaking New Zealandi Soccer is on the heavy side. It is riot as attractive to the public as it shoufld be, and tho fault undoubtedly lies Jin the fact that the youngsters have been started away on tho wrong trafik, too much'heavy stuff, not enough neatness and finish. Soccer is first and'last a scientific game, and science must be exact. Diet plays a big part in all sports but the average boy does not peed to worry greatly over diet,- his .stomach and the good sense of his motVer as a rule attend to that. But the (>oy who wolfs down his dinner and terjrs away to football is certainly looking for trouble, not immediately, perhaps, but a few years later on. The management is up against the clock in arranging the commencing hours of jun;»r games! but this aspect should be considered if it is at all possible. It is useless to argue with a grown-up juvenile who will smoke, because he will smoke, but tho club which lays down thje rule that junior members shall go! out prompto if they incline towards the /cigarette is a wiso club indeed. ■ ■ ' •' Transfers. : „ The following transfers granted at this week's meeting of the Wellington Football Association:—H. Colver from Brooklyn to Wafterside; I\ M. Vicar, from Diamond tjo BrooklynE. A Godschalk, from Bcatoun to Brooklyn; E. Sharp, from Marist to South Wellington; L. Damiells, from Thistle to Diamonds; J. S. Ewing, from r.M.C.A. to Diamonds; Jl- Watt, from ™Tt t0 WelSas=°; O. Thomas, from I.M.C.A to Thistle; J. StfLollan from Waterside to Thistle; W. M'Kee from Hospital to Waterside; «r. Dunn, J i Connolly, L. Liddicoat, 3t. Boyce, F Williams, W . b. Ogg, fro in Stop Out to' V.M.C.A.; S. E. Masters,, ;from Congregational to Brooklyn. Notes. • ' \ Evidence of tho excellent spirit that obtains between two rivrfl codes in Rugby and Soccer has betn provided by the action of the Wellington Rugby Union in offering the-Ffew Zealand Association the use of Park on ! in\ June, when the Canadians will make their first appeaipnce in Wellington. It is regrettable that the council has been forced to see/Oa ground other ■than the Basin Eeservib, but their hands have been forced by 'line action of the Wellington Football Association in deciding to make a cl-jarge of £20 for the use of the Baui h. The action of tic Wellington Association is, to say the least of it, vcify hard to understand. Approval of the decision of tho New Zealand Council not* to invite.a Chinese team to. visit the* Dominion this season is expressed in. the Sydney "Referee." "Tho Chinese arc not to go across from Australia to New Zealand " the "Referee" states. ' "The Dominion authorities, as note ft before, are wise in their generation. ;owing to the tour of the Canadians to Ifew Zealand, tho Dominion Soccer Council will not invite the Chinese acrcss., Disruptio-s to club football oceaßio!Kifl by one overseas team are quite sufficient for any one 3cason in any of lihe Dominions, the desires of the autho-eities in Australia notwithstanding." • J. Davidson, Edmonton Caleys, Winnipeg, represents, another strong recommendation from his province. Ho is an inside-left or, left-half, a useful man to have. • — '"" — ""• --•■—■- — . .

HOCKEY

By "sticks"

NOT SATISFIED

WITH PARENT BODY

CHANGE OP HEADQUARTERS DISCUSSED

A letter from the Taranaki Hockey Association, suggesting that the local body should support an agitation to transfer the headquarters of the N.Z.H.A. from Christchurch to Wellington, provoked an interesting discussion at Monday's meeting of the Management Committee. Mr. P. J. Atkinson: "Although Tara-' naki had delegates on the N.Z.H.A. when the proposal was first discussed, they never gave us any support, and the vote at that meeting will show that their delegates were instructed to please themselves." Mr. L. S. P. Butcher: "That is correct." i Mr. Atkinson: "For all that, we should give them our support." Mr. W. G. Morpeth: "Personally, I do not think wo ought to support it. I was nover very keen on it, and I am quite satisfied the control should be from Christchurch." It was hard enough to get a full meeting of the Management Committee, and it would be harder to get members to attend meetings of the N.Z.H.A. A member: "What is tho idea behind this?" . -. j The chairman (Mr. R. Hardie Boys): ! "Probably they want a change." A member: "I think it is mainly to eradicate 'wowserism.' Everyone knows that with one or two exceptions they are a frightfully narrow lot. Taranaki were not in the picture when the proposal was first discussed, but since the Indian Army tour, the thing has been howled about among all the smaller associations. This is a direct result of the trouble over the tour." He said that the smaller associations had £.30 or £40 repaid to them, and in some, cases spent considerably more than that sum in entertaining the visitors. Wanganui, he believed, had lost £80. "They think that Wellington came out of the tour well, and they would like to see us manage the N.Z.H.A. affairs." The chairman: "I agree with Mr. Morpeth. The same men can't give real attention to both bodies." / Mr. Morpeth: "In Christchurch they have a number of old players who take an interest in the game. We have not got them here." The smaller associations completely overlooked the fact, he said, that Wellington had worked for a month before the game to ensure its success, and had a profit before tho match started. Mr. Butcher said that Wellington was bound to support Taranaki in view of its strong representations previously to have the control transferred. "I think you can got the men here if 'you want them," ho said. After further discussion, it was decided to support the proposal. Thirty-five Teams Entered. There is a distinct probability of bye in the senior A competition this season, seven teams having been entered. Karori havo entered two elevens, and Training College are newcomers in' this grade. Tho various entries aro appended:—Senior A: Training College, 'Varsity, Karori (2), Wesley, Hutt, Wellington. Sonior B: Huia, 'Varsity, V.M.C.A., Karori, Wesloy, Hutt, Potonc, Wellington. Junior: Huia, Training Collego, 'Varsity, V.M.C.A., Karori, Wesloy, Hutt, Potono. Third: V.M.C.A., Karori, Wesley. Hutt, Government Insurance, Wellington. Intermediate: Huia, V.M.C.A., Karori, Wesley, Technical College, Wellington. Thero aro thus eight teams in the senior B grade, eight in tho junior, six in the third, and six in the intermediate. Last year thoro were eight senior B teams, seven junior, six third, and six intermediate. This shows an increase of two toams over last year. Game in the Schools. Moro than evor this season the game seems to be in a flourishing stato in tho schools!, Tho officers entrusted with tho administration of the W.P.S.H.A. aro: President, Mr. C. Grant; vice-presidents, Messrs. A. A. Kirk and B. Atkinson; socretary, Mi 1. B. Massoy; committee, Messrs. H. Paul, L. Fielder, J. Simpson; dolegato to W.H.A., Mr. A. A. Kirk; solo selector, Mr. W. D. Sykcs. In all, twenty-seven teams have been entered, an increaso of three ovor last season. Tboy aro graded as follows: —Senior A: Karori,'Hataitai, Borltampore, Lyall Bay, Nowtown, Wellesley College, Island Bay. Senior B: Khandallah, Wadestown, Northland, Miramar, Karori, South Wellington, Terrace. Junior A: Hataitai, Berhamporo, Wollesley, Lyall Bay, Newtown, Island Bay, South Wellington. Junior B: Newtown, Lyall Bay, Hataitai, Miramar, Karori, Wadestown. Srle Selector Appointed. Mr. H. Hatch was appointed sole selector for Wellington representative toams by an overwhelming majority at Monday's meeting of tho W.H.A. New Ladies' Club. Owing to tho defection this year of tho Y.W.C.A. team, it has been decided to form another ladies' toam under tho name of the Swifts. This team will include Boveral prominent players from the Y.W.C.A., as well as from other clubs. It is expected that they will enter two teams, and the coaching will bo under the supervision of Mrs. C. Fuller, who lias filled that capacity with tho Y.W.C.A. for some time past. An African Invitatios. An invitation has been received by tho New Zealand Ladies' Hockey Association from the AH South African and Bhodcsian Women's Hockoy Association to send a team to take part in the Empire Tournament in South Africa in 1930. Tho expenses would n.-.turally bo very hoavy, but the African Association has guaranteed expenses incurred by the team while in that country. The matter was discussed at the annual meeting of tho Now Zealand Association, and one delegate suggested that, as an Australian team will probably be touring New Zealand next year, tho team chosen to visit Africa should tour Australia on the way to the Empire Tournament, and thus return,the vfsit to Australia. It was decided,' however, to write to tho African Association stating that the delegates at present consider there is every possibility of a team visiting Africa in 1930. The Challenge Shield. The Challenge Shield, for which Wellington competed unsuccessfully with Canterbury at Christchurch last year, has now been played for in 58 ordinary matches and two tournaments.-- It has been won or retained by Auckland on 24 occasions, by Wellington on 19 occasions, by Canterbury on 13 occasions, aud by Manawatu on five occasions.

The W.H.A. lias been unsuccessful in its request for three grounds on the Lower Hutt Recreation Ground, the Borough Council advising Monday's meeting that only two fields, Nos. i and 5, could be devoted to hockey.

SOCCER

BY ' VANOUAMOt" t

SENIOR CONTESTS

THE SEASON OPENED

PROMISING FORM SHOWN

SENIOR A,

V.M.C.A. .. I Tir »■ *°z&f c& Marist .... 1 1 — S 2 ? Institute ..I 1 — 4 2 2 Diamonds ..1 — — 1 2 2 1 Seatoun ...1 — — 1 2 2 1 Brooklyn ..1 — 1 — 2 3 0 Thistle 1- — 1 _ 2 4 0 Hospital ... 1 — 1 — 1 3 0 The 1927 Soccer season opened on Saturday last with four senior A games, and in the main the form shown was encouraging and gave promise of good things to follow later in the season. Early-in-the-season faults were noticeable, but they were few and far between, and by the time teams have settled down property they should give some excellent displays of the Soccer code. _ New players made their appearanco in most of the teams, and generally they acquitted themselves well. V.M.C.A., without the services of several of their star players of last season, accounted for Hospital, but in doing so they must be accounted fairly lucky, as there was not a great deal of difference between the two elevens. Hospital at present are but a shadow of their former selves, but faults which made themselves apparent last Saturday will no doubt be remedied before very long. V.M.C.A. appgfr to have made a valuable disc^ery in Rigy who filled the centre-forward position. He is just the type of player that the team so badly needed last season. Bentley is back in goal, and gave a great account of himself on' Saturday. He may get a chance in representative games this season. It is regrettable that the goal which decided the game caused some dispute, the view being taken by a section of spectators that Ballard was off-side when he sent the leather'into the goal, but in matters of 'this kind one cannot go beyond the referee. • Marist, who secured a couple of points at the expense of Brooklyn, [ have all the old hands but again, and they should be a force to be reckoned with this season. A feature of Saturday's play was the fine understandig which existed betweten M'Elligott and Barton, on the right wing. It is pleasing to find these two representative players striking form so early in the season. Brooklyn gave promise of good things in the early stages of the match, but they faded out towards the end. "With the rough edges worn off, howover, Brooklyn should settle down into a good team. Seatoun made a promising debut in the ranks of the senior A olubs, and managed to secure a creditable draw with Diamnnids. Soatoun. have most of last year * players out again, and with a littlcj more experience they should do well. Diamonds did not quite come up to expectations, but plenty of opportunities remain yet. Institute found no great-difficulty in disposing of Thistle, who have nevor been very good beginners. Institute show considerable promise this season, and if Saturday's form is maintained they should bo knocking at the door when the season comes to an ond. Marist v. Brooklyn. ■ Play in the match between Marist and Brooklyn at no time reached a very high standard, a fact that may be accounted for by the state of the ground, and the high wind that prevailed. In addition, tho ball displayed a liking for a neighbouring backyard, and much time was wasted while players and officials lured tho leather back into the field of play. Even this was difficult at thnos, for tho occupants of ono honso nearby showed; a reluctance to hand the ball back. On the whole, Marist were fortunato to register a win, as tho deciding goal was not secured until closo on time. A feature of tho game played by Marist was the fino understanding that existed between M'Elligott and Barton on tho right wing. Most of Mangt 's movements originated in this quarter, and tho manner in which they controlled tho ball was well worth watching. As M'Elligott and Barton are both representative players, it was particularly pleasing to find thorn striking form so early in tho season. Hickey was not v groat success in tho centre-forward position; he is really a goalkeeper, and it seems ns if Marist are asking too much in transferring him from between tho uprights to tho pivotal position. Marshmont played a good, solid gamo at insido left, despite an injury received in tho early stages of tho gamo. Cudby wns fair at outside left, but does not appear to luiva struck his best form yet. Thomas was his old self at centre-half, and he held the team together well. Burke and Eudolph both played useful games. Fitzgerald was quite safe 1* in goal, and did all that was expected of him, including a savo from a penalty kick. Of the Brooklyn forwards, tho outstanding player was M'Mastors, on the left wing. He put in some useful work, and kept his inside men well supplied with the ball. Anton was quite sound at centre-forward. The halves all did well, and tho full-backs were quite safe. Dobbs gave a. great display in goal, particularly in the second spell, when he staved off shot after shot. If it had not been for his brilliant display, Marist would havo won by a big margin. V.M.C.A. Score a Win. 1 A draw would have been a better indication of tho V.M.C.A.-Hospital match at Porirua, and tho former team must bo considered lucky to have annexed two points. Both teams were well below full strength, and the fact that both played soveral substitutes evened matters and mado a good match. Tho gamo itself was surprisingly good for so early in the season, and augurs well for later on. Hospital seem fated to lose the first match of the season; they have done it now for years, and last season tho first match was the only one lost during the sason. The ground was in fine order, and the large crowd present seemed to appreciate the return of their favourite pastime, and thoroughly enjoyed a rattling good game. Hospital scored the only goal of the first half, and it wiis a wonderfully good shot by Simon from a free-kick for "hands," BcJltley, in goal, appeared, however, to lose, sight of the ball in tho sun. The first spell mostly belonged to Hospital, and as tho second progressed without results it began to look ns if there were not going to be any more goals. V.M.C.A. kept pegging away, and were playing a better combination ga.me, although unable to pene-' trate a good defence. It was then that Ballard "poached" a goal, and .tho refereo missed it. Ballard was well offBide with only the goalkeeper to beat, which ho did and —well, it's goals that count. The second and winning goal came shortly after, and was the result of a rush right into goal-mouth with Bigby touching it last. Hospital made a great effort to save defeat, and the