THE ASSOCIATION GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21919, 1 October 1934, Page 13

THE ASSOCIATION GAME

SENIOR GRADE CONTESTS FALCON CUP COMPETITION SEMI-FINAL MATCHES DECIDED The semi-finals in tho Auckland Football Association's knock-out, competition for tho Falcon Cup were decided under splendid weather and field conditions on Saturday. Both contests were played at Blandford Park, where the even and dry surface permitted the players to keep tho exchanges moving at a fast pace. The principal game was between Thistle and Eastern Suburbs. A fast and interesting struggle was witnessed, Thistle taking tho honours, In the curtain-raiser game, North Shore gained the decision over Ponsonby. Following are the results: — Thistle, 5; Eastern Suburbs, 2. North Shore, 3; Ponsonby, 1. PONSONBY ELIMINATED WIN FOR NORTH SHORE But for haphazard kicking by the backs of cither side, the Falcon Cup semi-final between North Shore United and Ponsonby would have provided a bright contest. As it was, a fast pace was maintained throughout and the exchanges were fairly interesting. North Shore assumed an early dominance, and, once sure of its grip, never relaxed to run out comfortable winners. Determined defensive work was shown by both rearguards, but that of Ponsonby appeared more likely to crumple under persistent pressure. In goal for North Shore, Cowie gave a cool display, anticipating nicely to cut off dangerous raids. The fullbacks, Gerrard and Ekman, had a good understanding, the former inspiring more confidence with his kicking. Ekman showed plenty of length in his clearing kicks, but ho could have sacrificed some of his forco in order to place tho ball to his halves.' A sound exhibition was given by ihe North Shore halves, but here again more result would have been shown had care been taken in transferring the ball. A promoted third grade player, Archer, showed considerable promise, his fast following up and staunch tackling having the Ponsonby right-wing, Glaistor, considerably worried. Walters had a steadying effect at centrahalf and was responsible for many pretty touches. Pretty ball control and fast backing up were features of McCluskey's play in the forwards. His boisterous methods had an unsettling effect on the Ponsonby defence, Blackio and Stevenson were the best of the others. Watson, the Ponsonby goalkeeper, allowed himself to bo bustled on two occasions, both errors costing goals. Haggett and Stewart proved a solid barrier in the face of North Shore's, raids, but tho former, by moving too far up tho field, often left a gap in the defence. Cooke got through a great amount of hard work in hi? usual sound manner. McMillan. Innes and Farnan supplied the greatest thrust in the forwards. Their good initiative work was often nullified, however, by the fast spoiling work of the opposing halves. McCluskey (2) and Walters scored for North Shore, while Innes netted for the losers. Mr. A. Firth was referee. FAST EXHIBITION THISTLE DEFEATS SUBURBS Typical cup-tie football was witnessed in the semi-final match for the Falcon Cup between Thistle and Eastern Suburbs, the former securing victory. With Thistle below full strength, it was expected that the champions would not reach the final. Both teams set a fast pace, which was maintained throughout. Thistle played the better football, although at times the high, bounce of the ball had both sides beaten. Eastern Suburbs seemed to lack its usual thrust and, while aggressive, the halves inclined to defensive measures when attack 'yvould have been more successful. Both goalkeepers suffered heavy bombardment and Gerrard was exceedingly lucky to clear on more than one occasion, the clearing of Williams saving Thistle on at le&st two occasions. Most of Thistle's play was on the right, and 3ome of the finest combination seen on the ground was produced by Wright, Watson, Woods and Dunsmore. The last-namtfd made some fine openings for Williamson, who had field day. The left-wing was not neglected, and Hislop and Carter made some fine runs. R. Stone was more solid than Gay in the Eastern Suburbs backs, and, with his halfbacks crowding him, _ Stone initiated several attacks, twice taking the ball upfield to hit the bar with his parting shots The halfbacks seemed, to give their opponents too much time to steady tho ball, and played on the defensive too much. Every forward was aggressive and nhot from nil angles, but, generally, direction was lacking. Welch and Mullane were prominent for good centring. Williamson (4) and Dunßmore scored for Thistlo, while Mullane and East netted for Eastern Suburbs. Mr, G. T. Lee was referee. LOWER GRADE RESULTS Second Grade.—-Championship final: Met-ro-College, 1, Abels, 0. Fifth Grade.—Knock-out final: North Shore United, 3, Y.M.C.A., 2. Sixth Grade.—R'nock-out Comrades, 2, North Shore United, 2. Secondary Schools' Matches.--Intermediate grade: Mount Albert Grammar, 4, Takapune, 1. Mil D-WEEK COMPETITION The following matches will be played thin week in tho Auckland Football Association*!! mid-week competition :—Seamen's United v. Exchange, Blandford Park, 4.li> p.m., Wednesday. Mr. E. L. Adams; Farmers v. Hospital. Blandford Pnik, 4.15 p.m., Thursday, Mr, Crocker. MATCH AT HAMILTON WANDERERS WIN HOWDEN CUP [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT] HAMILTON, Sunday In the Howden Cup final, played under the control of the South Auckland football Association yesterday. Hamilton Wnnderexs defeated Glen Afton by four goals to one. In the Lee Martin Cup game Hamilton Veterans beat Hun'sly Wanderers by two goals to nil, MATCHES IN WELLINGTON [BY TELEGRArH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] ' WELLINGTON, Sunday Association football matches played yesterday resultedPetono, 4. defeated Marist.l, thus winning the Auld Memorial and Williams Cups. Marist (Christoliurch), 4, lost to Marist (Wellington), 6, in the annual match for the Amoit Cup. CANTERBURY CUP FINAL [BY TELEGRAPH—PRESS ASSOCIATION] CHRISTCHURCH. Sunday Thistle beat St. Albans in the English Cup final yesterday by 2 goals to 1.