SATURDAY'S SOCCER.

Evening Star, Issue 14964, 26 August 1912, Page 1

SATURDAY'S SOCCER.

FIRST GRADE. Northern 1, Mornington 1. Kaitangata 1, Christian Brothers 1. Ravensbourne 6. Maori Hill 0. Roslyn-Wakari 4, Old Boys 2. As far as the four leading teams in the first grade competition are concerned, the matches on Saturday did not alter the order of the running for the championship, the chief competitors being: Mornington. 20 points for 13 games ; Kaitangata, 19 (12) ; Ravensbourne, 16 (13) ; and Northern, 15 (13). Making the usual allowance for "ifs and ands," Kaitangata are still in the first position, unless the O.F.A. decide to close the competition this week, and order Mornington and Kaitangata to play off for the cup. It is said that this course will probably be taken. "* Judged on the form displaye'd on Saturday, neither Mornington nor Kaitangata played up to the level of champions. As a "matter of fact, both teams were glad to get off with a point each. Mohxisctos v. Northern.

The match between these teams at Culling Park, which was in good condition, kept a large attendance at close attention for 90 minutes. It was one of the brightest games of the season. In the first spell Northern, playing against the sun and a breeze, completely-outplayed Mornington, who treated their opponents to the same dose in the second spell. A draw was really the most satisfactory result to all concerned. Each team played their very best all the time, and play." on the whole, was of a high standard. The players were consistent in their efforts at combination, and were frequently very successful. Mornington opened the game as though they intended to annihilate Northern. They rushed down the left wing, and J. Baitlie scored in the first minute. It was a nice shot, which might.have been stopped if the defenders had anticipated the surprising attack and finish. Mornington made no more such successful raids. The outstanding features of the play in the first spell were the superiority of Northern in forward movements, the splendid work of Shepherd, Northern's right full-back, and the excellent defence put up by Bob Jack in Mornington's goals. Jack "for a long time was Mornington. In the second spell Mornington were clearly the superior side in every way. although they could not increase their* score, thanks to Shepherd, W. Evans, and Black. And Mornington played football all the time, never resorting to idiotic rushes in a vain hope to get goals. The trouble was that they had reserved their efforts for this spell, instead of making them in the first. Northern's goal was weil taken by V. Evans, who was in great shooting form. When "Vic." is on the mark he is deadly. Though several players on either side were very prohiinent, all Ihe men did good work. Mr M'Donald was referee'; Some of his decisions were challenged.

Northern 1 Mornington 1 Christian- Brothers v. Kaitangata.

| On the Gardens ground Christian Brothers proved a tough proposition for Kaitangata, and perhaps the latter were I rather lucky in making the game a draw. j The miners were handicapped by the absence of Rarity and Thompson, who must j have made a considerable difference in the | strength of the team. However, all things considered, it was a very fast and I interesting struggle. Both teams scored j in the first spell—Robertson for Kaitangata, and Wakelin for the Brothers. Vernon and Hay were a conspicuous pair in the miners' forward line. Robertson, who made his reappearance as centre-half, gave an exhibition which was a treat to wit- ) ness. His play all through was faultless. J. Penman, as full-back, was verj' reliable, and several times removed play from dangerous positions. W. Penman was called upon to fill the vacancy in goal caused by the absence of Thompson, and made some capital saves. 'With the ex- ! eeption of O'Connell. the Brothers' front | division was very troublesome to Kaitan- ! gala's rearguard. O'Connell, by the aid iof his colleagues, obtained some rosy ' chances, but failed every time to make ': the most of them. Wakelin was the pick |of the half-backs. He gave his forwards i every assistance. Stapleton, in the capaI city of goalkeeper, did not play up to j form. Once or twice he got his side in | an awkward position through weak field- ! ing. Mr Lawrence had charge of the j game. Result : Kaitangata. 1 ; Christian ! Biothers. 1. | Roslyn-Wakari v. Old Boys. j The above teams met at the Asylum j Ground, which was in fair condition. ! School scored first per medium of M'Len- | nan. Knights equalised for Wakari. The j play in the first spell was fairly fast and | even. The score at half-time was 1 all. For the major portion of the second half : the game was very dead to watch. To--1 wards the finish, however, it brightened : up. and the spectators were, treated to some lively and exciting soccer. French 1 scored twice in succession for Wakari. Hogg followed up with a goal tor Old i Boys, and Bradley capped with another goal for the Whites. The game, which was controlled bv Mr Martin, ended : RoslvnWakari. 4; 'Old Boys, 2. RAVEKSEoritxE v. Maori Hill. At Mornington, Ravensbourne defeated Maori Hill by 6 goals to nil. Wilson was responsible for 4 goals, his clever play in front of goal being the feature of the match. THIRD GRADE FINAL. Roslyn-Wakari won the third grade premiership, 'defeating Mornington without difficulty at Culling Park by 5 goals to nil. Scorers: Dickson (3), Freeman, and Simm (1 each). SCHOOL MATCHED j St. Clair 6 Albany Street 0. I Moray Place 3 Mornington 2. Christian Brothers C 5" St. Patrick's 1. THE BROWN SHIELD. Canterbury successfully resisted Wanganui's challenge for the Brown Shield, the holders winning by 6 goals to 3. WEDNESDAY FOOTBALL. The following have been selected to represent the Wednesday Association in their fixture against Southland at lnveroargill on Wednesday. September 4: Goal, Garrick (Mornington) : full-backs— Stevenson (Inglis), Clark iMomingtnn) ; lialf-backs—Haig (Mornington), Wilson (Inglis). Kirkness (Mornington) ; forwards —Wallace iMornington), Law ilnglisj, Ross (P. and T.). Paterson (Tramways), B. Edwards (Southern). Emergencies: Back. M'Kenzie (P. and T.); forward, M'Faull (Southern). Any of the above unable to make the trip are requested to notify the secretary (Mr M'Crind'e, care of A. and T. Inglis) before 6 p.m. tomorrow.