SOCCER FOOTBALL

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 119, 4 May 1934, Page 15

SOCCER FOOTBALL

HIGH STANDARD OF PLAY Spectators Enthusiastic ALTERATION TO RULE 12 (By “Header.”) Last Saturday saw football of a high standard, and what is more pleasing to note, the games were witnessed by more than the usual number of enthusiasts. Whakatu, in Hastings, had rather a walkover, and in Napier, Bangers defeated Factory by the odd goal in 5, and Y.M.C.A. scored the only goal of the match against United. The Whakatu-Wandcrers game, as the score (11 —0) indicates, was a very one-sided affair. Whakatu pressed from the kick-off, end during the first half three goals were scored. The second half was of a very ragged nature, Whukatu being superior in all departments, and adding 8 goals .to their total, Penman notching 4, and Dyinock, McLennan, Blackstock a»-l Townsend one each. Good Goalkeeper. In spite of the large score, the dutstanding man in Wanderers’ team was the goalkeeper. Hawthorn, who could not be blamed for the overwhelming defeat. bhotton played a hard and useful game, but lacked support from hie mates. The outstanding feature of Whakatu 's play was their defence, w-hich was good in ell positions. The forward line, however, was lacking in thrust, with Dymock the particular star on the day’s play. The best shot of the match camo from his foot, only to be saved by the upright; the goalkeeper was completely beaten. Whakatu, the champion team of last year, was not up to its usual standard, in spite of weak opposition. However, it is pleasing to note that new and young players are being tried out. which is all to the good. Wanderers, on Saturday’s play, cer tainly tad an off day. A game or. two together, however, will work wonders, and with one or two possible changes in Saturday’s teem a big improvement should result. Strenuous Play. The Factory- Rangers game was a strenuous and hard-fought battle, W. Campbell playing a fine game at back for Rangers. Bolesworth and Bradley were other players to catch the eye in front of goal. Y.M.C.A. and United played a close game, victory going to the luckier team. Y.M.’s goal had one or two very narrow squeaks. School Football. It has been brought to “Header’s” notice that there are a number of school-boys in Hastings who are keea and willing to play Soccer, and if these boys care to call at Mr J. Stickland’s office in Queen street he will be pleased to arrange for them to play. Any adults willing to act as coaches for the boys should make themselves known to the above gentleman. Alteration To Rule 12. An addition to Bule 12 which ha* come into operation this season merits the attention of all Soccer referees, players, and spectators. The rule in its old form provided that players who found it necessary to leave the field for repairs or adjustments to their boots had to return to the field only while the ball was out of , play and had to notify the referee of their return. As altered, the rule now imposes these two obligations upon players who leave the field for any purpose, its main object being to include those who are temporarily incapacitated through injury and then wander back to play again when they feel like it. It has happened in England (and possibly locally though not to the writer's knowledge) that a player standing on the sideline with a slight leg injury has suddenly seen his side in danger and hobbled on to the field in the way of an opposing forward who is in a good position with the ball. Anyone can see that this is hardly within the spirit of the game, yet there was nothing in the rules to prevent it. Hence the alteration to Rule 12. “Header” invitee secretaries sf the various clubs to forward any newsy club topics to this office prior to midday on Wednesday of each week. Their notes will all help towards popularising the code. Hints To Players. These hints are based on words of advice given by Dick Nagle, an old Otago and Wellington player, and are well worth studying both by old and new players. (1) Read the rules of the game carefully. (2) When possible watch a good man playing in your own position and note any points that would improve your own game. (3) If a forward, practise passing and shooting as often as possible. Endeavour to time your passes so that they can be taken on the run. Don’t fall back to assist the defence, except in very exceptional circumstances. Keep your position. (4) If a half back, keep your posi tion and don’t roam, but be alwnvs read to assist your forwards in attack and your backs in defence Defence of course is your first consideration, and spoiling the attack from yom opposition, give your opposing for wards no peace.

(5) A back should study his for ward’s position and endeavour to pla«-e his kicks and punts and not juft blindly punt the ball anywhere; judgment may at a moment’s notice alter defence into an attack on your opponents’ goal, and mark your outside wing opposition, attack him and see that your wing half covers you. (6) Train and practise as often as possible and keep fit. No ball game can be played with any degree of perfection unless a player is fit und well and his eye and brain clear and alert.