Association Football.

Free Lance, Volume XIV, Issue 722, 2 May 1914, Page 21

Association Football.

By Goal Kick.

CHAMPIONSHIP matches for the "1914 season were commenced last Saturday in anything but pleasant weather.' Despite the drawbacks, the football shown by some of the clubs must be considered good for the first of the season, and it was rather disappointing that Thistles (Isfst year's champions) were not seen in action. Hospital, who have much the same team as they had last year, were much superior to their .vpunger and less experienced opponents, Y.M.C.A. Corinthians easily defeated vWanderers, and have the makings of a very fine team, aud if they should see the season out will be very near the top. Brooklyn created a surprise by defeating Diamonds, who have greatly strengthened their team from members of the now defunct St. John's Club. Swifts scored a win over Rovers, and it is to be hoped the Reds will stick well together, as they have plenty of fine young players with a sprinkling of old hands. Brooklyn .United made a very poor start, having to default to Thistles, but it is quite possible the attractions at Trentham were responsible for this. The only senior team that did not play last week was Petone, and they drew the bye. However, last vear, in the junior competition, they were well up with the winners, and with the inclusion of some new blood they should at least provide interesting games with most of the city clubs, and will perhaps beat more than beat them. Thistles, as stated above, have not yet been tried, but one can only remember their unexpected defeat in the Charity Cup of last year by Swifts. , Corinthians are a well-balanced combination. and will take a lot of beating. They have amongst others such tried players as Roberts (right wing), Gibson (centre), and Ballard, and I believe have a good centre half in Jarmy. Wanderers, although badly beaten,. showed some good points. Webster, in

goal, and Shaw, full-back, took the bulk of the attack, and the forwards have the makings of a fair combination when not pitted, against a heavy rearguard. Out at Porirua you find, much the same team as last year. Skinner. Roots, Elliott, Hughes, and. Heath, with others, must always appear dangerous, arid I .would not be surprised to see them go one better than ■ last year and win the championship. Of course these players are getting "older, but they will always have the advantage of good training facilities and their own ground to play on. * * * * The season was opened in Dunedin last week with a representative match between Canterbury and Otago on the Caledonian ground. The game was even throughout, Otago leading in the first spell by 2 goals. Canterbury, however, secured three goals in the • second half, and the match finished in their favour by three goals to two.