THE ASSOCIATION GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22119, 27 May 1935, Page 14

THE ASSOCIATION GAME

SENIOR GRADE CONTESTS FIFTH SERIES OF MATCHES PONSONBY'S EASY VICTORY Although splendid conditions favoured the fifth series of matches played in the Auckland Football Association's senior championship on Saturday, the football was of a much lower standard than previously witnessed this season. Ponsonby took the full points from Comrades in the principal match at Blandford Park, while Mount Albert Old Boys accounted for North Shore in tho game at Mount Albert. MetroCollege surprised by securing a decision over Y.M.C.A. at Western Springs and Thistle defeated Eastern Suburbs at St. Heliers. Following were the scores:— Ponsonby, 5; Comrades, 0. Metro-College, 3; Y.M.C.A., 2. Mount Albert Old Boys, 3; Jvorth Shore, 1. Thistle, 6; Eastern Suburbs, 3.

UNINTERESTING MATCH COMRADES TEAM DISAPPOINTS Play of a very uninteresting type was witnessed in the match at Blandford Park on Saturday between Ponsonby and Com" o the former securing an oas> nctorj oy 6 foals to 0. The first half was evenly coi - tested and it appeared that Comrades weight succeeded in holding its but Ponsonby asserted itself over the clos ing stages to win comfortably. Absence of combined play and thrustful methods was noticeable throughout. i;Vf» Ponsonby failed to reveal anything like its real form in the first half, there being a distinct weakness in tho understanding between halves and forwards. Haphazard ballooning of the ball by the backs failed to "ire the forwards much opportunity for concerted play. Watson gave a safe exhibition in the Ponsonby goal and saved brilliantly on several occasions. Haggett and Stewart were sound on defence, but weak in their kicking, while of the halves the only one to show a semblance of his worth was Jones, who worked in tireless fashion to-set his forwards moving. Innes, Farnan and Mullane were outstanding, m the forwards, but they had to rely mainly on their own efforts to make progress. . Quick recoveries and keen anticipation by Batty saved his team from having a larger number of goals registered against it The defence was of the bustling type, with few of the players showing ability to place their kicks to advantage. In the forwards Marvin and Francis revealed many clever touches and their displays were a ■relieving feature of the team's exhibition. After some of its performances this season. Comrades' display on Saturday was definitely disappointing. Mullane did well to score four goals for the winners, while Farnan was responsible for the remaining goal with a brilliant shot from 30 yards out. Mr, W. H. Guest was referee.

MATCH AT MOUNT ALBERT OLD BOYS SUCCESSFUL Conditions were ideal for the meeting of Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys and North Shore at Mount Albert. Both teams played a similar type of game, and, while there was really little good football, the match was full oi incident and hard and fast throughout. The run of the play was fairly even in the first half, and North Shore had an advantage of a single goal at the interval. Mount Albert came much stronger in the second spell, however, and merited the decision by two clear goals. Shirtcliff, who had Cowie's usual place in the North Shore goal, made several good saves during the game, but he did not relish the bustling tactics of the opposing forwards. In a defence that was only a shadow of its usual self, Ekman stood out as the only reliable _ defender. He kicked with force and direction, and covered up the mistakes of his fellow-backs in a splendid manner. Blackie and Stevenson made several useful openings in the forwards, but. /the front division was not as impressive as usual. , Holdsworth was safer than Shaw in the 'Mount Albert defence, while Ward operated with judgment at centrehalf. The Mount Albert halves adopted robust methods and by forceful and close attention to the opposing forwirds, managed to dominate the exchanges. Most of the Mount Albert forwards' moves _ came ' from the right, where Maloney, outside-right, was always dangerous. Jepson and Nohle were very useful throughout and appreciative of any chances that 'came their way.

Maloney scored Mount Albert's three goals, while Stevenson .netted for North Chore. '*

Mr. R. C Brighton was referee. ONE-SIDED CONTEST POINTS TO THISTLE Thistle played Eastern Suburbs at St. Heliers on Saturday, the match, although lacking thrills, producing some clever foot'ball. Thistle was definitely superior throughout. Eastern Suburbs was minus the services of R. Stone, and, although his substitute, Diamond, played well, it was apparent after the first few minutes, that Thistle intended to dominate the game. Three goals were secured by Thistle early in the game. In spite of its characteristic rushes, Eastern Suburbs could penetrate the Thistle defence only twice in the first spell. Thistle reserved its energy, but managed to hold a fonr-goal lead at the interval. Eastern Suburbs secured the only - goal scored in the second half. Wynne had a difficult time in Eastern Suburbs' goal and could' not be blamed for his side's large deficit. Gay and Diamond, the fullbacks, we:re kept on the defensive, but nevertheless they took advantage of the very few mistakes; made by the Thistle attack. Heatings disappointed at right-half and; as a result, the half-line was disorganised, but J. Flashman and A. Welch worked hard and swung the ball about from wing to wing. Cumming was just as dangerous as ever with his centres and his goal was the /result of a fine effort. East, R. Welch and Needham were aggressive, but Thistle's defence was rock-like. Gilbert wis a source of trouble to the defence, and Gerrard, this Thistle goalkeeper, had to nave smartly several times. McCosh, Williams and Wright comprised a formidable defence. Watson and Baird pushed the ball through to the forwards repeatedly, where Dupomore and Woods combined nicely, and Williamson distributed the ball to advantage. A better ■understanding was noticeable between Kay and Angus on the left Angus (2), Dunsmore (2), Williamson and Woods scored for Thistle, while Cumming. R. Welch and Gilbert netted for Eastern Suburbs. Mr. A. Firth was xeferoe. jrETRO-COLLEGE EMPRESSES DEFEAT OF Y.M.C.A. The Western Springs ground was in good condition for the meeting of Y.M.C.A. and Metro-College and the good attendance of spectators was treated to a spectacular exhibition. A fast pace was set and maintained throughout. In the first epell play swung from goal to goal, but neither sot of forwards could shoot accurately, and the score' of one-all at half-time was a good indication of the play. In the second spell Metro-College showed better combination and quickly ran up a two-goal lead, which it held until near the finish, when two of its players were injured. Y.M.C.A. then had more opportunity to reduce the deficit by one goal. Smith, the Y.M.C.A, goalkeeper, was inclined to delay in clearing, but he made eome emart saves and, with Mowatt and Dobson playing soundly, Y.M.C.A. possessed a good defence. Sims has played many better games, and Mowatt had an amount of extra work to do. Robs, the centre-half, broke up many attacks, but his wild kicking, when short ground passes would have bc-en more effective, gave Metro-College possession. Pearson sent Donaldson away several times and the wingman was always dangerous. McFarlane worked well, but A. Gavan, at centre-forward, lost chances by not attempting first-time shots. Playing a hfilfback and forward game, Chapman made many openings. However, he would appear to be more valuable in his proper position of centre-half. J. Gavan had several difficult angle ehotß to deal with, but his sound keeping inspired confidence in the Metro-College te/im. Speed was sound, particularly in placing his clearing k'eks. while Holman made an efficient partner The halfback lino took a while to settle down, but C. Flyger nnd J. Dallimore stemmed several attacks and ■the line scon worked efficiently. Owing to Williams not playing deep enough during the early stages, the forward line was unbalanced, but the fault was rectified later. Williams, ultimately, was responsible for a sound exhibition. The wingmen, A. Flyger and Dallimore, provided some pretty touches and their accurate crosses always proved dangerous. Burton showed considerable im-

provesnont, and, holding Mb position well, was a tower of strength. Clenl showed flashes of brilliancy, but he failed to exploit his powerful shooting ability. Burton, Williams and Clcal scored for Metro-College, while Murane and G avail netted for Y.M.C.A. Mr. G. Shand was referee.

SOUTH AUCKLAND MATCHES [from our own correspondent] HAMILTON". Sunday In the fourth round of the South Auckland Football Association's competitions in Hamilton yesterday. Wanderers and Claiidolands played a drawn game in tho senior division, with two goals each. In tho intermediate section Glen Massey beat Wanderers by fivo goals to two.

GAMES IN OTHER CENTRES Wollington.—Waterside, 3, beat Marist, 2; Institute, f>, Swifts. 2 : Hospital, 3, Diamonds, 1; Petone, '2, Hutt, 2. ChriStchurch. —Lin wood, 2. Thistle, 2: Nomads. 3, Technical. 2; Western B. 2. Western A, 1; St. Albans. 2. Rangers, 0. Dunedin.—Maori Hill. 1, High School Old Boys, 0: Mosgiel, 5, Technical Old Boys, IS; SeaclifT. 3, Northern, 3: Mornington, 2, Roslyn-Wakari, 1.

HOCKEY DAVIS CUP COMPETITION SOMERVILLE BEATS GRAMMAR A SPLENDID EXHIBITION First-class hockey was seen in the match between Somervillo and Grammar Old Boys, one of the senior games in the fourth round of the Davis Cup competition played at Remuora on Saturday. From start to finish tho game was hard fought and Somerville was fully extended to beat the well-bal-anced Grammar Old Boys' combination. The game between St. Luke's and Mount Eden was always interesting, although the result was never really in doubt. At Papatoetoe the home team was soundly beaten by University, but the game, nevertheless, was full of incident. Following were the scores in the senior games: — Somerville, 5; Grammar Old Boys, 3. St. Luke's, 5; Mount Eden, 1. University, 4; Papatoetoe, 1.

SOMERVILLE'S VICTORY DASHING FORWARD PLAY Tlie match between. Somerville and Grammar Old Boys on the No. 2 ground was outstanding. It was characterised throughout by bright and fast play. Both teams were extremely fit and the pace was maintained until time was called. Somerville secured its victory through the dashing combination of its forward line, while Grammar Old Boys again revealed itself as a well balanced combination, lacking only in experience. . , From the bully Grammar confined play to Somerville's half and from a good rush Torbet just missed an easy shot. Grammar kept up the attack, but the Watts brothers broke away and C. Watts shot, Anderson clearing. Somerville again attacked, but Herriott cleared. C. Watts passed to E. Watts, who took the ball down the centre, Anderson making a fine save from a hard shot from the edge of the circle. Although Grammar kept in the circle it> missed several opportunities. Close play in the goalmouth saw Delahunty stop a good shot from Torbet. Grammar prassed hard again and Torbet netted from near-in to place his team in the lead. Somerville worked to the other end and Wellbourne took a shot from an acute angle. He missed, but immediately after E. Watts found the net to equalise. Somerville continued to press, but Grammar eventually broke clear. A fine run by Rough ton took the ball to the circle, but Delahunty saved with a well-judged kick. Grammar again attacked and Roughton had a shot, which just grazed the post. Taking the ball from halfway Twigden reached the circle, drew Delahunty, and found an empty goal. Wellbourne raced down the left and with an accurate reverse shot swung the ball in to C. Watts, who goaled to equalise the score just before half-time. _ Immediately on the .resumption of pla? Roughton took the ball through the centre, but a fine shot went over the bar. Wellbourne mnde a sally down tlie left j* n d a pans to the centre was turned in by O. Watts, who was, however, offside Somerville continued to press and a pass by Glanville was turned to good account by O. Watts to put Somerville in the lead. Grammar worked up the field and from a corner Twigden took a shot, which Hedges stopped. Grammar still pressed and play remained in Somerville's circle for some time. Somerville broke away, but Grammar pressed once more, Delahunty being called on to eave. A loose rush by the Somerville forwards gave Braithwaite a clia,nce to run in and score. Somerville went straight from the bully for Wellbourne. to goal with a fine shot. From a corner two strong shots by C. Walts were well stopped. Somerville again attacked and Jones made a fine save. Grammar rallied well, Roughton n shot, which narrowly missed. Roughton shortly afterwards took another strong nit from the edge of tho circle to reduce Grammar's deficit to two goals. Somerville pressed hard and Anderson made a good save. A combined movement took play Somerville's circle and Twigden made a fine shot, which hit the post and bounced out. With only a few minutes of maining Grammar pressed hard, but Somer ville repulsed all attacks. The final score was:—Somerville, 5; Grammar Old Boys 3 Messrs. A. Williams and E. J. Hewitt were umpires.

WIN FOR ST. LUKE'S MOUNT EDEN OUTCLASSED Mount Eden put up better opposition against St. Luke's than was anticipated A newly-promoted side, however, Mount , has not settled down to the type of hockey played by most of the senior teams. 100 much body play and hard hitting were responsible for many lost opportunities and, pitted against the orthodox play always adopted by St. Luke's, these tactics tended ! to make the game ragged. Mount Eden first took up the attack, but Grace, accepting a good clearing shot, took the ball to Mount Eden's circle. Mount Eden rallied and for the next ten minutes play travelled up ond down the field, neither forward line gaining a distinct advantage. From a good centre by Grace a shot by Alexander just missed. Vipond took a hit, which Illingworth stopped, and then ran to net with a well-judged reverse shot. fat. Luke's was soon on the attack again and Hlingworth stopped a strong shot by Vipond. From another combined movement the St. Luke's forwards pressed hard, Vipond passing to Grace, whose shot was well stopped by Illingworth. Mount Eden was seen in a likely movement, but 1. Clark cleared. Half-time was called with no further score being registered. Mount Eden attacked on the resumption, Wattam beinpr cnlle-d on to save- a shot from a melee in the circle. St. Luke s then pressed, and from a corner a shot by Corin just missed the posts. St. Luke s maintained the pressure, two shots from Vipond taken from corners being well stopped. Mount Eden then attacked, but St. Luke's reversed the position, and two successive hits by Vipond narrowly missed the net. A good clearing shot by Roberl.son was taken by Vipond, but tho ball went behind. St. Luke's again attacked and Vipond netted with a good shot Alexander, after a fine solo run, secured St. Luke's third goal. St. Luke's forwards now had control of the game, and Alexander scored. Mount Eden in a fast move down tho right took up the attack. Oliver swinging the ball in to Fletcher, who goaled. A good solo effort by Robertson placed St. Luke's on the attack again, but Mount Eden's defence proved soupd. Vipond beat Bowden for the ball and Corin, with a beautiful push shot, found the goal. St. Luke's again attacked, but time was called with the final score:— St. Luke's, 5; Mount Eden, 1. Messrs. H. Skinner .and R. Avery were umpires.

UNIVERSITY IN FORM PAPATOETOE DEFEATED "With two lower grade players included in the l team Papatoetoe played fairly well to keep University in check. Play \vns somewhat racked at times and Papatoetoe lacked the necessary cohesion. From the hully, Papatoetoe had its opponents oil defence, and after a few minutes of play Williams secured the bnll and, drawing Forrest, Brown registered the fl'rst goal. Tlie attack was maintained until Robinson cleared with a powerful hit. which gave his forwards an opportunity to work up the field. From a penalty Bennett netted to equalise. University maintained the pressure and Knight saved a fine phot from Cooper. Play then went from one goal to

| tho other, both forwards missing several good opportunities. Smytheman gained the I circle several times, but was not given the necessary support. Rhodes mnde a determined rush, his shot narrowly missing the goal. University was pressing hard when half-time was called. Immediately after the resumption Cooper broke away, but his shot was well stopped by Kerr. University kept in Papatoctoe's circle and Knight did some sterling work. Smytheman, taking a clearing shot from Kerr, went down the field, but his shot hit the post. University once more faced tho attack, and after several shots had been made Floyd netted from a rebound. Papatoetoe rallied well and kept up the pressure, but Floyd broke away, and scored after a fine run. University again made a vigorous sortie and Broun coaled from a, well-judged volley. University was ntill in the attack when time was called with the final score University, 4; Papatoetoe. 1. Messrs. D. Maxwell and El E Watts were umpires.

LADIES' TRIAL MATCH A trial match was hold at Rcmuera on Saturday between players of the Auckland Province with a view to assisting the selectors to choose players for (he New Zealand ladies' hockey team which will tour Australia in July. Tho selectors, Mrs. J. H. Poulter and Messrs. J. C. Cusacks and D. C. Hamilton, will submit their opinions to a meeting of the New Zealand Ladies' Hockey Association in Wellington next Friday when the team to mako tho tour is expected to bo announced. At the conclusion of the trial match, Mr. J. C. Cusacks, vice-president of the New Zealand Ladies' Hockey Association, presented to Miss P. H. Dawson, of Auckland, tile New Zealand Association's life membership badge. Mr. Cusacks referred to the numerous activities of Miss Dawßon in Dominion hockey, and trusled that now she lias joined the ranks of the Referees' Association she will play just as important a part with the whistle. Two bouquets, one from (lie New Zealand Association and the other from a former Mount Eden, player, vffre also presented. On behalf of the Auckland Ladies' Hockey Association, Mr. L. C. Kent, president, welcomed the New Zealand selectors, Mrs. J. 11. Poulter and Messrs. J. C. Cusacks (Wellington) and D. C. Hamilton (Southland). He presented to Miss E. R. Burton, (he retiring treasurer, the Auckland Association's life membership badge; also a gift from hockey admirers, and a bouquet from the Wesley Club.

LOWER GRADE RESULTS Second Grade.—Grammar Old Boys, 6, University, 0. Third Grade. —Somerville, 4, Auckland Grammar, 2; Grammar Old Boys, 3, Papatoetoe, 1; Wesley, 0, Pukcnui Pirates, 0; University 3, Y.M.C.A.. 1. Fourth Grade.—Somerville, 5, Auckland Grammar A, 1; St. Luke's, 19, Auckland Grammar B, 0; Mount Albert Grammar, 4, Papatoetoe, 2. Fifth Grade.—Mount Albert Grammar A. 6, Somerville, 0; Auckland Grammar A, 1, Papatoetoe, 0; St. Luko's, IS, Mount Eden, 0. LADIES' ASSOCIATION Intermediate.—Papakura, 6, Wesley, 0; St. David's. 7, Mount Eden. 0. Juniors.—-Ngaro, 9, St. David's, 0; Technical, 9, Kiwi, 1. MATCHES IN THE PROVINCE [from our otvs correspondent] Franklin. —The Franklin Ladies' Association matches resulted: —Bombay, 2, Tuakau, 1; Buckland, 1, Te Kohanga, 0; Whiri Whiri United, 4, Onewhero, 2. Hamilton.—Play in the first round of the Waikato Hockey Association's competition for the Killip Memorial Shield was continued at Steele Park, Hamilton East. In the first game of the day Old Boys, 3, defeated Ivaipaki, 0. There was no score until well on in the second spell, play being evenly contested up to this stage. Good movements on behalf of Old Boys resulted in J. Davies scoring twice and J. West once. Tlinemoa held the advantage throughout the match against Old Technicals, eventually winning by 4 goals to 2. For Hinemoa, goals were registered by Powdril (2), Morris and Taylor, while R. Clough secured both points for Old Technicals. Colts had a bye. Te Awamutu.—Tho Waipa Hockey Association arranged two games for the Otorohanga Club at Albert Park. The Otorohanga ladies played a draw with Hairini ladies, one goal each. Mrs. Symcs scoring for Hairini and Miss I. Hill for Otorohanga. Then the Te Rahu men were pitted against Otorohanga, the latter winning by 2 goals (Smith and Lee) to 1 (H. Redgate).

Warkworth. —Trial games were held to select the team to play Waipa at Te Awamutu on Monday next. Results were:—A team, 4, B team. 2; C team, 4, D team, 2.

WRESTLING WILLIAMS AND PEREIRA Spectacular wrestling is expected at the Town Hall this evening, when the second professional match of the season will be staged between Cy Williams and A 1 Pereira. Both men are powerful exponents with a wide knowledge of the science of the sport, and it is anticipated that their meeting this evening will provide a fast and clever exhibition. Williams is decidedly robust in his methods, but he will be facing a very capable opponent in Pereira, who lias been wrestling with distinction in southern centres. There will be an attractive supporting programme of amateur bouts.

RIFLE SHOOTING AUCKLAND CITY CLUB Members of the Clevedon Defence j Club visited Penrose on Saturday for n match with the Auckland City Club, over the 200 yds. and 300 yds. ranges. Conditions were perfect, but, the light failed rapidly toward the end of the shoot at 300 yds., and this spoiled some promising scores, although J. E. Kelly, who was the last man down, shot very quickly and made 48, the. best on the day. F. Bowes accomplished the difficult feat of making a possible at 200 yds., while A. \V. Harris was top scorer on the day with an excellent 95. The scores were:— Clevedon.—T. W. Finn, 42, 41—8G; L. Norton, 42, 41—83; G. Munro, 42, 39—81; J. White, 35, 43—78; C. V. White. 30, 39—75; H. Hempton, 39, 30—G9; G. Roberts. 37, 31 —G8; Dr. Cheesoman, 30, 37—(57; G. Walsh, 35, 29—64; C. Kimpton, 27, 35 —62; S. Nickolson, 33, 25—58. Auckland City.—A. W. Harris, 47, 48—95; J. A. Spry, 45, 48—93; F. Bowes, 50. 43—93; I. J. Spry, 4G, 46—92; J. E. Kelly, 42. '4S—9O; A. G. Robertson, 44, 45—89; H. Simmonds, 45, 44—89; R. Verrall, 41, 43—84; A. C. Watson, 44, 40—81; A. J. Pieferson, 38, 45—83; H. J. Verrall, 43, 40—83; K. Dnvies, 41, 41—82; J. M. Jessop, 40, 41—81; n. G. Gollingwood, 40, 39—79; H. R. Howie, 35, 39—74; F. Clark, 34, .39-73; M. Milligan. 34, 39—73; A. Milligan, 3-1, 35—72; T. Nealis, 37, 31—71.