THE ASSOCIATION GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22193, 21 August 1935, Page 17

THE ASSOCIATION GAME

, HOSPITAL'S BRILLIANCE PONSONBYTEAM OUTCLASSED TACTICS OF VISITING BACKS Although the display of the Hospital team in the Chatham Cup match against Ponsonby at Blandford Park on Saturday was probably in keeping with its exhibitions in Wellington club football this season, the surprising feature was that the visitors could reveal such an excellence of method, stamina and accuracy of movement under conditions that were probably foreign to them. In spite of the fact that the mud was up to the players' ankles, the Wellington team flashed the ball about in a delightful manner, the players picking it out of the mud in an effortless manner. Combining solidity of defence with refreshing speed and accuracy on attack, the Hospital side completely outclassed its opponents. The game played by Hospital was infinitely suited to cup-tie football. The soundness of the fullbacks gave the halves every opportunity to display initiative, and the ball was swung about by the middle line in a manner which gave the Ponsonby team little opportunity to settle down. The wing halves concentrated on keeping the ball in midfield, accurate transferences giving the Hospital forwards every opportunity to exploit their fast, bustling methods. The forwards themselves were quite capable of showing initiative when support was lacking, with the result that the Ponsonby backs had a thoroughly trying time. Difficult Task Although the tendency of the Ponsonby halves to hamper their fullbacks by excessive defensive methods wAs a definite weakness, probably the main reason for the Auckland team s mediocre exhibition was that its play was governed by the excellence of the opposition. When ope team secures a firm grip on the exchanges and, by accurate and forceful play, refuses to allow its hold to slacken, the task facing the opposition is a.difficult one. Ponsonby did figure offensively in the early stages of the second spell, but there was that confident air about the Hospital backs which indicated that the team was merely resting on its lead of two goals. When the Wellington side again asserted itself. Ponsonby once more became a comparatively impotent force Weighty and aggressive in their methods, the Wellington fullbacks, Miles and Thompson, offered a problem for the Ponsonby vanguard. Miles was the more intelligent in his play, combining exceptional defensive work with sound judgment in his clearances. His partner was invaluable on defence, however, his virile tackling upsetting many Auckland offensives. The halfline, incorporating Todd, Jeffreys and Simon, would have flattered a representative team. The Hospital team owed the greater part of its dominant attitude to the efforts of this trio. Jeffreys was an outstanding figure on defence and attack. _ His rugged work on defence and his direct methods on attack made him the key man of a very efficient combination.

Solid Forward Line With Webster playing the bustling tvpe of game rather characteristic of Leslie, the former Wellington representative, the Hospital forward line had a sound foundation for its speedy and elusive methods. Gibbs and McGrory saw most of the play on the right flank, but Woods proved himself a line opportunist. In spite of the fact that he made several glaring mistakes in handling Watson, the Ponsonby goalkeeper, showed his usual happy knack of getting out of awkward positions. He could not be blamed for the shots that beat him. Haggett was in exceptionally fine form, tackling with determination and kicking with force and direction. Of the remaining Ponsonby backs, D. Jones was outstanding. He revealed his best defensive and constructive capabilities. Alullane proved dangerous on the left flank until he received a hard jolt from Thompson. Farnan, too. was ineffective, owing to the close attention of the opposing halves. Lack of decision was the most salient weakness in the play of Riggans, who was obviously at fault in working out toward the wing? when in possession. Innes and McCallum had few opportunities, although the latter made several bright openings.