SOCCER NOTES.

Greymouth Evening Star, 5 September 1934, Page 9

SOCCER NOTES.

NEWS AND NOTES There was only one fixture played in the district over the week-end, when Runanga juniors travelled to Waiuta on the Sunday. The day was ideal for football, and' although the ground was a little on the soft side, the large number of spectators were treated to a fast and. interesting exhibition. The teams were evenly matched, and Runanga were unlucky to be a goal down at the finish. A draw' would have been a truer indication of the run of the play. >

Promising Keeper. Waiuta have the makings of a good goal-keeper in Page. He shapes well, but at present has a lot to learn with regard to his positional play. This should come with practice. Page is cool and 'possesses the necessary agility, dash, and the quick eye most essential to a successful ’keeper. In taking the high shots he is sound, but has yet to learn to get down to the ground shots. He has a powerful punt, and in clearing usually returns play well upfield.

Capable Backs: Both Parkinson and Keenan played well at back, for Waiuta, the former being consistent throughout. Both have strong kicks, but Keenan was inclined to be erratic, and occasionally mis-timed badly. However, he was quick to recover, and usually was able to cover his mistake.

Lacking on Defence: Both wing halves for Waiuta Christie and Eckersley, allowed the opposing wingers too much latitude, the former being the chief offender. Christie was also found wandering into the centre half position at times. On attack, they were more able, and showed good judgment in their placements.

Hard Worker, But— Jack Young worked hard in the centre half position, but was inclined to work too much across field, whilst some of his placements were illdirected. The ball must be passed to the forward, who is in the best position for delivering an attack, and in this respect Young failed to use his wings to the best advantage. Best Pair in Grade:

Most of Waiuta’s attack came from the left flank, Luke and Jobling showing good combination. During the season, these two players have improved, and have played with an understanding which has made them the best pair of forwards in the grade. Made Best of Chances:

On the right flank, Jim Young did not obtain nearly so many opportunities as the right side, but when he had a chance, he showed that he knew what to do. In bringing the ball upfield, he converges nicely upon the goal before placing his centre, and he does this without wasting any unnecessary time. Determined Workers:

Both Wilson (centre forward), and Coulson (inside right) work determinedly during a game. The former is a bustling type of player, but, lacking knowledge of the finer points of the game, he relies mainly on sheer •weight to burst through the defence. Coulson showed some clever touches, but failed to support his wing, and was inclined to work down the centre monotonously. Footballer Doctor:

James Marshall, the Glasgow Rangers and Scottish international inside forward, has been transferred to the Arsenal F.C. Joining Glasgow Rangers at the age of 18, Marshall devoted his earnings as a professional footballer to medical studies. Last year he took his degree at Glasgow University, and it is understood that he will set up a practice in London.

Runanga Defence: Runanga’s defending trio played soundly against Waiuta. In goal, Airns made several brilliant saves, whilst Sharp, right back, had a busy time, marking the tricky opposing left wing. His speed was an asset, but he dribbled too much, and was often found up amongst the forwards. J. Airns turned on his best display to date, and was conspicuous by determined tackling and powerful clearances. However, better direction in his kicks would further improve his displays.

Still a Force: Although now in the veteran stage, Deardon can still hold his own with the younger players. Against Waiuta he played a solid and heady game at right half. Deardon is a versatile player, and had a perfect understanding with his outside and inside forwards, whom he kept supplied with a plentiful share of the tall. /

Directed Attack Well: Cameron directed the attack in the centre-half berth, and used his experience and guile to hold the team together. As a result, Runanga juniors played what was probably their best game for the season. Greening showed improved form on his previous few games, and played soundly throughout at left half. His tackling was good, whilst he placed the bail to the best advantage.

Valuable Winger: Shotton played well on the right wing and received plenty of opportunities, with which he was a persistent thorn in the side of the Waiuta defence. Shotton has, good ball control, a fair turn of speed, and a good shot, but usually delays too long before getting in his shot or cross.

Among the Others: Craig at centre-forward was consistent, and, given any chance, took the opportunity to shoot tor goal. The inside left, Richmond, revels; in hard work, and during a game covers twice the ground of any other player on the field. T. Adamson is an improved player, but has not the speed to make a successful winger. Playing at outside left on Sunday, he was able to heat his man, but was handicapped in making fast ground down the line.

Coaching the Youngsters: Commenting on the poor standard of senior football on the Coast this season, and on the mediocre display by tlio senior representative team, Mr E. Airey, at last evening's meeting of the Westland Football Association;! put. forward a plea for the coaching

and greater encouragement of the younger players, particularly pronnsmg juniors and third graders who, within the next two or three seasons, would be the senior representatives of Westland. The senior team had playd anything but good football, and it was obvious-that the only way in which the standard could be improved, and brought back to something approaching the high standard of pact years was to concentrate on the development of the talents of the moie premising colts in the lower grades. He suggested, in this regard, that early next season about twenty of the more promising players in the junioi and third grades should be chosen tor special coaching by a competent coach. Other members spoke in support of Mr Airey’s contentions, and all agreed that his suggestion regarding coaching should be carried out, and that it would prove of ultimate benefit to the code. BOXING. /’ REVIVAL OF AMATEURS It had to be at Reefton, that a revival of interest in amateur boxing on the West Coast could take place, for no other district could have worked up the enthusiasm that was evident at the tournament held last Saturday. The Committee readily admitted that they were novices in the matter .of staging a tournament, but with assistance from outside Associations, and trainers, their show was equal to the best yet held on the Coast. The members appear to be as live as the electric wires through the town, and as these are always supplying power, boxing in Reefton should be active for some time to come.

Splendid First Attempt: From a general viewpoint, the tournament on Saturday could not have been much improved upon. There was a little delay in starting, but that was due entirely to the difficulty of arranging accommodation, even to standing room, for the many enthusiasts that sought admission. The Committee were wise and considerate, in fixing moderate prices (3/- and 2/-) of admission. Had it been a 7/6 or even a 5/charge, then there w’ould have been many disappointed stay-at-homes. Reefton gave a “tip” in that direction, to other West Coast Associations, that should be accepted.

Plenty of Material: There was plenty of material, experienced and novice, at the tournament. As to the latter boys, several will only need to have the benefit of training and experience to prove a match for the best amateurs in their class, now on the Coast. Others, most likely, had their first, and last public appearance on Saturday. From an entertainment point of view, they will be missed. With a few, even though they decided to carry on, their difficulty would be to retain the services of their trainer. Two of the latter made it plain on Saturday, that they were through with the “chicken-hearted” boys. None to Test Him:

Mick Howson has three titles waiting for him, if he elects to take on the middleweight, light-heavy, and heavyweight classes next Saturday. None of those that will be opposed to him have a hope of defeating Howson. He is in great fighting trim, and much too quick, hard-hitting and clever, for any other amateur on the Coast, from middle to heavyweight. The Draw Card:

The best match next Saturday will be that between W. Hawes (Westport) Australasian featherweight champion, and P. Zampesi (Greymouth). Hawes had only a very slight lead over Zampesi at Reefton, and a draw would have met with the approval of many good judges. Zampesi hits much harder than Hawes, and can take as much punishment. He has not the experience of the champion, but he has made greater and swifter progress in the art than any other recent amateur on the Coast. This should be a great mill, and will alone be worth the price of admission. Many followers of the sport expect Zampesi to win the West Coast title, and then go higher up the honours ladder.

An Improved Boxer: The Greymouth welterweight, A. Cox, has shown improvement in each public appearance he has made, and he is now a force to be reckoned with. He was up against an experienced and clever boxer in Dey, of Westport, last Saturday, and it was only his-ring-craft that saved Dey from being knocked out. Cox is inclined to shoot out his left too high, when facing short opponents, and but for that error on Saturday, he would have had Dey in greater difficulties. There was little between them at the finish, Dey get-ting-the decision through in-fighting. Cox is not afraid to make a fight of it, but he could use his reach to greater advantage. He should go close to, if he does not actually win, his title next Saturday.

A New Departure: There were three referees operating at the Reefton tournament, and one of them, Dr. Conlon, did not merit the approval of many onlookers, when he adopted methods peculiar to modern refereeing. He did not give the count when a man was knocked down, but knelt beside him, and appeared to be asking him how he felt. On other occasions he intervened immediately the boxers came together. Consequently, in the three or foui’ bouts that Dr. Conlon refereed, he allowed no in-, fighting. In the bout between Wildermoth and Bridsou. Dr. Conlon, for some unknown reason, stopped the fight. The look of disgust on Bridson’s face was excusable, for Bndson was not in any way distressed ana left the ring as fresh as when he entered it. The bout that should have been stopped earlier than it was, by the same referee, was that between Campbell and McMahon, for the latter was on the verge of collapse at the conclusion of the first round. One did not need to be a physician to see that McMahon is not physically fitted for the boxing ring. He is game, but overtaxes himself, and cannot stand up to the exertion. Skied the Towel:

Two trainers, who, previous to the tournament at Reefton, thought that they had novice pupils who would bring credit to them, had to send in the towel because their champions were nipped in the hud early in their fights,

Although the trainers made every effort to assure their pupils that they were not. opposed by world-beaters, it was unavailing. Not for all the gold in the mine at Waiuta. would one fellow face up again to his novice opponent. Another young man could not be induced to leave his corner for the third round, and his opponent was as pleased as the other fellow’s seconds were disappointed, when the towel came in. A third lad decided that the game had been misrepresented to him, and he was not being “kidded” into it again, by any trainer. The trio shed the gloves for all time, after the first introduction.

Not So Good: Both eager to get into the ring, a bantam weight. N. Comerford, and a light-heavyweight, J. Dally, were each seated in a corner of the ring on Saturday, with their seconds making final preparations for the bout. The public were mystified for a few seconds. Then the position -was made clear, and Comerford darted out of the ring. Dally enjoyed the joke immensely, and made play with his gloves and feet, well contented with it all. Five minutes later, he decided that things were not so good, for Marsh, his opponent, had tickled his ribs a few times, and Dally had no wind left for laughter. Clever Young Bantam:

Fleming, of Murchison, gave a splendid exhibition of fast, hard-hitting, against N. Comerford of Westport, in the Bantam class last Saturday. Fleming, with lightning-like speed, had Comerford nonplussed from the beginning. He hit with great power, for one of his size, and was unceasing in his' whirlwind attack. Comerford, by no means a tenderfoot in his class, was unable to protect himself. Fleming was upon him every second, and with a battery of blows soon had the Westport lad beaten. The Murchison bantam, on Saturday’s showing, will crow over the best of his weight in the amateur class in the country. He is a real knock-out lad, yet it has to be remembered that he was not hit on Saturday, so that his ability on defence was not shown.

HOCKEY DOMINION TOURNEY NOTES Don’ts for Players: The list’ of “Don’ts” for players published in the official Souvenir Programme for the Dominion tournament, can be studied with advantage by all players: — Don’t assume you know all the rules. Buy a copy of the official rules and become conversant with them. ' Don’t dispute the umpire’s decision. He probably observes more than you. Don’t talk. Yon are wasting good breath that would be better utilised by following up the ball, and doing your bit towards the win for your side. Don’t think the umpire is biased. He might make a mistake, but it is an honest one. Don’t forget you owe the public a duty. Turn out on time; play your best. ( Don’t hang on to the ball; there are 'others in your team. Don’t argue about decisions. The other fellow might score while you are grouching. Don’t wait for the umpire to blow his whistle when an opponent commits an irregularity; play on for all you are worth. Perhaps it is to your side’s advantage that the umpire should not blow —one of the most important rules on the game—always play the whistle. Don’t attempt to argue with the umpire. He probably knows a good deal more about the game than you do. Even if he has made a mistake he

cannel alter his decision, so you can do .10 good in the matter. Don’t pass until you have drawn an opponent. Remember it is your side your are playing for, and it doesn’t matter who scores as long as your side does. Don’t criticise the Hockey Association; they are doing their best for you, and putting in a lot of time and hard work. Put your complaints in writing to the Secretary or inform a member of your Association. They are always on the ground. Don’t forget the umpires will not tolerate rough play. Play the ball, otherwise you will find yourself amongst the spectators. Dominion Tournament: The Dominion tourney opened in Christchurch on Saturday, and the sectional play continues till Thursday, the semi-finals being taken on Friday and the Finals at Lancaster Park next Saturday. It will be remembered that additional interest is lent to this year’s tournament by the fact that the New ' Zealand selectors are present, with a view to the selection of next, year’s team for Australia. The selectors are Mrs Poulter (secretary (N.Z.W.H.A.), Mr. J. Cusack, senior ladies’ selector in Wellington, and Mr. G. C. Hamilton, Eastern’s selector. Miss A. King was originally the South Island selector, but following the New Zealand Association’s refusal to have a player-selector, and Miss King’s intimation that she preferred to play rather than select, Mr.' G. C. Hamilton was chosen.

Youth v. Age: The prospect of a trip to Australia has brought a number of hardy veterans to the tournament, but their play was, to say the least, disappointing. Wellington’s team was a notable case, and the fact that the selector of that team is also a New Zealand selector is worth noting. Up to the time of writing. Wellington had not secured a win,'being defeated by Marlborough, a much younger team by three goals to two, and drawing with Central Otago, also a youthful team. The captain of the Wellington Team, Miss May Wilkins, one remembers seeing at tournaments up to 15 years ago, and she is a typical representative from that Province. How the selector can justify his choice in Miss Wilkins’ case is hard to understand, and it does seem that a younger team would have come through with better results.

The Marlborough Team: This team is a splendid combination of young players who should just about come through Section A successfully, although they may find Otago rather hard to defeat in Wednesday’s game. They played an impressive game to defeat Wellington, and Otago, the only other likely winners in 'A Section, are not up to usual standard. Marlborough’ should improve with their games.

Canterbury A: This eleven is playing in the B. Section, in which the West Coast team is also competing, and should , get through the section well. Although they ran out winners against Akitio in the first game by four goals to one, the latter team gave Canterbury a severe fright, and it was not till the end that the issue became beyond doubt. The Coasters:

The West Coast team put up a remarkably good performance in their first match against the crack Ruahine team. At half-time, the score was only one goal to nil, and a re-arrangement of the Coast team, following Miss Rosie Stapleton’s retirement, seemed to work well. ' The girls, however, partly because of their new surroundings, and mainly because of being upset over Miss Stapleton’s injury, did not hold Ruahine in the second spell.

and lost by four goals to nil. In Monday’s match against Eastern 8., the local girls put up a splendid performance, being defeated by the odd goal in three. Eastern 8., who hail from the country round Gore, where they bring girls up on porridge and hockey, are one of the. strongest teams in the B. Section, and one would not have been surprised had they defeated West Coast by a good margin. The fiist two matches have gone to show conclusively that the selector’s choice of a young team was amply justified. Like a number of other selections, it cannot be expected that the team will win many matches, if any at all, but a young team can learn much from the play of some of the more experienced girls, and on 'this score alone, the selection is fully justified. Next year, the tournament may be held in the North Island, although many Associations seem to favour Marlborough’s chance. In the first case, it may not be possible for- a Coast team to travel, and as an alternative a challenge for the Pope Shield held by Marlborough could be considered. With the experience gained in Christchurch, our girls should go far in either event., Section C Finalists: Southland and Eastern A. should be finalists in Section C, although the former contains too many old players without whom some of the selectors seem to think they cannot get on. This is a stupid policy, and one which should not be tolerated by the Associations. What chance some of these veterans have of being selected for Australia, it is hard to guess,, but on their play on the opening day, very few of the older players are worth a moment’s consideration. Ashburton in the same section played an attractive game, and did well to lose by two goals to one against Southland. The Refereeing:

The refereeing in some of the matches was not all that could be desired. In the report of the RuahineAkitio encounter it is stated that breaches on both'sides spoilt the game. The breaches by Ruahine and Akitio seem to consist chiefly of undercutting, and Rugby tactics. West Coast could probably have counted a win on Monday had the refereeing on Saturday been sufficiently strict at one end, before Miss Stapleton sustained her injuries. Nothing but deliberate, undercutting, caused her injury, and as the player responsible had been previously warned, there must have been something wrong somewhere. However, the Coast girls received congratulations on all sides for a clean sporting game, and those congratulations were thoroughly well deserved.