ASSOCIATION GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22538, 1 October 1936, Page 18

ASSOCIATION GAME

POSITION IN AUCKLAND CHATHAM CUP COMPETITION GRADE MATCHES INTERRUPTED The even standard of the first division teams and the upsetting of the local championship fixtures by the Chatham Cup competition formed the subject of keen discussion by the control board of the Auckland Football Association at its meeting last eveningi The fixtures committee reported that the Thistle team still hail four matches to play, owing to its being absent during the season playing for the Chatham Cup. The points separating the teams were so close that it appeared likely that all these games would have to be played, and this would prolong the season. Severn. members expressed the opinion that some of the frames should be played during I lie week, commencing at p.m. This suggestion was referred to the fixtures committee to take what action it felt justified under the circumstances. The introduction - of n different method or playing Chatham Cup fixtures, as suggested by the Auckland Association to the New Zealand Council earlier in the season, was fully discussed, and it was decided that Mr. P Neesham, the originator of the suggested now scheme, should place it before the other associations with a view to concerted action. A letter was received from the MetroCollege Club drawing the board's attention to the fact that Wood, of Thistle, the only player of that team who had been selected to play in the representative game against Wellington, had played for his club instead, while the Metro-College team had been weakened by the inclusion of Speed in the representative side. The club felt that this action was hardlv fair, considering the vital issues at stake. The board considered the position, but it agreed that, as the explanation by Wood had been satisfactory to the selector, it could take no action. \ report was received from the judicial committee in reference to the appeal by the Thistle Club against the suspension of one of its players. The matter had been referred back to the committee, which stated that no further evidence had been brought forward in support of the appeal, which it recommended be dismissed and the appeal fee impounded. This was confirmed by the board. \ matter of interest, arose from this report when the definition of "playing Saturdays was ask'd for. Tt was stated that the player in question had been among those selected ; 0 train foi the representative team prior to the offence being committed, but the subsequent suspension debarred him from playing. Tt was therefore asked if the representative game could be termed a "playing Saturday It was agreed that in this instance the representative match would count as one "playing Saturday." ■» , , Advice was received from the New Zealand Council that the Auckland Football Association's nomination of Mr. \V. J. Lyon, M.P.. as its representative on the council had been confirmed. , . The judicial committee recommended the suspension for six playing Saturdays of a Metro-College reserve player who was ordered off for violent conduct. This was confirmed by the board