THE ASSOCIATION GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21529, 28 June 1933, Page 17

THE ASSOCIATION GAME

IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARD YOUNG PLAYERS IN TEAMS PONSONBY DEFEATS Y.M.C.A. Hard-fought games, with few exceptions, liavo characterised the Auckland Football Association's senior competition to date, and, with the championship in its present interesting state, some splendid contests can be looked for in the near future. The most impressive feature lias been the number of sterling finishes and it speaks well for the stamina and the spirit of keen rivalry among players that they have been able to last so well in the strenuous struggles that have been witnessed this season. The introduction of many young players into several of the teams, far from lowering the standard of play, has added vigour and speed, both characteristics which were sadly needed in past seasons. Ponsonby and Y.M.C.A. fought a great battle at Blandford Park on Saturday, in which there was little between the teams and the decision might have gone quite easily in Y.M.C.A.'s favour. Any advantage which Ponsonby gained in the first spell was wiped off by Y.M.C.A. after the interval, and in a thrilling finish each defence was sorely tried. Combined thrust made the Ponsonby forwards slightly more dangerous in front of goal, but over the closing stages the Y.M.C.A. quintet made several powerful runs. Both defences held up admirably and were impressive for their constructive abilitv.

Tho Ponsonby backs, Stewart and Hagget, again cauglit tho evo for their forceful repulsing and, although tho last-named is always liable to make mistakes in kicking, he has suck speed on recovery that ho almost invariably covers his errors. Diamond and Pearson were always noticeable for solid work in the halves. Jepson, Innes and Ahem were the best of the forwards. Good All-round Play Y.M.C.A. was best served by Coltman and Chapman, both of whom were towers of strength, both on defence and attack. Chapman pushed home attack after attack in the dying stages in a vain attempt to offset Ponsonby's advantage, and his efforts deserved better reward. Of the forwards the v most progressive were Humphreys and Kiddolls, with the first-named responsible for many forceful runs through the centre.

Neither of the contesting teams in the curtain-raiser settled down at any stage of the" game, Onehunga being erratic in its methods, while Thistle was a little better but fell down badly in front of goal. It was one of the few uninteresting games which have been witnessed at Blandford Park this season.

Thare was a good deal of feeling among the players in tho TramwaysAbel's contest at Western Springs and this fact helped materially to spoil what shculd have been a first-class encounter. In the Tramways defence Batty, Simpson and Joues got through the most work, the first-named showing his usual safe methods in the Tramways keep. Cummings showed that he still possesses a deadly cross with his right foot and with a. more forceful centre-forward goals would have come from his openings. E. Williams was the best of the forwards.

Chalmers operated in a very efficient manner at centre-half for Abel's, distributing the ball well. One of ( his partners, Palmer, a former Christchurch player, kicked well and gave his forwards several pood opportunities. Hunter and-Ansteed combined nicely on the wing, while Giil and McLeay got through some very pleasing work. On the run of the play Abel's was tho better team. Bright Exhibition A vorv bright game was witnessed at New Lynn between the local team and Comrades, in which New Lynn gained its first points this season. This result came somewhat as a surprise, as Comrades has been showing improved form with each match. Nevertheless, New Lynn must be given credit for an improved showing. The young Comrades plavers, firm believers in finesse, were handicapped by the somewhat rough condition of th<* ground, which made the ball bump in a disconcerting manner at times.

; McElligott, by fine defence, was I mainly instrumental in turning most ' of Comrades' attacks and was the main factor in his team's win. Morris, too, in goal, gavo a very safe exhibition. Hamilton and J. Carr were the best of the forwards, the last-named sending across some fine centres. Skinner, although well held, did much fine work with Marvin. Little fault could be found with the play of any of the forwards. The halves played a trifle too far up and were often caught out of position. Glen Junes gained a rather unexpected vietor3' at the expense of North Shore at Devonport. The North Shore side is a difficult one to dispose of on its own ground, and Glen Innes' form lately did not suggest that the latter team would secure a win. The decision was a very close one, and North Shore could bo considered a trifle unlucky not to secure a draw. The forwards could not quite find the mark, although given plenty of opportunities. LADIES' HOCKEY COUNTRY WEEK MATCHES SUCCESS OF AUCKLAND "TEAM On account of the final game in the Auckland Provincial Cup tourney being played on Saturday, all local senior ladies' hockey games were postponed. Intermediate and junior games were continued, however, the large number of matches to be decided in these two grades not permitting a postponement. All interest was centred in the final game of the country week tourney between the respective winners of the A and B sections, Auckland A and Paeroa. It was to be regretted that Paeroa had to take the field that day for the second time to meet a rested Auckland team, Paeroa having had to play off a section tie with Rodney in the morning. ' Auckland had the better of the game during the greater part of the first spell. The effect of the earlier game was easily discernible among the Paeroa players, who showed repeated traces of fatigue. As a result they failed to worry tho Aucklanders to the extent they should have. Auckland pushed home its advantage and secured three •early goals, which proved too largo a handicap for Paeroa to overcome. Paeroa rallied in the second spell, however, and had easily the better of the exchanges in spite of a great defence provided by the Auckland captain, Miss V. Isaacs. The deficit against Paeroa was the determining factor,, however, proving too large to wipe off against such a strong Auckland back line. ' By defeating Paeroa Auckland A s6cured tho Provincial Cup and the losers gained the runners-up trophy, the Twiname Cup. Local enthusiasts are of the opinion that had both cups gone from Auckland it would have been a good thing, giving encouragement to the country teams and promoting even greater keenness among competing teams at next year's .tourney..