THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21173, 4 May 1932, Page 16

THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

SENIOR GRADE CONTESTS. HIGH STANDARD ATTAINED. ADVANTAGE OF COMBINATION. Keen competition and a good standard of play were the outstanding features of tlic opening scries of matches in the first round of the Auckland Football Association's senior championship 011 Saturday. It was evident that some of the teams had not indulged in over-extensive training. In spite of the greasy hall and treacherous underfoot conditions several of the senior combinations showed latent possibilities. Of the four games played three were exceptionally well contested, tlie only clear-cut margin being in the game between Glen Innes and Y.M.C.A. iliis ovidenco that the teams are better balanced in standard promises well for Ihe closeness of the competition.

Tho advantage that a well-combined team has over tho more erratic typo was clearly demonstrated in the principal contest on Bland ford Park between Y.M.C.A. and Glen Innes, tho former wearing its more vigorous opponents down by means of superior tactics and finer combination. Tho Glen Innes team, as usual, went away in fast style right from the whistle and had tho Y.M.C.A. backs troubled. The younger players covered more ground than was necessary, however, during their early offensive, due to lack of co-ordina-tion, and when Y.M.C.A. made its run in the latter stages of the game Glen Innes did not have the necessary stamina, to hold its opponents. The score of one-all afc the interval was a fair indication of the play up to that stage, for what Y.M.C.A. had gained with cohesion Glen Innes had offset, with sturdy tackling and fast following up. Tho short-passing game adopted by Y.M.C.A. in the second half, however, had the opposing players nonplussed, and when Y.M.C.A. secured its third goal, which appeared a doubtful one, Glen Innes became disheartened. A Promising Combination. In spite of the deficiencies Glen Innes has no cause to worry about the result for ifc had for its opponents in tho first match an exceptionally strong combination. It is patent, taking into consideration tho keenness of the newcomers, that improvement will come with experience and the side should prove outstanding in tho season's competition. The Y.M.C.A. defences were in the safe keeping of Mowat and Otter, who both gave solid displays, while in the halfline Christie, although at a disadvantage in the first spell when the opposition kept him on the run, settled down in the second half and fed the forwards efficiently.

A good understanding existed in the forwards where Humphreys, Kay, Chalmers and Hamilton operated efficiently. Kay was well on the mark with his deadly left-foot drives, but he had a good goalkeeper against him in Warren. The lastnamed gave a fine exhibition in the Cllen Innes citadel, his handling and anticipation being of a high standard.

Erratic kicking was tho main fault in the fullbacks, H. and R. Stone, who defended solidly, but often marred good work by weak placing. The halves were a fast-moving set, inclined to roam overmuch, but nevertheless always doing their best against a formidable forward line. The best of the forwards were Adams and Hitchens. tho last-named being outstanding for his constructiveness and clean footwork. Lack of Ball Control. Although passes often went astray through lack Qf ball control and overeagerness in the match at Devonport between North Shore and Onehunga, tho game was impressive if only for (lie speed and the determination shown. Both teams demonstrated clearly that they have (lie makings of good sides, combination and finesse promising to come as the season progresses. Onehunga had the better of the first half, mainly owing to a clearer understanding among the units of the team. The defence of both teams stood up well in a hectic first half. North Shore dominated the play in the second spell, but. owing to a marked weakness in finishing, failed to drive home its advantage. A. Smith, although at fault on one or two occasions, shows promise of developing into an efficient custodian for the North Shore side. No fault could bo found with the displays given by the two fullbacks, Gerrard and Gill, who kicked strongly and accurately throughout, as well as making a barrier that only tho most finished of movements could penetrate.

Corbett was outstanding in the halfline for fine defence and constructive play, while he had very solid support from his hard-working wing halves, Colobourne and H. Smith. In tho forwards Bush and Blackie were noticeable for some clever penetrativo work. A fine exhibition of goalkecping was given by Clark, who frustrated many of North Shore's attacking movements by good anticipation. May and Alexander were sound at fullback, while Dick was a force to be reckoned with in the halves. Woodhall proved an opportunist in tho forwards and scored two good goals. Ponßonby Surprises.

Ponsonby created a surprise when it ran Thistie to< such a close finish on Saturday. The game was an entertaining one, with science and speed much in evidence, and the result may have gone either way. A feature of the match was the fino attacking movements of both forward lines, and it speaks well for the respective defences that the scoring was kept so low. The Thistle goal was in safe keeping with Gerrard between the uprights, several of his saves during the afternoon bordering on brilliance. The half and back lines were good, with McCosh and Williams showing up consistently. Williamson and Anstecd were the best of the forwards.

The Ponsonby back divisions played good games, the halves, especially, giving fine support to the forward line, in which ]nnes, Abern and Whaley did their best to convert good forward movements into goals. Tnnes played a fine game and proved the most thrustful of the attacking division. Exciting Contect.

A closely-contested and exciting match resulted when Tramurewa and New Accord met at New Lynn, the run of the play slightly favouring the homo side. Although lack of match practice was responsible for a paucity of combined work, there were occasional flashes of brilliance.

Spencer was absent from the Tramurewa offensive quintet, his penetrative tactics being sadly missed. Tn the backs tho Tramurewa team was slightjy superior.

That no goals were scored by either team casts a certain amount of reflection on the forwards. In several cases weakfinishing lost goals. Tinkler, Fyfie and Bishop were the best for Tramurewa, while Reid, Galloway, Dunsmore and Jones were most impressive for New Accord.