ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19298, 10 April 1926, Page 15

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

SOUTH AUCKLAND AFFAIRS. THE ANNUAL MEETING TO-DAY. The South Auckland Football Association will hold its annual meeting in Hamilton this afternoon. In reviewing the past season the annual report states that local rivalry was keen, and in all districts enthusiasm was maintained right tip to the last matches. Inter-Association' matches were played nway from home against Auckland and Wellington. Against Auckland, for the ruvcted Brown Shield, the South Auckland side considerably enhanced its reputation on being invited to assist at the opening of Blandford Park, and scored the first goal recorded for the ground. The (ioldfields Sub-Associat ion, comprising four senior clubs, was a welcome addition last year, and its officials were to be congratulated'on the formation of a recognised body in the Waihi-Thames district. Frankton Railways were newcomers to Hamilton football, and proved themselves a decided acquisition to tho code. The Huntly district clubs proved how strong they were all round, securing a large representation in Inter-Association matches. Tho Huntly school team won the Dominion schools championship at Wellington during the season, 'school football in this area being in decided contrast to the comparative apathy shown in Hamilton. The position in Hamilton required very careful attention in this regard. A commencement had been made with the better organisation of referees, and several were successful in securing badges after examination. The association was in a stronger financial position than it had ever been before, there being a surplus of assets over liabilities of- £77. PRACTICES THIS AFTERNOON. FRIENDLY GAMES ARRANGED. Association footballers in Auckland will take the field this afternoon in anticipation of the club championship competitions commencing next Saturday. Numerous practice games have l>een arranged in addition to work at- the nets. Supporters of the Ponsonby and Y.M.C.A. clubs' senior teams should gain a fair idea of the talent available from the friendly contest to be played at Victoria Park.