PLAY AND PLAYERS.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 14 June 1926, Page 4

PLAY AND PLAYERS.

(Notes by “Kick-Off.”) The rep game on June 3 was not the best exposition of the game seen in Hawera. The forwards as a line were off their game. Ramsay was carded as outside right, but was frequently seen plaving on the left wing; his play Galloway was at times very good, but the last-named left his shooting boots at home. Pollard did not get many opportunities, and when ho did get them hung on to the ball too long. fcpedding and Adshead played well together seeing it was their first time as partners. Adshead, in the first 20 minutes, ■dropped several beautiful centres in the goal-mouth, but they went begging. Spodding was undoubtedly the best forfnrd on the day and had hard luck in not getting two goals (one in each half). The one that skinnned the bar in the second- spell would have beaten any goalie if .12 inches lower. Of the half-back, Freakley stood alone. He is undoubtedly the best centre half in Taranaki to-day. His spoiling work was a treat to watch. Dancer and McCook did not play their usual game, but I understand they were both suffering from injuries received in the trial game. . Beare and Betteridge were a solid pair of backs, and it would be hard to find two who play together so well. Bentley, in goal, played a great game and could not be blamed for the two that beat him. Summed up, and in a nutshell, the defence was the best part of Thursday’s team. Now Plymouth still continue on their winning way, their last victims being Hawera to the tune of 6-2. Granted that Hawera did not field their strongest eleven; but even had they been able to do so. New Plymouth would have been hard to beat. They swung the ball about from wing to wing, and Pettet, in Hawera’s goal, had a busy time. By the way, Pettet has tho makings of a first-class,goalie and should not be discouraged by Saturday’s game. Johnston, the New Plymouth inside right, had a field day; he seemed to score goals from any position, and his tally for the day was four goals. Shepherd, the New Plymouth goalie, was a Taranaki representative goalie in 1910, and several times since, and is still playing a great game. The junior cup is to be played for between Hawera juniors 'and Auroa juniors, three games home and home and neutral grounds. Dates are to be arranged in the near future. The Hawera juniors have an energetic coach in Mr Sperring, who is looking after ffhcni .very well. A North v. South match is to be played shortly at New Plymouth between teams selected from Hawera, Auroa and Manaia (South) and New Plymouth and Stratford (North). W. Newton scored both Hawera’s goals again. He is not a stylish player, but very dangerous in front of the goal —and it is goals that count. Auroa arc anxious to -meet New -Plymouth. They are quite confident in Auroa that tho local team will win. Anyhow, it will be a willing go, and the game should be worth going to see. Both teams are unbeaten.

With the object of forming an Association Football Referees’ Association, Mr Pete/'S, the secretary of the T.F.A., would be glad if intending referees would scml in their names. There are

plenty of referees in Taranaki, but they need organising. I understand that the secretary of the T.F.A. is in communication with the secretaries of the Wanganui, ManaAvatu and Wellington. Associations. Should a tour eventuate, at least 15 players would be required to make the trip. So it behoves all players to keep' fit to catch the eye of the selector.