ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19032, 1 June 1925, Page 12

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

CHATHAM CUP CONTEST. SHORE WIN FIRST MATCH. Tho first match of tho 1925 Chatham Cup series, to bo played under the. auspices of the Auckland Football Association, was decided at Blatidford Park on Saturday afternoon, when North Shore defeated Northcoto by 3 goals to 1, beiore'a crowd of about 2000. Conditions were such that <?ood football was entirely out of the question, though the raiu held off during play. Patches of deep slush almost covered tho playing area, which was like a quagmire after tho gamo' had been in progress a very short time. Consequently the sodden and. greasy ball was extremely difficult to manipulate. North Shora thoroughly deserved their win, showing even greater superiority than the scores would indicate. Northcoto had a good sha'ro of the ball, and were often in scoring positions, but the forwards lacked finish, . while the support oi tho half lino was not nearly up to tho standard expected in senior football. On the whole tho game was a lively display considering tho conditions, and there were plenty of spectacular spills in the soft mud. th.it did not hurt tho players and provided a humorous touch, which was keenly appreciated by the- onlookers.. _ . Tho Ponsonby versus Thistlo match in the Falcon Cup competition was to have, been played as a • curtain-raiser, but had to bo postponed owing to tho state of tho ground. First Goal Comes Early. .Tones chocked Northcote's initial attack and placed nicely to Bradshaw on Shore's left wing. McDonald earno to tho rescue and Tremain was. sent away to the other end, whoro ho spoiled a good chance by kicking too hard. Brisk exchanges followed. Dacre and Mc.Garry were showing up well for North Shore, whilo Thompson and Hibbert, in Northcote's back line, wero frequently turning defence into attack. It was not long, however, before B. Woolley got away on North Shore's right. Ho evaded two opposing backs and passed to centre. A scramble in the mud saw Northcote's goal packed with players. Tho resourceful Palmer saw an opening and shot successfully* just as he was charged over. North Shore, 1; Northcoto. 0. • From" tho kick off Northcoto spurted, and helped on by a frco kick nicely taken by Hibbert wero soon in a handy : dtion, but Tocher could not direct tho greasy ball, and his shot went wide. Shore retaliated, and a clinking grounder, from Jones was cleared by Chesnoy in brilliant style. Further sharp attacks by Northcote, with W. Knott and Burford- in the van, caused great excitement among tho onlookors, but the shooting was poor and Corbett and Gerard cleared their lines. Another Northcote dash onded in Bell putting over when ho had only tho goalkeeper to beat'. North Shore again began to have the bettor of matters- as tho- spell drew to a close. J. Woolley and Dacre frequently looked like scoring, but offsido tactics lost the advantage. Half-time sounded with Northcote ono down.. The Second Half. Play was strenuous from tho outset on resuming, with tho ball being carried quickly from end to end. Chesney was soon called upon to defend his charge from Palmer and Dacro, and tho goalie, acquitted himself well. Tremain was doing great work for Northcote. but could get uo support. Eventually Dacro secured and put in one of his characteristic runs down tho wing. Ho left tho opposition standing and swung tho ball to centre. J. Woolley received it like a veteran and gave Chesney no chance from closo range. North Shoro wero 2 up. _ Tremain spurted from the kick off. .but Knott crowded in and spoiled the opening. Corbett shifted tho scene of operations to tho other end, where B. Woolley centred, and Chesnoy saved shots from Bradshaw and J. Woolley in ciuick succession. Cadness returned the ball to his forwards, but Palmer secured and was back to the riorthcoto goal like a flash. . He finished off a great effort with a stinging shot that found the net amid .great applause. North Shore, 3; Northcoto, 0. Northcote's Plucky Fight. Following this North Shoro had matters all their, own way, for a spell. Thonvpson's defence, which had been so solid, began to show signs of weakening, and on many occasions it was only the mud that beat the North Shoro forwards, although Chesney wag showing great power of anticipation between tho goal-posts. Then North Shore appeared to slacken off, and Northcote immediately began to take full advantage of tho lull. Time and again they swept down on the opposing goal, only to find that the half-backs woro not in support when tho forwards lost tho ball. . W. Knott changed places with his brother in tho half line, but this appeared to mako little difference. Eventually one of tho North Shoro backs handled tho ball in tho penalty area, and W. Knott turned the spot-kick to full' account," reducing the lead. Northcoto kept hammering aAvay, much to tho delight of their supporters. Gerrard missed several returns badly, and Bell was almost in, but over-eagernes lost tho advantage. Tho losing team wore still attacking hotly when tho whistlo sounded "no side" with the scores: North Shore .. v.. ». 3 Northcoto .. .. ». 1 SECOND DIVISION. B SECTION. Glen Eden 5, beat Y.M.C.A 1. THIRD DIVISION. Kiwi A 3, beat Northcote 1 Ponsonby B 1, boat Y.M.C.A. B 0. Tamaki 6, beat Metropolitan 3. Y.M.C.A. 1, beat Takaoirii 0. FOURTH DIVISION. Thistlo 2, beat Metropolitan 1. Richmond Wanderers 3. beat Ponsonby 2. Newton 6, beat Northcoto 2. Y.M.C.A., 3, beat Tamaki 1. FIFTH DIVISION. Maunt Albert Grammar 4, beat Onehunga 0. Tamaki 4, beat Comrades A 0. Newton 7, beat Kowhai 0. SIXTH DIVISION. Mount Albert Grammar 1, beat Northcoto 0. Y.M.C.A. 150Y5 7 DIVISION. SENIOR. Swift 3 3, beat Colts 0. Rangers 1, drew with Spurs 1. Rivals 3, beat Rovers 0. JUNIOR. | Colts 1, boat Swifts 0. ' .hangers 3. drew with Spurs 3. Rivals 2, beat Rovers 0. MATCH AT HAMILTON. j'Br TELEGRAPH.—OWN COHItESfONDENT. J HAMILTON. Saturday. Wanderers met United at Seddon Park and suffered defeat for the first time this season. United winning by four goals to two. Wanderers played tho better football. Hill, a recent arrival from Auckland, gavo a fi.no display for Wanderers. CHRISTCHURCH GAMES. [BY TELEGRAPH. —PRESS ASSOCIATION.] CHRISTCHURCH, Saturday. Sunnyside. 4, beat Rangers. 1; Thistle, 1. drew with Western. 1; Nomads, 2, beat Lyttclton, 1.