THE ASSOCIATION GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22113, 20 May 1935, Page 13

THE ASSOCIATION GAME

SENIOR GRADE COMPETITION FOURTH SERIES OF MATCHES PONSONBY FORTUNATE TO WIN The fourth series of matches in the senior Soccer championship produced fast and spectacular football, three of the games boing drawn. In the principal contest at Bhndford Park, Ponsonby was fortunate to secure a decision over Y.M.C.A. in a hard-fought contest. Comrades showed improved form to force a drawn game with North Shore at Devonport, while Thistle and Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys also divided the points at Western Springs. The game between Metro-College and Eastern Suburbs at Victoria Park ended with honours even. Following were the scores: — Ponsonby, 1; Y.M.C.A., 0. Metro-College, 3; Eastern Suburbs, 3. Comrades, 4; North Shore, 4. Thistle, 1; Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys, 1.

Y.M.C.A.'S SOUND DISPLAY PONSONBY FULLY EXTENDED Fast exchanges and colourful football characterised the principal match at Blandford Park between Ponsonby and Y.M.C.A., a closely-contested game ending in th» former's favour by the only goal scored. Ponsonby was fortunate to take the decision, as Y.M.C.A. had full right to a division of the points at least. Especially in the first iialf was Y.M.C.A. the dominant side, the Ponsonby halves and backs undergoing strong pressure. Although weak finishing spelt ruin to many of Y.M.C.A.'a chances durum this period, there were occasions iviien nothing but bad luck was responsible for the ball not entering the Ponsonby net. Credit must be given to the Ponsonby halves for fighting back staunchly in the second spell, and making the exchanges of a more even nature. With the end of the gnmo in sight a draw seemed certain, but Farnan, the Ponsonby insideleft, showed characteristic opportunism to Bnap a splendid goal. But for vigilant keeping by Watson, several bad mistakes made by the Ponsonby fullbacks, Haggett and Sims, would have proved costly. Haggett and his partner improved considerably as the game pr°" greased, however, the former giving a viril« display when shifted to the halves. During the first half, the Jones-Glaister-Masters combination in the halves was taken up with defensive measures, and little was seen from them of constructive ability. Jones played splendidly when shifted to fullback later in the game, and his ready anticipation his side time after time. _ In epite of a brilliant exhibition of trickv running and fine initiative play by Innes on the right flank, the Ponsonby forwards seldom appeared effective. Although his handling was faulty throughout, Smith showed an ability to get out of the most difficult situations, and several of his saves, made in the face of rushing forwards, merited the applause from the spectators. Mowat and Dobson provided a solid back line, but the latter threw a great amount of work on to Mowat's shoulders by penetrating too far upfield after clearing. A quick reversal by the opposition invariably found Mowat left alone to face the onslaught Although its speed »nd robust methods were largely responsible for the run of the play in the early part of the contest, the half-line was not outstanding. There were distinct signs of panic in this division when Ponsonby hit back strongly in the closing stages. Pretty midfield play was the dominant feature of the forwards' play, with Chapman, Murane and Donaldson providing most thrust. F»rnau scored for the winners. " , Mr. R. C. Brighton was referee.

SPECTACULAR PLAY COMRADES AND NORTH SHORE Seldom in the last few years has such a large crowd assembled to watch a Soccer match at Devonport as that seen when North Shore met Comradcß on Saturday. The spectators were treated to a fast and at times thrilling exhibition of the code, the game having a splendid climax when the North Shore side battled through to even the score close on time after being three goals down at one stage. It was a very attractive exhibition of the game, with the play fluctuating at a fast face throughout. Territorially the North Shore team had slightly the better of the exchanges, but nevertheless it was somewhat lucky to secure a division of the points. In the first half a tendency of the North Shore halves to leave too large a gap for the opposing forwards to work in was the deciding factor in giving Comrades an advantage. The latter team's vanguard displayed pace and combination during the first spell, and fully deserved tho three goals scored. Another goal to Comrades just after the interval made matters even worse for the home team, but from then on the North Shore side worked with a better understanding.

Cowie gave an uncertain display in the North Shore goal, but the fullbacks, Gerrard and Ekman, performed well throughout, even when the weakness of the halves threw a large amount of extra work on

their shoulders. Walters was the best of the halves, but he had little opportunity to exploit his usefulness. In the forwards, Hitchen, McCluskey and Stevenson gave forceful displays, the last-named being outstanding for resourceful initiative work and accurate passing. Although not as active as formerly, .Batty made few mistakes in the Comrades citadel The fullbacks. Saunders and McKenzie. stood up manfully against a fast and forceful forward line, but their clearing kicks could have been placed to better advantage. The halves were very useful, especially in the first spell, when they supplied their forwards with numerous opportunities. Egan was the best of the trio. Always alive _to opportunities, the Comrades front division revealed pretty football, and was superior to the North Shore quintet, as it knew how to make the most of its chances. Evans and Francis combined to make n clever right wing, while, Marvin showed good ball control, and worried the defence repeatedly by means of his fine anticipation. McCluskey (Q). Stevenson and Hitchen scored for North Shore, while Marvin (3) and Evans netted for Comrades. Mr. Guest was referee.

THRILLING CONTEST THISTLE AND MOUNT ALBERT A large crowd of spectators at Western Springs was entertained to a thrilling encounter between Thistle and Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys. Ground conditions were slippery, and it was 6onie time before either side coujd gain accurate control of the ball. Mount Albert had the advantage of the sun and wind, but Thistle was rather fortunate to have a lead of one goal at half-time. After Mount Albert had equalised, play became very willing. The defence of both sides excelled and a thrilling encounter ended in a draw. Mount Albert was served well in goal by "Warren, who, in the latter stages had a gruelling time. Holds worth and Shaw were efficient as fullbacks, while the transfer of Ward from Eastern Suburbs to Mount Albert, considerably strengthened the halfback line. Solid in defence and accurate with his forward passes he played a good game. Turley and Horro.-.ks gave sound support. The pick of the forward line was undoubtedly Fyfie, whose goal was a fine effort. Clever and fast, he combined well with Woods on the wing and the pair were always dangerous. Maloney and Spencer, on ths right, were aggressive, and the latter made many openings for Jepson, who was most unlucky with some of his shots. The Thistle defence was strong with Gelrard playing a sound game in goal and McCoeh and Williams clearing with long kicks. Wright excelled in smothering many attacks, and setting hi 3 forwards in motion, Watson also broke up many attacks. The Thistle forward line lost many chances through attempting short passing in front of the eoal. Wood and Dunsmore combined cleverly on the right, while Angus, in Kay's place on the left wing, showed improvement on his previous games, several of his shots just going past. Kennedy was a good partner and sent several nice passes forward. Fyfie scored for Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys and Angus for Thistle. Mr. J. Stewart was referee.