SOCCER

Grey River Argus, 7 August 1937, Page 7

SOCCER

WESTLAND F.A. MEETING. Mr. F. M. Smyth, presided at last evening’s meeting of the, Westland Football Association, when there were also present Messrs W. Rafferty, C. Hodgson, J. Bateman, S> McNab, G. Craig and C. J. Welch (Secretary). Correspondence from the New Zealand Council w,as received and approved. Taylorville Club forwarded the names of G. Erskine, R. Lee, P. Hoggarth and T. Hoggarth, for selection in the junior representatives. It was decided to strictly adhere to the rule previously adopted that any Club not fulfilling its fixtures forfeit points to the opposing team. The Secretary was instructed to ask the Referees’ Association to arrange for all referees’ reports to be forwarded after games..

FIXTURES FOR AUGUST 14TH. The following fixtures were arranged for August 14th.: — Blackball v. Taylorville, at Blackball, 2.45 p.m. (Mr. Balderstone). THIRD GRADE. Runanga v. Tech. C (J. Welch). Tech. Bv. Taylorville (F. M.. Smyth). NOTES AND COMMENTS. Both Taylorville and Blackball were unable to field teams on Saturday on account of injuries. As things turned out it was probably all for the best; for after the heavy rain grounds were again in a shocking state for football. On the other hand many more failures to fulfil fixtures are likely to seriously prejudice the chances of completing the competitions within the specified time. It must also be remembered that both the challenges for the Dewar and the Peter Dawson Cups will necessitate the postponement of senior matches on those days. ******* Peter Dawson Cup: It is questionable whether it is in the best interests of our footbail to challenge Buller for the cup this season. Some will argue that there is practically no senior football in the Buller at present and in consequence Westland should stand a good chance of lifting the cup. It must also be admitted that it will give the coue a much needed fillip here if the Peter Dawson Cup can be brought back to Greymouth; for it would definitely result in further visits from Canterbury. However, even though we have four senior teams are we as well off as Buller? In the Buller they are conducting a most flourishing junior competition in which seven evenly matched teams are competiting. It goes without saying that these teams are being coached by prominent Buller ex-seniors, which means that Buller will no doubt be in the position to field a team little removed from their previous high standard. In contrast we have no junior competition, and then several of those taking part in the senior competition are not up to senior standard.

Reviewing Possibilities: Westland will be well up to standard as far as a goal-keeper is concerned; for both Perrin and Closs are displaying good form. Perrin has not played a poor game this season and is displaying far more confidence this year. His handling is always safe and accurate and he is not troubled by a wet and greasy ball. Cioss has not had as much work as Perrin, but when he has been tested has proved himself a sound keeper. Tnere is not much between the two but the vote probably goes to Perrin. The material for the full-back position is also full of promise. Without a doubt the finest back on the Coast is Marshall who never plays a bad game in this position. Marshall’s great qualification is his anticipation. Next in merit comes R. Armstrong. This young player has great possibilities, but he has one serious fault which should not take much eliminating that is nis tendency to dilly-dally with the ball, running round in circles, instead of kicking clear. Another back who is showing most promising form and is succeptible to great inprovement with the right coaching is J. Kerr. Others worthy of consideration are'P. Bailey, Bernard and Lee. The half-backs

present a more d»Tlcult problem. Probably the best is Watson of Runanga.! but he in common with several of ( the -others is lacking in pace. One of the cleverest of our halves is Bowman but even his skill and knowledge of the game cannot make up for his lack of pace on a fast ground. Cowan has been showing fair form this season. but some of the best form has been shown by youngsters who are not yet ready for senior representative honours. Among these may be mentioned L. Balderstone, L. Duggan, P. Hogarth and Erskine. It is in the forwards that we come face to face with our greatest problem, what of al centre? Cullen of Old Boys would! have filled the position ideally out' he is now playing hockey. The only, apparent solution is to again try Mar-, shall in the position. Lnfortunately| Marshall seems to have the disability, of being unable to get quickly under-; way in the forwards, ana is somewnat slow in getting in a shot at goal. When he does get going he is a hard man to stop and he has a terrific shot. J. Paton may bo a player worthy of trial in the position. Though rather light he is a tiger tor! work and is very fast in nipping; through an opening, besides being a fine shot. If nursed by a player of Scott’s ability he may admirably fill the bill. It would be unwise to separate Scott and Crowe so that leaves just the right wing. Either Coutts or Shotton would fill the outside-posi-tion, but it seems as though White is a lone possibility for the inside berth. Maskill is a forward of promise

but at present is lacking in experience. Many of the players mentioned are eligible for selection for the Dewar Cup team. Others worthy of consideration here are W. Paton, F. Cruse, and G. Henderson. ****** Third Grade: The only match played last Saturday was the third grade fixture between Tech and Taylorville. The game was a good one in sipte of the very heavy ground. Thougn tnere was no score in the first spell Tech combined much better in the second and recorded three goals, Philip 2. Anderson 1, without reply. The Wee Mac Cup was won by Tech B and today a competition starts for the Campbell Cup. On account of boys leaving school, Tech have had to withdraw their A team, so the teams for the new competition will be Tech B. Tech C. Runanga and Taylorville. Tech. Old Boys to play Taylorville at Taylorville to-day, at 2.45 p.m. (meet at Post Office 2 p.m.):—Perrin, Kerr. Hogg. Woods, McDougall. Paton, Hall, Marshall. Pollock. Paton, I Smythe. i Taylorville to play Tech. Old Boys: j Tcnnent. Lee, Bernard, Miller, Bow- ' man. Hoggarth, Hoggarth, Erskine, ; White. Bateman, Coutts, D. Cowan. Runanga Seniors:— Closs, Armstrong, Craig, Shotton, Watson. Pattison. White, Luke, Maskill, Scott. Crowe. Runanga Thirds:—Erickson, Deaver. Kennedy, Fisher, Hewison, Merriman, McLean, Williamson, Hayes.