Winter Sport

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 112, 14 May 1927, Page 22

Winter Sport

.Whiteside was the champion player of his day. He was a very intelligent player, with a fend from elbow to shoulder, and great pace and swerve. He was a good all-round athlete, being also a cricketer, a runner, an oarsman, and a boxer.

During the 1885 season Whiteside played for Poneke in "Wellington, and carried on with that club for a part of the next season before returning to Auckland. He played for Poneke in two Easter matches against Merrivale and East Christchurch at Christchurch, scoring two tries in one match. After the injury to his knee, he was never the Whiteside of old. Mr. A. Wiren, one of Poneke's oldest members, recalls that many years ago there was keen rivalry between Whiteside and J. Taiaroa, and an opportunity of letting Australian people decide the issue came when Whiteside was asked to go with the first New Zealand team to Australia. Whiteside, however, did not make the trip. When in Wellington he played cricket for the old Star Club. Among those present at his funeral this week was his old Poneke captain, S G. Nicholls. Minor Unions.

The report of a Southland delegate (Mr. C. A. Davis) on the annual meeting of the New Zealand Eugby Union includes the following:— "Ashburton and Oamaru' Sub-unions. —These two sub-unions asked to be affiliated direct to the New Zealand Itugby Union, and much to my surprise, were successful with their request. The line of reason put up by those in favour of the remit was, I must confess, beyond my comprehension. At one time in ■ the Eugby history of this country football- unions were to be found in the main provinces only, and as the game progressed, sub-unions sprang into being and became attached to the nearest union. To-day we find this efficient order of constitution is going to the wall and if a halt is not called we shall soon'find the business side of Rugby control in a state of chaos. Some time ago direct affiliation was granted to some of the smaller subunions in the North Island and the folly of that step has since been realised. Now we have North Otago and Ashburton sub-unions petitioning for direct representation, and it was argued that as this recommendation was granted to North Island sub^unions, the same should be extended to Ashburton and Oamaru. Many delegates were contented to delude themselves on tho score that two wrongs make a right. We have now five unions between Dunedin and Christehurch, a distance of 230 miles, and I venture to say that had the parent bodies of these districts been alive to their responsibilities towards their offspring, this clamouring for direct affiliation would not bo made. Tho voting showed that Canterbury and Otago Unions were ready to drop their dissatisfied children. To my mind, the new unions will not improve their status, and there is practically little prospect of their arranging big representative games in their districts. It surely would have been better for the game had, Ashburton and North Otago joined up with South Canterbury, thereby forming a strong union which would operate to their mutual interest. The fact that the minor unions will now be in a position to hold the balance of voting power at the annual meeting, will j require to be closely watched."

N.S.W. Tour. In making arrangements for the visit of a team to England tho New South Wales Bugby Union is adopting ■- tho Cricket Board of Control's idea of not permitting the players to take their wives with them on tour, and it is also insisting on tho players attending all official, functions. A select committee has.been sot up to reduce the applications for tho position of manager of the team to Uitoc, tho council of tho N.S.W. Bugby Union to make the final choice. '

Among decisions arrived at by tho council are the following:— " Terms of appointment of manager: (a) Tho manager shall have solo chargo of tho team, and shall solely bo responsible to tho council for tho conduct of tho tour and of tho players, and for that purpose shall have the powers of tho council to act. (b) That tho amount of £1000 allotted by council* shall be held in trust by tho manager for the union/and that it shall bo spent only as may become necessary for such unforeseen expenses as probably arise in tho course of the tour. The word "team" is deemed t6 include the manager, and ho shall be obliged to account to tho union for the expenditure of tho amount so voted. This shall not bo construed by the manager as any license ti spend the whole of tho £1000 unless absolutely necessary.- (c) In regard to the £.1000, the sum of £150 will be made available on departure, and the balance of £750 placed to tho manager's credit-in London. Tour Conditions.—(a) No member of the party shall directly or indirectly give any information of any kind to tho Press, but this shall not preclude the manager from making such offieWl communications as may bo deemed necessary.; (b) All members of tho team must complete the full tour, and must attend, all official functions. - Official Party.—(a) That not more than six accredited members of the union may accompany tho team as official visitors, and they shall bo under tho absoluto. control of tho manager,, who may expel them from tho party if necessary, (b) No womon shall bo included in or accompany the official party, (c) That clubs and branch unions and tho Press bo notified that applications for inclusion in the official party will be received by the secretary of the union up to a date to bo fixed by the council, and tho management committee shall recommend to council the names of the six visitors to be included.

Notes. "The method of electing tho president of the New Zealand Eugby Football Union may be democratic, but 1 am doubtful if the result is always in the best interests of tho game. The unwritten rule is to make the appointment from the North and South Island alternatively. The control of the meeting was not very strong, and in boxing terms, resulted in the laws of debate taking the count. Delegates were allowed.to speak more than once on one subject. "-^Mr. C. A. Davis (Southland), reporting on the annual meeting of the New Zealand Eugby Union. It is stated that Mark Nicholls will not be a candidate for the New Zealand' team to South Africa. J. Steel, the well-known West Coast Eugby player, is transferring to Christchurch. . Playing for Featherston last Saturday, Q. Donald was wing-forward and J. Donald played as a five-eighth. Stating that great things were expected of. Walpole, the cx-Welliugton 'Varsity player, a Napier wiiter adds: "If Walpole's form on Saturday was a sample of a good club footballer from Wellington (and ho was reckoned a champion in Wellington last year), then it is not hard to understand how Wellington were so easily beaten by Hawke3 Bay in last year's shield encounter. On Saturday Walpole was not worth the proverbial tin of fish. He was obviously out of condition, however, so it will be interesting to se« how lie shapes when he strikes his best form.'?

and let nothing pass. Although Thistle were two goals down at half-time, their prospects till then had been hopeful. Soon after the second spell was commenced V.M.C.A. were awarded a penalty, and Eigby made no mistake with the shot. Young Men decidedly had the best of the game, and kept pressing, with the result that their score was brought up to five, Ogilvey and Lack both scoring. During this spell a player from each team was ordered off the field. A feature of the match was the fine combination of the V.31. forwards. They worked with understanding and judgment, and proved far too Btrong for the opposition. A Willing Game. The game between Institute and Marist, played at the Basin Reserve last Saturday, was one of the" brightest that has been seen in Wellington for some time. Both sides fielded strong elevens, and the general standard of play was high. For purposes of description, the game might well be divided into two parts. The first spell was all in favour of Institute and the second was all in favour of Marist. But it was the second spell that counted most. Institute played great football during the first forty-five mm- | utes, and when they finished up the spell with an advantage of two goals the majority of those present agreed that it was all over with Marist. But they did not know Marist. The wearers of the green and white were undismayed when they took the field for the second spell, and so well did they play that they finished up victors by the odd goal in five. Marist forwards | played great football, particularly during the second session. Cudby, the representative left-winger, was a shining light, and his goal was one right out of the bag. Taking the ball down the left wing, he saw that his centres were not in position to receive a pass. Without. hesitation he took the ball in himself, worked for position, and then sent the ball home. It was a great goal, and was warmly applauded by spectators. Marshment worked hard, and Marshall, at centre-forward, showed improvement on his form of the previous Saturday. M' Elligott and Barton did some good work on the right wing, although the latter was hampered for the greater part of the game by an injury. Burke again shone in the left-half position, although in Bilby, the Institute rightwinger, he did not have a' very dangerous protagonist. Thomas and Rudolph and the two backs were solid workers, and Hickey did sonte good work in goal. Hickey made good use of his reach in turning several hot shots for corners. May and Dickinson were the most dangerous of the Institute forwards, and their goals were good efforts. Smith is playing out of position on the left-wing, and at times on Saturday this handicap proved too much for him. Bilby was not a great success on the right wing. With a little more speed, however, he should develop into, a useful player. Apart from Jeffries, the Institute halves were not strong, and the backs made one fatal mistake. When Marist were attacking they showed a tendency to crowd in on the goalkeeper, who was ,thus very greatly hampered in his work. As it was, Tarrant gave a brilliant exhibition between the uprights, quite in keeping with his best, . / . Seatoun and Brooklyn. Had Seatoun been ■ able to go the distance they would certainly have done bettor than draw with Brooklyn at Wakefield Park last Saturday, but apparently the pace was too hot for them and their snappy play of tho first spell faded away. Now and again in the second spell they perked up again, but Brooklyn perked up all the. timo and kept Grimstone, Newton, and Wyatt, the latter in goal, nicely busy, so busy, in fact, that thoy plainly docided upon tho wisdom of playing safety during the last quarter of an hour, and allowed the ball to run on and over tho line, rather than foeding it forward again. It did not look altogether a confident brnnd of play, but it certainly was safe.

There was no doubt, however, of Seatoun's dash and snap in tho opening spell; their combination was a big improvement on their showing of tho previous Saturday, and was a promise of really good football. Their front liners are a very nippy lot, some of them on the light side, Smyth and Telford, for instance, but making up for lack of weight by quick work and good control of the ball. These two wing jnon (Smyth and Telford) have made a real job of working out the theory and practice of centring tho ball, and one or other was responsible for most of the successful or dangerous attempts on Brooklyn's goal. Their halves played quite useful football, bus were not spectacular about it, not that the spectacular half is necessarily a particularly efficient half, of course. Grimgtone and Newton did not appear to be altogether sure of themselves; if they had been they would not have indulged in quite so much safety play when Brooklyn put on those three extra turns xrhiph bothered Seatoun exceedingly towards tho end of the game. The Seatoun man who sent a defonding kick through his own goal is to bo sympathised with, but accidents like that are apt to happen in any match. Wyatt, in goal, was a mose useful man. His style does not striko one as finished, let alone polished, and now and again good fortune seems to enter into his work, but, style or no style, and with occasional lucky breaks, ho gets his job done in very satisfactory manner. Seatoun aro a young team, in ages and 1 in experience of senior A football, but they are distinctly promising. One thing they must learn to do, either, through better headwork, or by working up better condition; they must learn to go tho full distance of astrenuous afternoon. Individuals and Teams. , From a rather disappointing start Brooklyn picked up in energy, though not in team style, steadily as the gamo went on. Thoy were a team of individuals rather than a team in the proper sense, largely, in all probability because they have not shaken down to combination play so early in the season, and partly, so it appeared to "Vanguard," because certain members of the team showed too much of an inclination to do tho whole job of licking the whole of the opposing team on their own. If solo play comes oft it looks fine and bonny, but it is so seldom thai it really does. There is only one maan on the field who should consistently play'a solo part, and that is the man between the posts. There waas not enough of the across-th-5-field play shown by Seatoun, and the halves were often tor) anxious to go through to goal without assistance from the forward line, though they were not the most outstanding soloists by a long way. The backs and Dobbs, in goal, had plenty to do when the game opened, but had a comparatively easy time of it during tho last twenty minutes. If Seatoun and Brooklyn were able to pool their qualities both teams would be improved. Seatoun could do with some of Brooklyn's weight and sustained en ergy; Brookiyn would gain from some of Seatoun's team pla^.

Club Finance at Home.

Interesting comment upon the rather pessimistic view taken o"f club finance in England, published in this column last week, is- made by Mr. M. Shriber, who was an enthusiast for the game at Home before coming out to New Zealand. .

"Being a newcomer to New Zealand, and being also, I believe an authority on the Soccer code in the Old Country," he writes: "I am more than interested in the notes appearing in 'The Post,' but it seems to that there is quite a lot of—l shall riot say of ignorance of the game in the Old Country—but a lack of knowledge of facts which can only be acquired by being on the spot and in the know. I was very interested in t'-e article regarding finances at Home, especially, the serious difficulties of the clubs in the first, second, and two third divisions, "owing to, as your writer says, benefits. How long can clubs' stand this before final bankruptcy sets in! My opinion is: a long time, and the clubs which cannot afford to pay a player a benefit do not keep him. "When his benefit falls due he gets transferred and from the proceeds of the transfer money he takes a fair percentage, quite as much as he would obtain with a limit benefit of £650. Should he wish to stay with the club, he comes to terms as regards benefit. I have known in very recent times of players (and one in particular, an international) of second division clubs, not wishing to be transferred because they have a good local berth who did not receive more than a guarantee of £250, and were quite satisfied. The writer says it means ruination to clubs to have to find from £2000 to £3000 in a season for players' benefits. Personally, I should like to know what club pays' that sum out. The only case I can remember (which I think was a record) was the London Club, Tottenham, Hotspurs, which, in the season of 1925-26, gave benefits to six players, and ttien I do not think the payments totalled much over £3000, if as much. They have an account standing to them, at the end of last season of £80,000, and they treat their players fairly. ''■.'■ "On the other hand, the paying of: £.8 per week limit, less bonuses, in my opinion is not at all over-pay for a public entertainer considering the.best paying clubs draw at nearly.all home matches a £1500 gate, and that exclusive of cup matches. As for saying players are amply paid, I am sorry they are not. The limit man is only found among the leading clubs, and you must not forget his playing days on the averago are about ten years, and as he does not get the limit before he hag played with the club for three seasons, and he does not get a benefit unless he is lucky enough to keep himself sound in wind and limb, as no club will take the responsibility of signing an unfit man, unless it is one of the wealthier. A professional's life in the Old Country is not all, as,they say, a life of beer and skittles. Th« average professional to-day is a respectable citizen, but how many can you find who, after leaving the game, are independent? Only the top-liners, and the man who can keep his place in a good county cricket eleven. -..*.. "A law passed a few seasons ago to the effect that all visiting clubs were to receive 20 per cent, of the gate receipts has prevented many a small club from closing down; in other words, the wealthy clubs help to. support the small ones. In some" cases the visiting clubs' 20 per cent, has been more than the gate receipts when the rich club has visited the other. The poorer club has more than onco held the championship, so you can see the benefit of the scheme. "As regards clubs closing down, it will only be some of the second-rate ! third division clubs, and it will be' the means of strengthening the league in general. Thoy will close down only through bad management in not providing decent football for their patrons, as.supporters will not go and see a team lose week after week. In my opinion; the game in the Old Country to-day ig better governed nnd conducted than it has over been before, and it must contiuuo to flourish." No Points Awarded!

An illustration of the difficulty Under which matches were played last Saturday was the confusion that arose over the Diamond-Thistle fixture. This game was set down to be played at Wakefleld Park, but at a moment's notice was transferred to the Polo Ground. When the starting time arrived Diamonds had a team, but Thistle were lacking a full side, and at twenty minutes past 3 o'clock there were only several Thistle players visible. Consequently the referee blew the whistle* and the game was abandoned. It ha« been stated that although Thistle were not on the field they were preparing for the game, having been' delayed in travelling from Wakefield Park. It was 3.20 p.m. when the game was abandoned, and ten minutes later the Thistle side was prepared to take the field. A communication was accordingly made to tho referee, but he would not alter his decision. At this week'b - meetingof the Management Committee of the ■Wellington Football Association a letter was recoived from the Thistle Club protesting against the referee's action. It was stated that most of the members of the team were aware that senior games would be played on Saturday, but did not know that tho matches had been transferred to the Polo Ground. They went to Wakefield Park, and upon learning that the matches had been taken off that ground immediately set out for Miramar. The fact that there is no dressing shed on tho Miramar ground necessitated the team undressing in she«»er gome distance from the field of play, and this, they pointed out, all helped to make their appearance on the field llate. Shortly after the referee abandoned the game the Thistle men informed him that they were willing to play, but, of course, tho referee stood by his decision. Naturally, Thißtle did not view the referee's decision kindly, but as matters have now eventuated it seems that neither side will have a good cause for complaint. The W.F.A. considered tho matter, and decided that the match should be replayed, if necessary, at the end of the season. In the meantime V points are to be awarded., It is to bo regretted that the match was not played, but the circumstances attending it were unusual, and it is difficult to see how blame can be attached to any individual. :..,.. While on the subject of Miramar it may again be pointed out that there are still no dressing sheds on this ground. Players have to change some distance from tho field of play, or don football togs in the open. It is rare, of course, for the ground to be used for senior grade matches, but there are always games there, and dressing sheds could be made use of. Apart from the inconvenience of undressing and dressing in the open, players sometimes suffer from the unwelcome attention of light-fingered people, whose activities are easily earned out in the absence of some authority keeping a watchful eye on the clothing. Proposals at present are that this area will not be available for footballers for very many seasons, and the reluctance of the authorities to spend money on improvements can be understood. Something in the nature of a temporary shelter and covering surely could be erected to provide for the comfort of those using the ground even, if it ia not to be for long.

SOCCER

By ' VANauAmcf

A GOOD STANDARD

SENIOR A MATCHES

V.M.C.A. THE LEADERS

SENIOR "A."

Play in Senior A grade last Saturday reached a high standard.' Tho two games at the Basin Beserve provided a large number of spectators with just the type of football that the public ivaiit—bright, open, and spectacular. The match between Marist and Institute was of a particularly bright order, and acted as an excellent advertisement for the Soccer code^ The game ended ■in a victory for Marist by three' goals to two, and it must be said that Marist won on their merits. They were able to last longer than their opponents, who tired very quickly soon after the commencement of the second spell. Good generalship also played ai. important part in Marist's win. The game on No. 2 ground, between V.M.C.A. and Thistle, also provided good, open football, although V.M.C.A. were able to secure an easy win by five goals to nil. Brilliant forward play was the big factor in V.M.C.A.'a success, with Bal■lard playing as brilliantly as he has ever done in hig long association with the game. Thistle lacked the finish which is so necessary if a team is to score goals. Diamonds made no mistake about their victory over Hospital. Hospital were certainly without the services of one or two of their star players, but Diamonds' win was convincing enough to suggest that they would have beaten the best eleven that Hospital could put in the field. They played good football, and proved that this year they are a force to be reckoned with. Brooklyn and Seatoun played a drawn! game, four goals going to the credit of each side.

With three wins and no losses, Y.M.C.A. head the championship table, with six points. On paper V.M.C.A. did not appear to be very strong at the beginning of the season, but' in the three matches which have been played up to date they have demonstrated that they are as strong as they were last season. Perhaps they are stronger. Their goal record, at any rate, is one of which they might well be proud. They have scored eleven goals, and have had only two registered against them. The latter fact speaks well for Beutley, then- goalkeeper, who, on present form, must be a serious rival for Tarrant, so far as representative honours aro concerned. Soatoun have done well to share second place on the list ■with Marist. With a little luck thoy might have beon ahead of Marist, for two of thoir games were drawn. Thoir surpriso win over Marist has served them well. Marist have reason to regret their one defeat, but they arc in a very handy position with four points out of a possible six, and they may yet justify tho opinion oxpressod by many enthusiasts at the beginning of tho season that they would roaliso their ambition and finish up as premiers for 1927 At present it looks as if V.M.C.A. will bo tho hardest nut they will have to crack,. although Diamonds, in view of their performance' last Saturdey, will have to bo watchod. Diamonds appear to have the goods this season, und it does not look as if thoro will bo any argument about rotaining their placo in the A grado. Hospital havo now suffered a couple of defeats, but it is too soon yet to rolegate last year's ohampions to tho list of also-startcds. With plenty of material to work upon HospitTil may yet givo V.M.C.A. and Marist-something to worry about. Institute have been disappointing. In the first spell of their match against Marist last Saturday they played like champions, but in the second spell they were a spent force. Closor attention to training inny ovorcomo this fault. Brooklyn showed improved form last Saturday, and should do better as the season advances. So far Thistle havo tailed to secure any championship points. Their failure is hard to understand. They have the players, but apparently that great essential—team play—is lacking.

An Easy Win. Y.M.O.A. had an easy win in their match against Thistle, played on No. 2 ground at the Basin Beserve on Saturday. The game was quite one of tho best so far played in the sonior competition, and held tho attentiou of the spectators from start to finish. The toam that Young Men fielded was a superior combination to that which took tho field in earlier matches thiß 'season, and right from the start Y.M. displayed a combination that left little doubt as to the result of tho match They scored in the first five minutes'. Thistle kicked off, and Logan and Lothian worked tho ball up towards the goal, but could not get past M'Girr. Tho latter sent the leather out to the wing, and Ballard, who obtained possession, beat' Jack, tho Thistlo full-back and sent the ball across to .Bigby. who scored with a shot that gave Clark Thistle's goalie, no chance. Thistle' were taken by surprise, and it was some time before they rallied in the meantime, the Y.M. forwards were working nicely together, and an understanding in that line enabled the team to press heavily on the Thistle goal. Clark soon began to have a busy time, but he shaped well, and brought off some fine saves. The Thistle goal was bombarded from all directions. • A nice centre from Ogilvey, on the right wing gave Young Men a chance, but no one was in position to receive the paßs, and Jack managed to clear. Thistle rallied, and a pretty piece of work between Logan, centre-forward, and Tavandal'e, on the right wing, resulted in the latter putting in a hot shot. The kick was nicely timed, and x the ball slid across the goal mouth, but not one of the. Thistle front line was handy to give the finishing touch. Thistle forcr ed two corners, but without any success. Logan again got away with the ball, but he lost the leather near the goal. A few minutes Rfterward* a shot camo from Monour on the left wing, the leather soaring just over the cross-bar. Y.M. again pressed, and a hard shot which Ballard put in was saved in fine style by Clark. The V.M.C.A. forwards kept. pressing, and as the result of further combined Avork Worth scored. Again Thistle tried to score, but they lost the ball when up near the goal. The forwards worked well, but lacked the sting necessary to successfully finish an attack. Lothian tried a long shot at goal, which almost brought results. Both wings sent in shots, but Bentley, was on his game

p. V.M.C.A. .. 3 S'jatoua ... 3 Marist 3 Diamonds .. 2 Hospital .. 3 Institute .. 3 Brooklyn .. 3 Thistle .... 2 W. 3, 1 2 1 1 1 0 0 Points. Ch. L. D. F. A. Pts. 0 OH 2 G 029 7 4 107 7 4 0 17 4 3 2 0 7 82 207 9 2 2 1 7 10 1 202 9 0