REPRESENTATIVE SOCCER

Evening Star, Issue 15477, 27 April 1914, Page 10

REPRESENTATIVE SOCCER

CANTERBURY 3, OTAGO 2.

AN -INTERESTING GAME

A representative Association football match between . Oiago and Canterbury (holders of the Brown Shield) was played at the Caledonian Ground on Saturday afternoon in circumstances tlhat were very agreeable, the field being in good condition and the weather excellent. There was a brisk "Gale" breeze blowing from the harbor, but.it was not strong.enough to spoil play. Occasionally it interfered with the shooting, which was rather inaccurate generally, but if players were to shoot only on calm days there would, be few goals scored in New Zealand, and none at all in some cities. Considering that the match was not a serious competition for a trophy, but merely a game to exercise a friendly rivalry in the best spirit, the attendance was very satisfactory—for Association football. If more games of the same quality as that of this match were played frequently in Dunedin soccer would soon develop into a real attraction for the public. First-class soccer is not excelled in attractiveness. It must be confessed, however, that the standard on Saturday was far short of the first class in ©reat Britain. Yet the game was rich in flashes of cleverness, both, by individuals and by groups. Best of all was the spirit of the game. There was no roughness, and there j was no meanness. A real friendly match, rigorous, brisk, and gentlemanly. Canterbury were the better side, and earned success. The Kaikorai School Fife and. Drum Band were present, and played a few selec- '■ tions. Mr Dancey was referee, and gave complete satisfaction. ■ , The teams were': Canterbury.—Bennett, M'Farlane, and Wardell; Clay, Norman, - and Fullarton ; Wood and Bissett; Grant; Taylor and Tanner. (The position of players was changed, during the game.) Otago.—Harkness; Raniage and M'lvor; Harrison*. Currie, and C. Campbell; Liddell and Vincent; Fudge j Campbell and Evans. From the outset of play it was clear that there were to be two distinct styles of play, Otago's being strong, bustling, and disconcerting, with most of their power in stamina and determination; Canterbury's being bright, quick, ■'attractive, and rich in studied method. Otago played in the first spell with the wind behind and the sun before them. They were on the defensive right away, but were equal to the test. Two chances fell to Canterbury's clever forwards, but their shooting was erratic. Otago attacked, on the right wing, and Bennett cleared two smart shots from Campbell and Vincent. Canterbury showed better combination in the open, Tanner, Bissett, Norman, and Taylor being particularly effective, but all were weak in shooting. Play settled "down to an equal struggle, each side getting to within shooting range frequently. J After a promising run by 'Tanner and Taylor Otago's backs made an opening for their right-wingers. This pair combined neatly to Canterbury's backs, who temporarily checked the rush. But Fudge passed the ball unexpectedly to Campbell, who beat Bennett with a fine shot.

Otago 1, Canterbury nil. Play quietened for a time, Canterbury losing much of their vivacity. A pretty movement by Otago's forwards almost overcame Canterbury, Bennett saving with difficulty a hot shot from Evans. This was followed by a spirited dash by Canterbury's forwards, and Harkness was brought to his knees to stop a great shot by Taylor. A moment later Harkness stopped a blustering drive by Wood. Halftime:—

Otago * .- 1 Canterbury ... 0 The second spell opened with brisk play on either side, but neither set of forwards could pierce the defence. Taylor forced a corner kick for Canterbury, bait it was unproductive of a score. Harrison helped vincent to get Liddell moving on Otago's left, and t<he last-mentioned player dribbled beautifully past Wardell, outran bim, and centred to Evans, who gave Bennett no chance to save at all.

Otago 2, Canterbury nil Canterbury tried hard to reach the net, but found Harknjss a wary sentinel. Tim© and again Otago's goalkeeper saved when all seemed lost. Save an occasional dash by Otago's bustling forwards, Canterbury held the balance of attack, but play generally became ragged and ineffective. Harkness tipped over the bar a magnificent shot by Norman. The corner kick was cleared, a free lack for an infringement giving Otago relief. It was not long enjoyed, for Canterbury's left-wingers returned to the charge, and Taylor scored with a cunning shot.

Otago 2, Canterbury 1. The visitors now felt like Oliver Twist, and immediately sought more success, but this time Harkness smothered the ball on the goalline. A minute later Canterbury dashed through the defence, Taylor again scoring beautifully. Canterbury 2, Otago 2. Canterbmy maintained eagerness for goals, and two minaces iatcr Nonnaii tricked an •opponent, and drove t,V ball along the grass past Harkness—a fine effort. Canterbmy 3, Otago 2. Otago were now outclassed in everything that counts, and were pressed hard to keep the score down. Result: Canterbury 3' Otago 2 The teams dined together in the evening, and spent a pleasant evening. DINNER TO THE TEAMS. The Otago Football Association entertained the teams at dinner at the Provincial Hotel after the match. Mr S. S. Myers presided, and, after the good things had been partaken of, proposed the dual toast of " The Canterbury Association and their Representative Team," and in doing so expressed the pleasure which he and his association felt at the visit of their friends from the north. The local players had lost the match, certainly, but were satisfied in being beaten in a clean, manly fashion. Those who had witnessed the game for the first time (and there had been many such on the Caledonian Ground that day) had seen a good exposition of soccer, and he felt sure that some converts had consequently been made. The combination of the Canterbury team had been too much for Otago, but when the Wellington men came down, as he" hoped they would later in the season, the form of the locals would be better. Mr Gill, in reply, said that in coming to Dunedin they had expected to meetgentlemen, on and off the field, and they had not been disappointed. The play of Otago that day had differed from that of Canterbury in the matter of passing. Possibly the long, swinging pass was more suited to the softer grounds in Dunedin, but he thought the quick, short pass was much more attractive, and, moreover, was a. style of play calculated to put a stop to roughness. The play that day had been particularly free from roughness; there had not been 10 pull-ups by the referee's whistle during the whole match. Mr Bissett (captain of the Canterbury team) also, replied. Mr M'Hutchon, in responding to the toast of "The Otago Football Association," proposed by Mr Gill, commented on the good-fellowship existing between the two provinces in all branches of sport The health of "The Referee " was also drunk, and Mr Dancey, in acknowledging it, said that he deserved no thanks, having had practically nothing to do. In all his career he had never officiated in a cleaner igame. The toast of " The Visitors" was briefly responded to by Mr Atkins (member of the New Zealand Football Association Council) and Mr G. A. Wycherley (Otago Cricket Association).