THE ASSOCIATION GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22145, 26 June 1935, Page 18

THE ASSOCIATION GAME

CHATHAM CUP MATCHES INTEREST IN COMPETITION CONTEST FOR ENGLISH TROPHY The Chatham Cup competition, the winner of which is regarded as the premier club of New Zealand, appears to bo losing its interest, mainly due to the dilatory methods of the New Zealand Council in making decisions regarding the venue of the North Island final and the allocation of travelling expenses. Breaking in as it docs in tho middle of the season's championships, tho competition has always been regarded by tho various associations as a hindrance to local affairs. Then again, on more than one occasion the winner of the Dominion championship has not been first or second in its local championships, which does not seem consistent. The conditions governing the competition certainly need overhauling. Six senioridubs and one second grade club expressed their intention of entering the competition under tho same conditions as those last season, but when the extended entry date arrived without any definite statement from the Now Zealand Council, only three clubs were prepared to compete, Thistle (holders), Ponsonby and Abels. Ponsonby drew the bye, and Thistle and Abels played the semi-final last Saturday. It was a game of real cup-tie football in which players were allowed the full latitude of the rules. Although a second grade combination, Abels fully extended the holders. At one stage of the play it appeared that Thistle would bo lucky to draw level, but a sterling display by Watson and Rogers, who successfully deputised for Wright at centre-half, swung the tide in Thistle's favour, particularly in the latter stages when Abels had lost two players. Two successful penalty kicks must have also given confidence to the holders. Outstanding Players

Two outstanding players for Abels were Chalmers, at centre-half, who time and again placed his side close to Thistle's goal, and Robinson, at outsideright. The latter, a young player, must bo the fastest wing in Auckland, and his exhibition of clever ball control and accurate crossing against such experienced opponents must sooner or later bring him higher honours. The meeting of Thistle and Ponsonby in tho final on Saturday week should provide a great match. The slushy conditions were not conducive to a high standard of play in tho throe championship matches, but interesting contests were witnessed. At Devonport tho local team established an early lead over Eastern Suburbs, and when the teams settled down to a dour struggle tho North Shore defence proved the sounder. Several bright movements were initiated by Archer and Walters, while Stevenson, who is showing a sound knowledge of the game, was responsible for a fine solo effort in scoring a clever goal. Eastern Suburbs, after many changes, appears to have a team which may be able to retrieve tho club from its lowly position on the table. The work of the backs, however, will have to be turned to better advantage than against Shore.

Misfortune follows Y.M.C.A. At tho bottom of the table, the team has in most of its matches had the bulk of tho play without gaining victory, while its opponents have made spasmodic raids and defeated it by the odd coal. This was exemplified against Mount Albert Grammar. Fine Goalkeeping Display In the first half, Chapman, in his proper position at centre-half, and Ross played outstandingly to keep the Y.M.C.A. forwards on the attack, prominent among whom were MacFarlane, Gavan and Pearson. Their well-directed shots, however, were unavailing, as Warren, in Grammar's goal, gave a great display. Playing without gloves, he handled the greasy ball with confidence and showed a splendid sense of anticipation. But for his exhibition, Mount Albert must have suffered a heavy defeat instead of its one goal victory, gained in a blinding rain shower, after Smith had punched out. Comrades moved two points further from the immediate danger zone of relegation, by defeating Metro-College. In this match also the goalkeeper played a big part in his team's victory. Handling the slippery ball confidently, Batty gave a sound exhibition, his long clearances materially assisting the halfback line, Hooten showing fine anticipation to receive and send on to his forwards. Particularly was this cooperation between centre-half and goalkeeper advantageous in the second half, when Comrades was without the services of Evans. Constant changes in the Metro-Col-lege team have not been conducive to the side settling down to constructive play. Cleal was on the injured list on Saturday, but A. Flyger, although strange to the position, showed promise, and tho lino was always dangerous. A better understanding between the defence would have stemmed many of Comrades' movements. Cleal can play a good game 011 the left wing, and with this change the present combination will probably reach a higher position 011 the table. Strong Otago Team

Tho Otago Association selectors have chosen a strong side to plav Auckland at Blandford Park next Saturday for the English Trophy, and it appears to be the best combination that the local representatives have had to face for somo years from any of the provinces. Tl') southern centre is trusting to its proven defence, McDougall, Taylor and Anderson, who have been seen here before in outstanding exhibitions. The half-line is slightly altered, Warnock, a fast and robust player, being in the centre berth, with another newcomer in G. Sutherland, who is said to be an ideal halfback and has represented Otago at fullback. Stenhouse, who toured Australia, will again be at left half.

The forward line is a powerful combination ot cleverness and speed, with Hooper in the vau still retaining that goal-scoring ability that Aucklanders will remember. Langfo»d-Smith, on the right, is playing his first big game, but has a good reputation for speed and is a powerful shot. Chapman, another All Black at inside right, will bo an asset to the attack. On tho left, J. Skinner, the former Comrades player, has improved, and his knowledge of the ground and his opponents will make him dangerous. Dalziel is reported to be crafty and hard to take the ball oil, while tiie twelfth man will probably bo A. Sutherland, a clever halfback, making his first appearance in representative football.

Altogether, the blending of youth and experience seems to have resulted in a combination that will put up a great fight. Used to heavy grounds, the present conditions will bo favourable to the visitors.

The sole selector of the Auckland team, Mr. Zuill, has added to the number of players in training. It is possible that several defects in the Auckland team may be remedied, particularly 111 t'.u> Uu'uui.l ii.ie.