THE ASSOCIATION GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22127, 5 June 1935, Page 16

THE ASSOCIATION GAME

AUCKLAND-NAVY CONTEST POWERFUL OEFENCES CLASH PONSONBY'S UNBEATEN RECORD Seldom have two such strong defences been opposed to each other in a representative game as was the case in the Auckland-Navy return Soccer match played at Blandford Park on Saturday. An exceptionally large attendance of spectators—a tribute to the spectacular play those teams have provided in the past—saw a stern battle between two fine rear divisions and, as a consequence, the sparkling forward work typical of such encounters was not such an outstanding feature.

The margin of two clear goals was distinctly flattering to the Auckland side, which for the greater part of the time was confined in its own territory. Responsible for this dominance were the Navy backs and halves, who combined to set up a splendid defence and also an effective attacking force. It was unfortunate for the Navy, however, that the Auckland backs were also at their best and the spectators were afforded the spectacle of the two defences hammering away at one another with the respective forward lines seeing a minimum of the play. Splendid Goalkeeping

Another feature of the contest was the splendid exhibitions given by the two goalkeepers, A. Watson, of Auckland, and Farnhill, of the Navy. Favoured in that neither forward line was in deadly shooting form, nevertheless both custodians revealed splendid anticipation and safe handling. It was probably the best exhibition given by Watson in the Auckland goal. Courageous diving by Farnhill at the feet of the Auckland forwards saved his side on several occasions.

A last-minute inclusion, owing to the defection of R. Stone, the MetroCollege fullback, R. Speed, gave a brilliant exhibition and on Monday's performance will bo difficult to displace for the English trophy games. He gave Gerrard, who was also playing at his best, full support throughout, his speed enabling him to break up many raids before they became dangerous. Of the halves Wright was the best, his solid defensive play in the early stages being augmented by fine initiative work toward the end, when Auckland finally managed to overcome the Navy defence. Walters provided good support on defence, but showed a failing in not directing his passes accurately. Disappointing Forwards

Giving full credit to the Navy defence, nevertheless the Auckland forwards as a whole did not justify themselves. "Wood did not reveal his usual anticipation on the right, while Kay and Farnan failed to arrive at that combination which has been so deadly in the past. For the few opportunities that Riggans received he played well, while Blackie got through an amount of supporting work in fine style. In keeping with their line display in the first match this season, the Navy backs, Watts and Howe, revealed few weaknesses. Strong and accurate clearing was a feature of their exhibitions. The halves, too, shone on defence until just before the finish, when they were caught out of position several times. In spite of the many clever touches which characterised the play of Shirras, he did not appear to have the forcefulness of Buss on attack, and had these players changed positions half-way through the game there might have been a different tale to tell. Not conspicuous for the greater part of the time, Gatehouse was putting in solid work throughout, however, as was evidenced by the small amount of scope given Kay. Navy Weakness The Navy forward line has given more impressive displays. Promising frontal moves almost invariably broke down at either Leonard or Haines. Elwell and Longbone were the most dangerous men in the line, and they received the fullest attention from the Auckland backs. Ponsonby has now established a telling lead in the senior championship and, with the first round almost completed, the opposition will need to be strong to prevent" the leaders ultimately winning the premiership honours. At the moment Ponsonby holds a lead of three points over the noxt team, Thistle, with Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys one point further back. It was anticipated that North Shore might succeed in lowering Ponsonby's colours in the match at Devonport 011 Saturday, but the championship leaders showed just sufficient superiority to earn the points. Improving teams are Thistle and Comrades. Thistle, which showed splendid ability in winning the championship and Chatham Gup competition last season, appears to _bo coming into its own again judging by its last two displays. It appears that in Thistle Ponsonby may yet find its hardest rival. Comrades Improving Comrades, too, has been responsible for some impressive displays of late, but it certainly caused surprise by the manner in which it accounted for the strong Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys' team on Saturday. The experience gained by Comrades last season is apparently beginning to have a beneficial effect. Young and virile 111 build, the players in this team have now developed a combination and understanding which should soon raise them up among the best teams. Particularly unfortunate in the effect it had on the game was the incident which resulted in the ordering off of McGluskev in the ' Ponson by-North Shore match at Devonport on Saturday. A dashing typo of player, there were times when McGluskey s vigour called for a caution from the referee. The actual incident which resulted in his ordering off for dangerous play did not appear to merit the extreme penalty, however.