SOCCER GAME

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23384, 28 June 1939, Page 20

SOCCER GAME

THE ENGLISH TROPHY WELLINGTON'S CHALLENGE KEEN INTEREST AROUSED Although Wellington has not yet advised its acceptance of duly lo for the 'English Trophy challenge with Auckland, it is anticipated that the date will be suitable to the southern province. Apart from the trophy being at stake, the game is likely to arouse considerable interest in view of the keen rivalry between the two provinces in all branches of sport, and local enthusiasts are looking forward to a stirring encounter. Should Auckland withstand Wellington's challenge, a game with Canterbury will follow. A southern writer, who saw the Otago-Canterhury fixture for the Jones Cup, and subsequently the English Trophy challenge between Auckland and Of ago, is ol the opinion that Auckland will encounter strong opposition should it be required to meet Canterbury. He predicts a thrilling game, with the odds slightly favouring Canterbury.

The Auckland sole selector, Mr. A. P. Xeesham. questioned after his return from Dunedin, said that he was thoroughly satisfied with his team's display against Otago, and. judging from his' remarks, little, if any. change is likely in the side to meet Wellington. The play of the wing-halves, Sale and McKay, was above expectations, and they varied their methods nicely and played well upheld so as to compensate for deal's adherence to the thirdback game. Several of the forwards had also surprised -Mi'- Xeesham by their dash and the intelligent manner in which tliey had adapted themselves to the run of the play. The Auckland players themselves were greatly impressed with the fine surface provided at Logan Park, although some of them stated that the unusual width of the field, the maximum of 100 yards, had an upsetting influence. Accustomed to grounds of much narrower width, the wingmcn, wing-halves and inside forwards, after having worked to the sideline, were inclined to underestimate the strength required to cross the ball effectively.

CHATHAM OUP CONTENDERS

POXSOXBY'S CHANCES FAVOURED

Better progress has been made in Auckland with the Chatham Cup competition than in any of the other provinces, and the final stage has now been reached. Ponsonby and Y..M.C.A. being the contenders left in. Their meeting should provide a stirring struggle, as both have been performing consistently ot late. Y.M.C.A. was a Tittle off form in the semi-final against Thistle last Saturday, but the game altogether was a colourless one and Y..M.C.A. played just well enough to win. Ponsonby carried too much experience for thi! young third grade eleven, Alelro-College* which, on its first round showing, seemed to have a chance of reaching tlk; local final. Ponsonby. which has several players who are accustomed to cup-tie conditions, will start as favourite in the final game. The club has a fine record in the Chatham Cup event, having won tho Dominion finals in 1927 and 1 when it defeated Northern (Otago) and All Macks (Uuller) respectively, while last year it survived to the North Island final, in which it was eliminated by Waterside (Wellington), t,ho ultimate winner of the competition.