SOCCER

Evening Star, Issue 22711, 27 July 1937, Page 4

SOCCER

TWO CUP TOURNAMENTS

“ KNOCK-OUT" COMPETITION DROPPED

A controversial problem which has long remained unsolved was satisfactorily settled at the weekly meeting of the Otago Football Association last evening, the chairman (Mr Al. K. Haig) presiding, it was resolved that over tho final six Saturdays remaining of the season after the first and second grade competitions had concluded, the first division, with the addition of the two leading teams in the second, should bo split up into two sections, and two further rounds played in each, cups being awarded to the winners. There would bo four teams in the A section those which were leading in the first grade competition—and six in the B section, comprising the remaining four first-grade teams, and the two second-grade teams. Air A. B. Smith put forward the suggestion, and proposed to divide only the first grade equally into two divisions, over two further rounds, instead of playing the customary “ knock-out ” competition. He contended that it would revive the flagging interest of those teams which had every reason to expect they would be eliminated in the first round of the latter competition, and it would mean the matching of more equal teams by division into sections. Tho weaker elevens would have every inducement to renew their endeavours, because the opposition would not be too overpowering, as in the “ knockout.”

The Chinese Cup was suggested as a trophy for the A section by Air AI. G. Al'lnnes, with the Knock-out Cup for the winners in the other. Some members were in favour of the retention of the usual end-of-season competitions, where the runners-up and the winners of the first division contested the Chinese Cup, and a “ knockout*” was played. An alternative suggestion was put forward by Air F. Ball that the champion team should meet one composed of representatives selected from the others in the first grade.

Mr M'lnnes said that‘by promoting the two leading teams in the second grade there would be a definite tendency to raise the standard of play in the first division.

A member; “ What, about Tramways?” Mr A. M'Kao: ‘‘That will bring up the relegation and promotion problem again. Young players are losing interest because they are not getting on, and the lower first grade teams do the same because they are out of the competition.” It was his opinion that relegation would definitely improve the present position of the game._ The same speaker voiced his dissent to the proposal as outlined by Mr Smith, contending that a “ knock-out ” had always been played, along with the Chinese Cup match, and players and teams were looking forward to these as usual, while there was the question of last Saturday’s to be considered. He was averse to the cup for the B section being called the Knock-out Cup. ■ A joint reply came from Messrs MTnnes and Smith, who pointed out that if necessary only one round could bo played which would have the same result. The name of the trophy was immaterial, and the competition could just be for “ a cUp.” , . Mr Ball proposed that there should not bo any trophies given, as he was of the opinion that ‘ ‘ the game was the tIl ‘‘ I |hey won’t play unless there is sofnething toplay for,” replied Mr D. Hanlin. 11 There is not enough interest in it unless there is a trophy they can win for their club. ’ Discussion had almost lapsed, most members being inclined to carry the matter over until next Monday, but the chairman urged them to complete the business. Mr Ball then moved— That the first grade bo divided into two sections, the strongest four teams comprising the A section, which would play a competition of two rounds for the Chinese Cup, while the other four, also .the two leading teams of the second grade, compete in a similar tournament for ‘ another cup. The motion was carried.

TROPHY TEAM ALTERATIONS. The intimation that July 31 had finally been decided upon as the date for the Otago challenge for. the English Trophy was made by the Secretary or the Canterbury Football Association. He also stated that the match would not bo broadcast, but suggested that progress reports could be arranged. The boys’ team would meet the Canterbury junior team as a curtain-raiser to the challenge match. J. Skinner and W. Rogers, members of the senior Otago team to travel, advised their inability to make the trip, and A. Pauli (Mosgiel) and P. Ryan (High School Old Boys) were selected to fill the vacancies._ _ The Otago team and the juniors will leave from Jacobs’s Corner by bus at 8.30 a.m. on Friday. SOUTHLAND RETURN MATCH. The Southland Football Association wrote suggesting August 21 as the date for the return match with that province.—The date was confirmed. GENERAL. Mr H. Newall reported that as the referee failed to appear for the third grade match, Maori Hill v. Fairfield, on Saturday, ho had officiated, and the game resulted: Fairfield 2, Maori Hill 0. He also mentioned that he had further to curtail the time (the match being late in starting) at the request of the referee for the following senior game. Although the play was stopped within four minutes, the senior match did not commence until 10 minutes later.—lt was decided to refer the letter to the Referees’ Club for an explanation, and to allow the result of the match to stand. Mr M. G. M Times, convener of the Match Committee, advised that the winners of the third grade. A competition were Maori Hill, while Mqrnington were the leaders in the B section, both divisions having concluded last Saturday.

Permission was granted the Seacliff team to play a match against Caversham at Seacliff on Saturday. Permission was granted for the use of

Logan Park on Wednesday, August 21, for the match Otago Boys’ High School v, Greymouth High School. It was decided, upon the suggestion of the Match Committee, that games in the first and second grades should not bo played on Saturday, while as many as possible in the grades from the third downward should be completed.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES (AT 1.30). Third Division, A. —Old Boys v. Northern,* at Oval No. 1 (Mr W. Aitkeu); Maori Hill v. Roslyn, at Ellis Park (Mr A. Harborne); Fairfield v. Caversham, at Oval No, 2 (Mr W. M. Smith). Third Division, B.—Northern v. School, at Prospect Park (Mr D. Harborne) ; Technical v. Mornington, at Morningtou (Mr F. Cope); Maori Hill a bye. Fifth Division.—Northern v.. High School, at Gardens (Mr R. Gordon) ; King’s v. Technical (To arrange) ; Fairfield v. Caversham (later); Mcruington a, bye.

Sixth Division.—Technical B. _v»King’s, at Tonga Park (Mr W, Fraser); Port v. Technical C, at Port, at 1.45 (Mr F. Smythc); High School 111. v. Mornington, at Robin Hood (Mr G. Mowatt); Northern v. High School IV., at Littlebourne (Mr Sands); Roslyn-Wakari v. Y.M.C.A.| at North Ground (Mr G. Cadman). PRIMARY SCHOOLS. The following matches will be playej to-morrow: — A I.—North-east Valley v. Mornington, at Gardens (Mr Wallace); Kau korai v. Anderson’s Bay, at Oval No, 1 (Mr Taylor); Wakari v Maori Hill* at Prospect Park (Mr J. Sands!. A ll.—Mornington v. High Street, at Mornington (Mr A. Johnson) ; Tninni v. Anderson’s Bay, at Tainui (Mr MacMullan); Wakari a bye.^ 15.—Tainui v. North-cast Valiev, at Oval No. 2 (Mr Pikethley) ; Wdton v. Maori Hill, at Walton (Saturday t‘>. arrange); Wakari v. Kaikorai, at KHi* Park (Mr D. liar borne). 'I”