THE ASSOCIATION GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 21245, 27 July 1932, Page 16

THE ASSOCIATION GAME

CHAMPIONSHIP PROSPECTS Y.M.C.A.'S STRONG POSITION NORTH SHORE TEAM FAILS The senior championship of the Auckland Football Association appears certain to be won by Y.M.C.A. as a result of its convincing win over Thistle at Blandford Park on Saturday. Y.M.C.A. has played one game less than the latter, which is the next team, and yel lias ail advantage I of one point on the championship tabid. Improved form by Glen 1 tines and Onchunga has placed these teams equal for third with 12 points, but there does not appear to-be much chance of either heading Y.M.C.A., which has 17 to its credit. With better ground conditions the match between Thistlo and Y.M.C.A. would probably liavo proved a hardfought and even struggle. Recent rain had made the ground greasy and with several members of the Thistle team receiving injuries Y.M.C.A.'s task became easy as the game wore on, and the result was never in doubt after half the second spell had been played. The first half of the gamo saw Thistle a keenly aggressive side, but failing to display tho speed and accuracy of movement which lias made it one of the most formidable teams in the competition. On the other hand, Y.M.C.A., with a reorganised side, was responsible for a steady and clever exhibition, tho team appearing to be better balanced than it had been at any other stage this season. The entire Y.M.C.A. defence was of an impregnable variety throughout, a fine understanding existing between tho respective units. Cowie, handling safely and kicking strongly, proved in his best form and the two fullbacks, Bentley and Ross, with accurate clearing and sturdy tafckling, inspired confidence. The half-line was solid oii defence and attack, tho weakest | being Tliornes, who appeared to bo suffer- | ing from a leg injury. Chalmers fitted in j well with Christie and was exceptionally | strong in initiating attacks. Dangerous Left Flank Tho ball was swung with freedom by tho front line, tho long passing tactics | appearing to suit the players much more than the weaving style of play. Kay and Hamilton were an ever-dangerous left flank, with Bell operating with speed and opportunism in the centre position, while Humphreys showed a return to form under the clever feeding of Mowat. . Gerrard - brought off some very daring saves in the Thistle goal, one of these boing responsible for him leaving the field later in the game with an injured hip. Wright was solid at fullback, but did not receive much assistance from his partner, Williams, who was- v . in a particularly erratic mood. The Thistfts middle line did not inspire much confidence; the players being inclined to roam to a largo extent. Balloch was an efficient unit of tho defence throughout tho game. The forwards gave a surprisingly varied display,, playing with vim in the first spell only to fade out in the second half. Wood appeared to be on form, and with more support would have troubled the Y.M.C.A. backs. McLeay had a great deal of misfortune in front of goal, losing the ball repeatedly just when he seemed a likely scorer. Williamson was on the ball from start to finish, but Gumming and Ilislop were right off their game. Seldom has such a poor curtain-raiser game been seen at Blandford Park as that between North Shore and Tramurewa. Tramurcwa fielded a team which included several juniors, and indications pointed to an easy win lor North Shore, which had beaten Thistle the previous week in a convincing manner. However, the inconsistent form which has been characteristic of the North Shore team for seasons past was once more in evidence, and Tramurewa had little difficulty in taking the points. Batty, Tinkler and Simpson played solid games for Tramurewa, while Gerrard, Colebourne and Smith by good defensive work kept Tramurewa from making the defeat too severe. Bright Exhibition Glen Junes started well in its match against Ponsonby at St. Heliers, and after | running up a large lead in the first half had sufficieyt stamina to stave off its opponents when the latter made a late run. The game was productive of some bright and open play, more finished work in front of goal giving Glen lnnes its advantage. The former second grade team is rapidly learning, under efficient coaching, the value of studied tactics, and this is reflected in its gradual rise in the championship table A feature of the game was the speed and opportunism displayed by R. Welch, the Glen 1 lines cent re-forward, who scored three of the four goals for his side. It. and 11. Stone were a reliable pair of defenders for Glen lnnes, the first-named being the. more prominent for clean kicking and sturdy tackling. Darwin and A. Welch also gave good defensive exhibitions, as well as giving fine, support to their forwards. Hitchens. Corringham and Adams added much thrust to tho attacking division and supplied 11. Welch with many openings Ponsonby gave a good exhibition of midfield play, but a rather marked weakness was evident in front of the goal. The Glen lnnes defence, however, was responsible to a great degree for the ineffectiveness of the opposition. Potts and Stewart, although i inclined to falter on one or two occasions when the opposition was hammering at them, maintained a fairly reliable defence Grant was an energetic worker in the half-line, and lnnes, Diamond and Forrester emulated his efforts in tho front division. Fine Combination The vigorous methods and fine combination of the Onehunga team wcro chiefly responsible for its decisive, win over New Accord. Tho game was fast and exciting from the kick-off to tho final vVliistlc, and, although New Accord narrowly missed some good chances, weakness in defence proved r-ostly. For the homo .side Zuill played his usual reliable game, while (he transfer of Donaldson to the backs and Alexander to the front line was fully justified. The last-named is a powerful kick and secured three goals. Scott and Gill did great work all through, but the combination of Dawson, Dick and Davis deserves high praise. Dunsmore played a fine game for New Accord, hut much of his play was spoiled \ through lack of support from Bowater and Galloway. Faulty kicking marred the play of the back divisions, and tho goalkeeper, Morris, in the circumstances, could be complimented on a good showing. There will be no senior grade matches next Saturday, the Auckland Football Association having decided to suspend play owing to tho Rugby League test match at Carlaw Park. Y.M.C.A. will take advantage of the free date to play Hamilton Wanderers in the North Island semi-final of the Chatham Cup competition at Hamilton, whiTe tho Auckland representatives will play North Auckland at Hikurangi.