ASSOCIATION CODE.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19638, 17 May 1927, Page 14

ASSOCIATION CODE.

THE FORM LAST SATURDAY. NORTH SHORE'S YOUNG TEAM. GOOD DISPLAY ON WET GROUND. But for the splendid contest between North Shore and Tramways at Blandford Park on Saturday the fourth series of matches m the Auckland Association football senior competition would have been remarkable for the easy victories scored. Thistle, Navy Depot and Ponsonby all proved too good for the opposition, but the main attraction was anybody's game until North Shore obtained the winning goal near the end. The two extremes of playing conditions have now been experienced, for the weather and conditions generally on Saturday could hardly have been worse than they were. The two games at headquarters were alike in that a young team was opposed to a more seasoned eleven, but there was a contrast in the way youth survived the test. Whereas Thistle's greater experience was overpowering for Y.M.C.A., North Shore revelled in its task and always had a grip on the game. The team from the marine suburb made its first appearance of the season at Blandford Park and gave a taste of-clever football, which makes one look forward to its match next Saturday with Thistle, the other unbeaten combination. It is worthy of note that eight of the North Shore players are graduates from the club's junior grades, the only " outsiders" being Bradshaw, Jones and Baxter. Against Tramways the play of the young North Shore forwards was impressive. All five put such vim into their work that distinctions are inclined to be odious. The play of the three inside men, Jay, Woolley and Whitley, was very fine, Whitley was going just as hard at the finish 'as at the start and his nimble feet meant all the difference between a draw and victory for North Shore. He scored two of the three goals, while Jay, another player who was in excellent fettle, notched the third. Woolley was always opening up the game and his swift passes across the goal-mouth were a danger to be reckoned with. Experience in the Half-line. In the half-line the team has its key in the sound all-round play of Baxter and Jones. Although they could not combine as well as they do on a dry ground they were able to assist both backs and forwards time and again, besides launching attacks of their own or breaking down those initiated by Tramways. For steadiness Gerrard's display at fullback was excellent although not faultless. He had much to do and did it well. Colebourne was a good support. Lipscombe, in goal, had a greasy ball to contend with, but handled it and cleared attractively. As far as forward play/ is concerned, Dodds was well to the fore'for Tramways. He worked tirelessly and resourcefully and seemed to glory in the heavy going. Had Spencer been right on his game the result might have been different. The centreforward played well, nevertheless, and his rapid first-timers were a frequent worry for Lipscombe. The conditions were against Davis, while the winga were weak. Sim however, must be given credit for the fine centre which gave Dodds a goal. In the half-line, McElligott was at centre and Tinkler on his right. McElligott was sound and placed the ball accurately. The fullbacks accounted for a great deal of defensive work, being continually harassed by the North Shore forwards. Watson gave probably his best display of the season while Simpson was often prominent. It was after Be had retired hurt that the game was lost and won. In Batty's absence, Tucker did very well in goal and could not be blamed for the, score recorded against him. Thistle's Easy Task. Thistle's combination was not interrupted to any extent by Y.M.C.A., whose forces were impaired at .the start and were added to as the game progressed. The older team swung the ball about and kept its opponents continually on the run. Perhaps there was more sliding than running. Wurr being absent, Humphries went.to centre-forward, but did not receive much assistance. Hoban has played better games. Gale, outside-right, was h™® a dwarf among giants with Dickson and Reid marking-liim. A. Lewis was easily the best half. Dick showed the fatal tendency to handle the ball in spite of being penalised once. Neither back was absolutely reliable, there being a good deal of mis-kicking, but Paton, in goal, fought against heavy odds and saved splendidly at times. Navy Depot's first win of the season was scored at the expense of Northcote, who are experiencing a very learn year and could not field a full team. Honton created a new record in scoring five goals, being irresistible in front of the goal. The game was one-sided, as the indicates, and the heavier Navy team had little difficulty in thrusting home its attacks on familiar ground. Another easv win was secured by *o™" sonby over Onehunga. The Ponsonby forwards wore Onehunga down and practically the whole forward line shared in the reaping of goals. McPhee was again in splendid form in goal, and is undoub tedlv worth the consideration of the sole selector Choosing the Representatives. Twenty players have been named for special training in view of the representative programme which will be commenced shortly The tentative selection is a good one. and is enhanced by the announcement that more names may be added as the sea son progresses. Under these circuro stances it may be expected that McPhee. the Onehunga custodian will receive consideration Much speculation will centre in this position now that Lucas is goalkeeping in South Auckland, and it remains to be seen who will replace hinv On form this season one would be inclined to favour McPhee to Lyon who it is understood, has been sorted out for his consistency this season and last year The final selection should rest between Batty and McPhee with odds in favour of the The selector's task will be an unenviable one ns he has plenty of excellent material to draw upon. Two new selections are Carter (Thistle) and Moonev (Ponsonby). both playing their first season in Auckland football.