THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21233, 13 July 1932, Page 14

THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

ENGLISH TROPHY CHALLENGE CHOICE OF AUCKLAND PLAYERS. CHATHAM 1 CUP COMPETITION. The selection of the Auckland representative team to meet Otago in the English trophy challenge match to be played at Dunediu on August 6 is being awaited with interest in local Soccer circles. Ifc is anticipated that the sole selector, Mr. A. E. Backhouse, will make his choice known toward the end of the week. Tho selector will also be required to choose a team to represent Auckland against North Auckland at Hikurangi, and uncertainty with regard to the date of the latter fixture has led Mr. Backhouse to delay his selection. The suggested date for the match with North Auckland is July 30, and the Auckland Association is waiting confirmation of this date. In addition to the usual club fixtures the selector has had but one representative contest to base his selection on, namely, the game with the Navy, which, coutrary to the rule, did not provide a sufficient test on this occasion. Although the Auckland team which toolc the field on June 3, was not fully exteuded, the fact that it was a winning side has made most supporters favour a similar combination to challenge for the English trophy. Two or three changes will be necessary no doubt, judged by present form, but the selector will probably adhere chiefly to his original selection. tine Goalkeeper. There seems little doubt that Zuill will again guard the Auckland goal, for, although Gerrard, of Thistle, and Cowie, of Y.M.C.A., have been showing consistent form, the* Onehunga custodian is keeping brilliantly and possesses that extra finish which places him in a class by himself. A change in the back division would bo appreciated. Gill has not maintained tho form which gained him representative honours against the Navy,'and likely substitutes to partner Gerrard, of North Shore, are Wright and Stewart. The two last-named have been perfoming consistently and either should prove a popular choice.

The halves will probably updergo little change and it will not be surprising to Beo Morrison, Christie and Grant again comprising tho middle division. Grant has not shown Jail that could bo wished while playing at left half, but there is a dearth of good players in this position and it will be difficult to displace him. Tha Thistle halfback, Balloch, possesses defensive qualities which make him liablo 'for consideration, but a weakness in kicking and inability to set tho forwards moving considerably offset this advantage. If available, Innes should take Galloway's place at right wing, although, providing McLeay occupies tho centre position, Cumming, of Thistle, would appear to be a wisa choice, taking into consideration the fine understanding which exists between these players in club games. For the inside forwards the selector cannot go past Hislop, who is displaying aM his old-time skill and constvuetiveness, while Blackie, on his show, ing against the Navy and subsequent displays, justifies another trial.

Centre-forward Position. McLeay will most likely secure the centre-forward position, but will need to exert himself a great deal more, if chosen, than he has during the club season. Lack of suitable company has given the Tramurewa centre and ex-Auck-land star, Spencer, very little opportunity to shine this season, but, if given a chance, he would probably do all that was "expected of him. Two players claim instant recognition for the position of outside-left. These are Kay, of Y.M.C.A., and Wood, of Thistle. Both have had experience of working with Hislop and show ready opportunism to take advantage of the inside-left's constructive skill. Although Kay has experience to enhance his chances, club form this season had shown Wood to be the greater scoring forward. With Hislop alongside him, however, it is highly probable that Kay will regain that brilliance which electrified Blandford Park crowds in past seasons. It was not surprising that the Auckland Association refused to have the local final of the Chatham Cup competition between Y.M.C.A. and Tramurewa at Blandford Park spoiled by inclement conditions on Saturday. With North Shore and Thistle figuring in the curtain-raiser the programme promised to be one of the most attractive of the season, and, while the postponement came as a disappointment to many, it should serve to increase interest for the matches next Saturday.

RUGBY IN SCHOOLS.

SECONDARY COMPETITION.

GRAMMAR'S GOOD PROSPECTS

Auckland Grammar School brightened its prospects of winning the secondary schools' senior grade Rugby football championship for the fourth year in suc« cession by beating Takapuna Grammar School on Saturday by 11 points to 3. Prior to Saturday these teams shared second position on the competition table, one point below King's College. The state of tho ground at Eden Park did not- provent -the teams from staging a contest that for skilful forward play was most interesting to the spectators. If Grammar and King's continue without further dofeat their return match in a few weeks will be well worth seeing, as in order to hold tho championship Grammar will have to secure victory. Grammar was in good form on Saturday, and the forwards, playing vigorously and well supported by ,their backs, held the upper hand for the major part of the game. Amonß the forwards, Booth, Buckley and Dean were useful workers. Back movements were risky, and tho few that were attempted revealed good understanding among the rearguard.. Reid. tho centre, showed the value of smart following up in the movement that led to his making an opening for Spittal, who played with dash on tho wing, to score a try. The fivo-eigbths, Thompson and Eraser, handled and defended well, while, at fullback, McCowan was sound. The score was hardly a fair indication of the play. Takapuna, especially during the second spell, extonded Grammar, but its methods wore without the necessary polish. Of the forwards, Fish, Stevenson and Rainey were prominent for good play, and Swain, halfback, 1 Sale, first fiveeighths, and Blair, fullback, were in good form.

A good deal of football is ahead of the schools' senior fifteens, as before the end of tl)e term each has to play the annual rratch with schools of other centres, as follows:—Auckland Grammar: Hamilton High School and New Plymouth High School. Monnfc Albert Grammar: Hamilton High School and Whangarei High School, King's College: Wanganui Coljegiate School. Takapuna Grammar: Rotorua High School. Mount Albert Grammar-School defeated Sacred Heart College by 11 points to ;8 after a, fast and, exciting game on a muddy ground yesterday, afternoon. Forward play of a high standard was pro* duced, McCowan, Bannatyne and Hookway being prominent for Mount Albert, and .F. IJunn, ' Foote arid Bailoy for Sacred Heart. The Mount •Albert backs handled and combined surprisingly well. Solomon, 1 second five♦ighths, was perhaps the best of them, and he received good support from Hook and Williams. The Sacvod Heart reajguafd ,was not so impressive} nevertheless. for ip, -dividual effort Nelson. the hall, Remjif and Sexton, five-eighths, were ontstaridr