THE ASSOCIATION GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22131, 10 June 1935, Page 14

THE ASSOCIATION GAME

SENIOR GRADE CONTESTS PONSONBY'S EASY VICTORY THISTLE DEFEATS COMRADES The final series of matches in the first round of the Auckland Football Association's senior championship was decided on Saturday, the general standard being lower than usual. Ponsonby had an easy victory over Metro-College in the principal game at Blandford Park, and North Shore accounted for Y.M.C.A. at Victoria Park. Thistle surprised by the easy manner in which it defeated Comrades at Western Springs, which Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys just managed to take the points from Eastern Suburbs at St. Heliers. Following were the scores:— Ponsonby, 4; Metro-College, 1, Thistle, 6; Comrades, 1. North Shore, 5; Y.M.C.A., 0. Mount Albert Old Boys, 5; Eastern Suburbs, 4.

HONOURS TO PONSONBY MARGIN OF THREE GOALS Although a fairly fast pace was set in the early stages, the match between Ponsonby and Metro-College at Blandford Park on Saturday did not prove an outstanding one, and the exchanges toward the finish were .definitely slow. Ponsonby held the upperhand throughout, and was not flattered by the margin of three goals it held at the finish. The young Metro-College players infused plenty of vigour into their play, but they lacked the experience necessary to counter Ponsonby's science.

A fin© game was played by A. Watson in the Ponsonby goal, while Haggett and Stewart provided a sound defence. HagB«tt impressed by hie solid tackling and powerful kicking. Playing at centre-half, Jones gave an outstanding exhibition, being equally useful on defence and attack. Glaister is showing improved form, and he was responsible for an attractive display in the halves. Innes was always n source of danger on the right wing, his speed and clever footwork having the defenders at a loss. Wiseman, too, co-operated nicely with hiß fellowforwards, while Farnan played his usual studied game. Fine opportunism was shown by Mullane on the left flank. He is rapidly developing into one of the best scoring forwards in the competition,* He was responsible for his team's four goals on Saturday. Outstanding among the Metro-College backs, Speed defended brilliantly and often gave his forwards a chance to move by means of lengthy clearing kicks. The halfline was held together by the Navy player, Shirras. He stood out for fine defensive and attacking qualities. Cleal revealed speed in the forwards, but lack of support compelled him to stray out of position. Dallimore and Flyger showed possibilities on the respective wings. Flyger scored Metro-College's goal. Mr. G. Shand was referee.

WIN FOR NORTH SHORE McCLUSKEY IN GOOD FORM The meeting of North Shore and Y.M.C.A. at Victoria Park produced a fast game, the former finishing with a margin of five goals. The speedy North Shore forwards, backed by n solid defence, proved too much for the Y.M.C.A. team, which fought back gamely, however. Aided by the wind in the first half, North Shore kept on top of its opponents and finished the spell four goals to the good. Y.M.C.A. was much more impressive in the second half, the forwards getting a chance to show their initiative. Cowie was responsible for a finished exhibition in the North Shore goal, and in the second half, especially, brought off several fine saves. He had a strong pair of backs fronting him in Gerrard and Ekman. Good positional play by Gerrard and Ekman was mainly responsible for curbing the offensive tactics of the opposing forwards. The halves gave a better display than usual, playing closer up to their forwards, which consequently, received more support. Always on the ball, McCluskey played an outstanding game m the forwards and scored three goals. He was the spearhead of an attack which kept the Y.M.C.A. backs busy throughout the play. Stevenson revealed good opportunism and netted twice, while Blackie « ? cott P rovideci a dangerous right flank. Although five goals were registered against him. Smith gave a very creditable showing in the Y.M.C.A. goal and he saved several times in plucky fashion. Mowat and Dobson got through a large amount of work, while Ross and Pearson were the best of the halves. The forwards showed, glimpses of combinatipn and. but for the strength of the opposing backs, would have showed more result for their efforts. Chapman was always dangerous when at close quarters. McCluskey (3) and Stevenson (2) scored for the winners. Mr. R. C. Brighton was referee.

OLD BOYS SUCCESSFUL DEFEAT OF EASTERN SUBURBS In a bard game at St. Holier®, Mount Albert Grammar Old Boya secured a close decision over Eastern Suburbs. In the first half Mount Albert had the wind and sun in its favour and kept the local team penned in its own territory. Eastern Suburbs' offensive tactics were confined to spasmodic raids, which seldom penetrated to the last line of defence, With its lend of five goals at half-time Mount Albert seemed assured of victory, but Suburbs played up to form in the second spell and was unlucky to be defeated by one goal. For the winner# Warren, the goalkeeper, gave a eound exhibition, clearing at times under severe pressure. Among th« Mount Albeit backs Holdsworth appeared more confident than Robinson, while in the hal Mine Turley initiated several good movements. Fyfie, sen., is still a force to be reckoned with on attack, but he was a trifle slow in getting into position when on defence. Playing with the wind, the right wing was the most dangerous. Maloney and Noble were aggressive, while .Tepson distributed the play with success. Wood and Fyfie, jun., on the left, combined nicely, the latter pleasing with his quick chang of direction. Hoyte, the Eastern Suburbs' custodian, showed good anticipation nnd could not be blamed for the goals registered against him. As individualists, (lay and A. Welch were sound defenders, but it wns not until late in the game that, they appeared to have a good understanding, Flnshman appeared to be the best of the halves, defending strongly and placing the ball to advantage. Darwin wns aggressive in the second half and sent the forwards awny neveral times, R. "Welch proved the spearhead of the Eastern Suburbs' attack. Keeping his position well, he was always a source of danger. The wingmen, Gumming and Gilbert, centred with accuracy, while East and McDonald distributed the piny with well-judged passes. A reversal of the scores would have been a better indication of the game. Noble (9), Maloney and .Tepson scored for Mount Albeit, while a defender scored the winning tenm's remaining goal. R. "Welch and Flnshman netted for Enstern Suburbs. Mr. J. Stewart wns referee. VICTORY TO THISTLE GAME AT WESTERN SPRINGS Conditions were not conducive to good football at Western Spring*, where Thistle and Comrades met. Nevertheless, ft fast exhibition of the code was witnessed, with playing rnnging from end to end. Ploying one short for part of the first spell Comrades fully extended its opponents, and Thistle was lucky to bo one goal to the good at half-time. The second spell saw a repetition of the first, both goals being visited in turn, with Comrndfs hnvinn slightly the better of the exchanges. Whereas the Thistle forwards were opportunists, however, Comrades indulged in too much short passing.

Gerrard, in the Tliiatlc goal, had some anxious moments with shots that skimmed the bar and posts. A. Reid replaced McCosh in the backs and was a tower of strength. The half-line took some time to flottlo down, but when it did was a power to be reckoned with. Writfht breaking up ninny attacks and feeding the forwards with judicious passes. Kay, Angus and Williamson were HRgressivo, while Hislop and Woods drew the defence cleverly and swung the play to the opposite wing, Batty had little chance with the shots that found the Comrades' net. The fullbacks, Saunders and McKenzie, had a hard time, but they cleared with judgmont. Hooten, in the centre-half position, played a sterling gome both on defence and attack, and Egan and Twinn broke up several attacks, but

wore inclined to crowd the backs. In spite of on «arly injury F.vans wus the most dnncerous forward and with E'ranois and Marvin repeatedly penetrated the defence. C. Htiyward, at centre-forward, and Carter, on the wing, were inolined to dally ; too long when favourably placed. For Thistle, Kay (3), Williamson (2) and "Wright scored, while Marvin scored lor Comrudes. Mr. H. C. Luke was referee.

LOWER GRADE RESULTS Second Grade.— Ponsonby, 6, Henderson. 2: Thistle A, 7; Oiiehuiißa B. 0; Metro-Col-lege. 3, Ponsonby. 1; Abel's A. 4. New Lynn, 3; Onehunga A. 4, Thistle B, 1. Third Grade Intermediate.—Mount Albert Grammar, 7, Metro-College, 4. Fourth Grade.—Mount Albert Grammar 0.8.. 1, Metro. College, 1. Fifth Grade.—Abel s. 4. New Lynn 0; Comrndeß, 4, College, 0; North Shore, 5, Y.M.C.A. B, 0. Sixth Grade.—North Shore, 9, Ponsonby A, 0; Y.M.C.A,, 11, Thistle, 0; Comrades A, 13*. Ponsonby B. 0. Seventh Grade.—Abels, 2, Y.M.C.A., 0, Comrades A, 4, North Shoro, 0; Y.M.C.A. B. 1, Comrades C, 0. . Secondary Schools.—Senior Grade: Auckland Grammar. 9, Mount Albert Grammar B, 0; Mount Albert Grammar A, 6, Takapimn. Grammar. 0. Intermediate Grade,—Mount Albert Grammar A, 3. Seddon Memorial Technical. 0; Takapnna Grammar, 7. Mount Albert GramJunior Grade.—Mount Albert Grammar D 2. Otohuhu Technical B, 1; Technical, 9, Mount Albert Grammar B, 0; Mount Albert Grammar A, 2, Auckland Grammar, 0.

MATCHES IN WAIKATO [FROM OUR OWN CORRESPONDENT*! HAMILTON, Sunday The senior match played under the control of the South Auckland Football Association yesterday resulted in Hamilton Wanderers and Rotowaro scoring three goals each. In the intermediate grade, Pukemiro had An easy win over Claudelands Rovers by 10 goals to 0.

MATCHES IN, THE SOUTH [BY TELEGRAPH —PRESS ASSOCIATION] Ohrlstchurch.—Western A, 3, Nomads, 2; St. Albans, 4, Linwood, 2; Technical, 6, Western B 2 2; Thistle, 6, Rangers, 2.

Wellington,—Marist. 3, Petone, 1; Diamonds, 2, Hutt, 1; Hospital, 5, Swifts, 0; Waterside, 5, Institute, 2.

MATCH AGAINST WELLINGTON REPRESENTATIVE TEAM CHOSEN The solo selector to the Auckland Football Association. Mr. W. Zuill, has chosen the. following team to meet Wellington in the English Trophy challenge match at Blandford Park next Saturday:—A. Watson (Ponsonby), P. Gerrard (North Shore). R. Speed (Metro-College), W. Watson (Thistle). G. "Wright (Thistle), C. Wallers (North Shore). L. Wood (Thistle), A. Dummore (Thistle). R. Riggans (Ponsonby) T. Farnan (Ponsonby), M. Kay (Thistle). Reserves: P. Wiseman (Ponsonby), A Chapman (Y.M.C.A.). R. Innes (Ponsonby) was not available. . The players are requested to attend training at Blandford Park to-morrow evening at 7.30 o'clock.

CYCLING

TAKAPUNA' CLUB'S EVENTS LYNNDALE RIDERS COMPETE Members of tho Lvnndale Amateur Cycling Club competed in two invitation events on the Takapuna circuit, the juniors in a two-laps event and the seniors in six laps. The Lynndftle Club secured both first placings and fastest time in the junior and senior races. Placings were as follows: Juniors.—G. Cochrane (Ira 45b), 20m 50s, 1; T. Bassett, Takapuna (2m), 21m Gs, 2; E. Cnrr, Lynndale (lm 455), 28m 325, 3. Fastest time was made by J. Hutton, scr, who defeated L Denning (Takapuna) by only l-ss, Mutton's time being 20m 295. Seniors.—T. Baldwin (4m 30s), 62m 85s, 1; L. Tarrant (4m 30s), 62m 35 l-ss. 2; A. Hardman (4m 30s), 62m 35 2-ss, 3. Fastest time: S. Alderson (scr), 5Sm Cs.

MANUKAU AMATEUR CLUB The Manukau Amftteur Cycling Club held two road races at Avondale South on Saturday. A westerly wind slowed riders on sections of the triangular course. Results * Junior Event, 10 miles— M. T. Winsor (2m 30s). 31m ss, 1; L. A. Walker (3m 80s), 82m 15s, 2; D. R. Fraser dm 30s), 82m 20s, 3. Fastest time: R. Wilson, 29m 53#. Senior Event, 15 miles.—W. W. S. Brown (6m), 43m 455, 1; J. G. Laurence (4m), 44m 2s, 2; T W. Stiles (4m 80s), 44m 82s, 3. Fastest time; G. Pntrick (scr), 40m 565. AUCKLAND CLUB Showery conditions prevailed on Saturday afternoon for the Auckland Cycle Club's road events at Panmure. Junior and senior races, as well as a ladies' event, were held. 33 starting in all. Results were:— Junior Event, 18J miles.—J. Macdonald (lm 10s), 1; D. Moxon (lm 30b), 2; J. Stuart (lm 30s), 8. J. Macdonald also recorded fastest time in 39m. 7s.

Senior Event, 181 miles.—Time trial: S. "Ward, time, 50m 548, 1; F. Prior, 51m 17s, 2: L. Redfern. 52m 82s, 8; S. Litchfield, 52m 41a, 4. Sealed handicap: S. Fussell (7m 15s), adjusted time, 49m, 1; E. Harrison (3m 455), 49m 245, 2; K. Banks (3m), 49m 475, •3; K. Edkins (3m 80s). 50m 48a, 4.

Ladies' Event, 10 miles.—Mrs. E. Harrison (scr), 87m 14s. 1; Miss F,. Westbury (lm), 2: Mrs. S. Fussell (4m), 8. Fastest time: Mrs E. Harrison.

PAPATOETOE AMATEUR CLUB The Pnpatoetoe Amateur Cycle Club held junior and senior races of 7i miles and 18J miles respectively on Saturday afternoon. Conditions were fair, with a slight shower during the senior rnce. Results were; Juniors.—G. Miskell (555), 19m 275, 1; F. Irvine (lm 80s), 19m 575, 2; W. McGhee (lm 15s), 19m 445, 3. Fastest time: A. McInnarney (scr), 19m 20s. Seniors.—T. Vost (8m 80s), 54m Is, 1; W. White (6m 30s), 64m 2s, 2; R. Alexander (3m 80s), 54m 3s. 3. Fastest time: R. McInnarney (scr), 52m 16s.'

BEACHHAVEN AMATEUR CLUB The Beachhaven Amateur Cycling Club hold a IG-m;les road race over the Birkdale circuit. A severe head wind wns blowinn:, but fair times were recorded. The result was:—B. Hilder (2m 455). 49m 32 3-ss, 1: L. Elisv (lm 455). 48m 82 4-5», 2; B. Evans (lm), 47m 555, 3. Evnus made fastest time and alsr; ft course record. The race was the first of n series of three to bo held for a tropliv donated by Mr. Marris, of Birkenhead. The trophy will be won outright, GLOUCESTER CLUB Members of the Gloucester Cycling Club competed in a junior event of 5} miles nnd a senior rnce of 22} miles. Results were:— Juniors.—J. Sheehnn (4m 15s), 17m 80s, nnd D. King (3m), dead-hent, 1; J. Cnmpling (3m), 8. Fnstest time: B. Bicknell (lm). 14m fils

Seniors.—G. Tarrant (12m). 74m 295, 1; K. Mcßenzie (Cm), 2; H. Broutrh (firn 30s), 3. tastost time: A. Brass (scr), Mm 20s.

ROAD RACE AT HAMILTON [from oun OWN CORRESPONDENT ]

HAMILTON. Sunday

A cycle road rnce was conducted by the Hamilton Athletic Sports Club yesterday over a course of 23 miles. The results were: 11. Hawkins (scr), 73ni 30s. ]; B. Kinir (scr), 2; C. Burr (3m 455), 3. Hawkins' time wns the fastest. There were 13 starters.

ROTORUA CLUB [JIY TELEGRAPH —OWN CORRESPONDENT] ROTORUA, Sunday Following is the result of the 12? miles Tond race held yesterday by the T?otorua Amateur Athletic and Cycling Club:—K. Martin (Urn), 85m 4s, Is D, McNab (scr), 2_; P. Vauffhan (15»), 3. Fastest time, McNab, 34m 3s.