SOCCER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXVI, Issue 3994, 26 July 1913, Page 8

SOCCER.

(By “Centre-Half.”)

The most striking feature since our League table last appeared has undoubtedly been the climb of the Taruheru club from the bottom position to where it now stands —at the top. To keen followers of the game this success of the now leading team was only to be expected, provided that the club could muster its players consistently ; for it cannot be denied that the combination of talent which the Blues have signed on is of a higher standard than that possessed by any of the other three clubs. Ido not say that they have a better back division than any other team; this I think County possesses. Nor even in the half line have they anything superior to two of the other clubs, while the same may be said of the vanguard. But it s the all-round general quality of the team, witli a first-rate goalie, which is resrxmsible for its success. There is very little margin between the first three teams, and the result is by no means a foregone conclusion. I understand that both the ttvo leading clubs are losing the services of one or more of their regular players, who are leaving this district. Both .M. and Gisborne have suffered severely in this respect, but the former club has been fortunate en securing the services of a capable right wing, and are now showing a little of their old form. Gisborne, in losing Archibald, received a set-back from which it lias not vet recovered, whilst injuries to two or three other players have made the outlook none too bright for a team, which, early in the season, showed promise of easily holding its own.

Saturday’s Carnes.

The game played at Newstead last week provided some exceedingly keen football. The result —a draw of one all — gives a fair reflex of the game. The red forwards were perhaps a trifle the more dangerous, while the hacks suffered only a trifle by comparison with French and.' Somerton. H. Hughes gave a taste of his old form, but he is not yet up to his last year’s standard. McMillan had a rare handful in Meikle and Gledhill, and it was from this wing that the chief danger to County lie. The blacks were extremely weak at outside left, but the inclusion of Willshaw considerably strengthened the attack on the other wing. It canot be said thart etiher of the goals were worked for, and the result must have been satisfactory to all.

On tlie Reserve Taruheru continued on their triumphant career, and although. only a goal separated the teams, is was laruheru’s game for three-fourths of the time. The defensive work of the Gisborne men, how-

ever, was of a very high standard, Germain and Gardner, in particular being in excellent trim. Downie, as usual, outshone the other members of his side, while MoMurray and Gates came next in order of merit.

To-day’s Matches. The matches to-day should .provide two even contests, and it would not surprise mo greatly if the two bottom clu be were successful. Tarulioru will sadly miss their crack, Downie, while County are not such a tough proposition as they were a few weeks back.

The Referees’ Association. For a long time a need has beeii felt for an association or referees to control the games in this district, and at last something in a concrete form lias appeared. For the first time this season two officials appointed +o control the matches put in an appearance under the direction of the newly-formed association, and many expressions of satisfaction were heard concerning this happy result. All that is required now to assure the present good work being sustained is for tlie players to give every assistance ta these enthusiasts who are giving'tlieir spare time every week to the furtherance of tho game here. In almost every match one hears constant arguing and frivolous appeals, and not infrequently has the referee been subjected to remarks • which would suffice to earn “marching orders” in most other places. This, now, must abruptly end or it will mean that either players or referees will be compelled to withdraw, and captains would be well advised to give a friendly word of warnin to any players liable to err in this respect.

Amended Ruies. The English F.A. at their last meeting adopted an amendment to the rule which provides that no opponent shall be within six yards of the ball when a free kick is being taken—a distance of 10 yards now being substituted. For the guidance of referees it would be well to inquire of the New Zealand F.A. if that body lias adopted this and other amendments, especially the one concerning the goalkeepier’s area for handling.

IT IS RUMORED THAT—

Hodgson is leaving to-morrow for Manawatu.

Gisborne lias signed on one or two good ’uns. Meikle and Gledliill will want a lot of watching to-day. Downie will bo absent from the ranks of Taruheru to-day. Ready has more luck at the Bark than with his shots at goal.

It is doubtful whether Anderson will bo playing to-day for County.

Summer was neither working nor playing football last Saturday. Several players have been invited to join a local debating society. It will be more difficult to pick one rep.forward lino than two this year. Hugh Binnie does not always collect all his “bus” fares to Newstead. George Webster has “turned up” the game for reasons “not understood.”

One hundred and seven goals have been' scored in 22 Saturday matches this season.

It is on the cards that a challenge may go in yet this season for the Brown Shield.

Tlie* Association secretary lias received a letter from Havkc s Bay asking for a date for a fixture. ‘‘Bob’’ Downie and Trevor Hodgson will be an acquisition to whichever Manawatu club secures their services. Jack Hughes has left Poverty Bay, and he will be missed by the reds as he was being schooled for a position at half.

Fryer gave the Taruheru defence some anxiety at times last week, and several shots from Germain kept “Tinv” warm.

Those fine young players, Chris and Joe Harrison are expected back from Queensland in a fortnight’s time, and if Hugh Binnie secures them, County will be fully compensated for their recent losses they have sustained in their ranks.

The Championship Table. The League table, compiled to date, is as follows: — P W L D Goals For Ag. Pts Taruheru 11 6 3 2 27 22 14 County ' 11 5 3 3 32 22 13 Y.M.A.C. 11 4 5 2 27 29 10 Gisborne 11 2 6 3 23 34 7