THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 20333, 14 August 1929, Page 15

THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

CHATHAM CUP CONTENDERS.

THE NORTH INLAND FINAL.

TEAMS' RELEGATION QUESTION

In disposing of Thistle, the Poverty Bay contenders for the. Chatham Cup, Tramways has earned the right to enter the North Island final with Y.M.C.A., Wellington, which defeated Manawatu at Wellington last Saturday. The Tramways team onco more proved it is a strong combination, and, although hampered considerably by the treacherous stato of the ground, the winners managed to display a standard of football which is rarely seen in Auckland. Tho visitors showed promise both at the commencement and finish of the game, but in between times tho consistently Strang opposition did much as it wished. A sido which is temporarily brilliant stands no chance with Tramways, for, whether tho defence is sound or not, the forwards play right up on tho backs and are through like a flash when a slight weakness is evidenced.

Batty performed brilliantly in goal for Tramways, and by a keen senso of anticipation made really dangerous shots look easy. The two shots which passed him wore of tho unstoppable variety. McElligott and Simpson were fair, but havo given much better displays, arid only for their half-line may have suffered considerably under pressure. Doterminod Tackling. Christie was not, as usual, the dominating factor in the half-line, the honours resting between Tinkler aud Fytvic. The latter was particularly noticeable for his determined tackling and spoiling tactics, and although he is of small stature ho mixes it quite effectively with his heavier opponents. Tinkler was consistently good and his scoring effort was a fine uiie. Tho forward line was a fast-moving, ac-curate-shooting set. It had nu single method of launching au attack, with the result it had tho opposition baffled throughout the game. Bell and Spong gave glimpses of some really fine individual play, although neither overdid it. Spencer was the pivot of old, swinging his well-balanced forward line around iu great ityle. Williams and Strctton-were a trusty pair, and, together with Bell, were the main instigators of most of the dangerous movements. Easton gave a very good display in goal for Poverty Bay, 1:1 spito of the large number of goals which passed him. He picked up cleanly and cleared strongly, but showed a marked tendency to wander from his keep when danger "threatened On two or three occasions ho caused muca amusement among the spectators by straying from the goal and endeavouring to relieve the opposing forwards of the ball well out neai the penalty area. .St ret ton took advantage of this fault to scoro a goal when the goalkeeper was well out of the wav.

Outstanding Fullback. Hill was the outstanding fullback, his efforts on defence being particularly fine. His weight came in very handy on occasions, while his kicking was strong, in spile of the mud and wind. McLean was steady, without being unduly brilliant. The half-lino was very effective at, times and one member stood out in all offensive and defensive measures. This was Bridge, who had most to do with holding the team together. As well as being a forco to be reckoned with in defence, he was continually bombarding Batty from long range and tho Auckland representative did well to stop some of these deadly shots. Macer and Jennings were good on attack, but were inclined to ilinch slightly in the close play. Time and again the Auckland forwards were able to take advantage of this fault in the visitors' defence.

McGrory was presented ' with several good openings on the right flank, his grasping of them, however, being docidedly below par. The right wing never once was a source of danger to the opposition, although Waters, as the insideberth man, managed to'co-operatc well with his centre.

| J. Watt and Waugh performed most I creditably in the offensivo section and j proved to be rather a huidful for Christie to manage at times. Watt scored belli goals, and, although the first one was a simple affair, the second shot had Tramways' goalie hopolessly beaten. 11. Watt was prominent in numerous solo runs down the touch-line, his centring, however, lacking force and direction. ! Belmont Last on List. The last game of the Auckland Football Association's championship competition was played on Saturday, when Y.M.C.A. proved too strong for Belmont. The game was a long-deferred one through a postponement earlier in the season. , Tho result either way did not affect the 1 championship table and Belmont remains at tho bottom. If the association maintains its attitude in regard to the relegation scheme both Belmont and North Shore must descend to the senior grade B.

The idea, of relegating two teams out of eight seems a trifle severe and, in any case, a modfication of the scheme could be introduced, making it necessary that the two top teams in the B section must prove they are capable of defeating the two bottom teams in the A section by a play-off at the conclusion of the season. North Shore is one of the oldest, if not the oldest, club playing Association football in the Dominion and it is to be regretted it is experiencing a lean stretch.

ENGLISH TEST CRICKET.

BOWLING READJUSTMENT.

Writing after the second cricket test between England and South Africa had concluded, a London critic said England's bowling requires somo readjustment for the needs of three-day cricket. Lanvood is not the bowler he was, and seems to have some foot trouble. In regard to our batting, it is much to bo doubted whether the younger generation can produce such capable batsmen as those who may tie verging on the veteran stage, but whose power 3 refuse, to wane.

DOUBLES IN TENNIS

PERSONAL REGARD REQUIRED

During tho last few years tho doubles game, says C. S. Garland, a one-time prominent American player, haa been Iho subject .of much discussion and the cause of some consternation on the part of American players and officials. It has resulted in a medley of suggestions, criticism, remedies and some legislation. It would soem, however, that the most important of the cardinal features has been overlooked, or at. least not given its proper place. Garland does not believe it is possible to form a successful combination unless the partners have, a mutual personal regard—not only admiration for the other's game, but a distinct liking both on and off the court. During a long match each man will make some mistakes; his partner must accept these without exaggeration, and must certainly maintain an even temperament, otherwise her manner will react unfavourably upon the offender, thus weakening the morale and consequently tho playing strength of tho combination.