ASSOCIATION FINAL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LIX, Issue 18180, 28 August 1922, Page 9

ASSOCIATION FINAL.

ANOTHER DRAWN GAME. PHILOMEL AND . NORTH SHORE. HIGH STANDARD OF PLAY. The final rjplay in the Auckland Football Association's senior competition, contested at Victoria Park on Saturday, between North Shore and H.M.S. Philomel, again resulted in a drawn game, each side scoring one goal. Ideal weather prevailed, and the game was probably the best exhibition of the code ever played in Auckland between local club teams. Both sides were at full strength, and except perhaps for the first ten minutes in the second spell, the pace set throughout was exceptionally fast, and play of a very high order of skill and dexterity. That t'he "soccer" game has become firmly established in public favour was amply demonstrated by the attendance of spectators. Despite strong counter-attractions, a crowd estimated at 7000 assembled to watch the game, which was followed throughout with the utmost keenness and enthusiasm. Winning the toss, North Shore defended the western goal, with the sun at their backs and a slight breeze in their favour. Both teams settled down smartly, and brisk .passing bouts among the forwards carried the ball quickly from end to end. Free kicks in turn gave first one and then the other the advantage, but the defence was sound, and the onlookers signified their delighted approval, as it early becamo apparent thai the game was to be a closely contested battle of skill and pace. North Shore's Good Goal. A sharp attack by Pealing, Boyne and >C. Dacre for North Shore was cleverly broken up by Doree, who placed well to his left wing. Lewis raced the length of the field with the ball, and ' passed to centre. L. Dacre cleared to Corbett, who sent in a high one, which Hooper quickly deflected to the goal with his head. Miller brought off a brilliant save, punting to his left wing, and the tide turned once more to the warship's end. Another short spell of exciting, even play, and then Corbett made a groat opening for Hooper, who dashed through at the centre to North Shore's goal, where Miller was again tested and found equal to the occasion. Shortly afterwards, Buchanan, North Shore's clever centre half, came into prominence wiith a skilful run through from half-way, which worked him clear of the opposition, to send on to Boyne. The centre forward tricked a fullback, and then steadying the ball for an instant, put in a stinging drive from 20yds. out, which curled into the corner of the net, giving North Shore the lead. Spurred on by their success, North Shore continued to press from the kickoff, but over-eagerness spoiled a good chance, Woolley Deing ruled off-side after finding the net from ;the result of dashing play. The remainder of the spell was full of incident, and Miller, in North Shore's goal, came in for a great ovation when he successfully defended his charge against a penalty kick taken by McElligott. No further score was registered, and half-time arrived with North Shore one up. Warship's Fine Score. The second half opened quietly, with both sides taking no risk, until an individual dash by Hooper brought North Shore's goal in danger, which was relieved by a free kick for offside play. ' After a delay on account -of injuries to C. Dacre, the game again assumed the snap and action of the first half, and a great tussle round Philomel's goal was relieved by the excellent clearing of Batty in* goal. Sweeping attacks by the sailors were countered by smart nassing bouts m the North Shore forward and with the scene of action changing quickly from one end to the other, both goalkeepers were frequently prominent sin brilliant saves. A free kick to Philomel saw McElligott pilot the. ball to the goal-mouth, where Miller saved at the expense of a corner. Heathley's shot from the flag was judged to a nicety, and with the goal-mouth packed with players, Corbett got his head to the ball, which shot into the net, equalising the scores.* The remainder of the game [was evenly and strenuously contested, with excitement running high. The players themselves were obviously affected by the tenseness of the situation, and hard knocks.were given and received, while the referee had his work cut out to control a certain amount *of unorthodox enthusiasm, brought on by the great excitement of the game. .■'*'■' No further goals resulted, and a memorable game ended with the championship still undecided/ and the scores: North Shore .* ».*.■ «■' 1 H.M.S. Philomel 8 «...■•-'. lv Mr. J. J. Wright was referee. .