ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4366, 25 May 1901, Page 7 (Supplement)

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

(By “Line Umpire.”) Players can congratulate themselves upon the excellent weather that prevailed last Saturday. Although rather warm for a very fast game, it was a- pleasant change from the previous week, and one which we would like to have every Saturday. ' "I have often wondered why the “soccer” fjanie died off in Christchurch a few seasons back; the game had a good hold and, judging by the stamp of players taking part in the tournament, there were plenty of good men there. It cannot be lack of grounds, for these are plentiful enough. Wake up, those few enthusiasts who still remain in the city of the plains! There is considerable enthusiasm being shown in the Association game in Dunedin at present, and there is a good impression abroad that the game is going to bom there. Dunedin is like ourselves, unfortunate in -the matter of grounds. In the southern city each chib has to provide its own grounds, so that, when any club is unable to obtain a ground, it has to disband; and in the past no less than three clubs (Rangers, Queen’s Park and Zealandia), have all “gone before” for the want of a ground. In Wellington, however, we have never been stuck for grounds, but what wo want is a good ground within the city. The Association in Wellington provides all grounds, a more satisfactory way, to my thinking, than if each club were expected to provide its own ground.

The Referees’ Association is not in a very flourishing condition at present as regards membership, and it would be well in the interests of the game if more of the old players would give their time to us and act as referees. Mr F. J. Courtney returned from Australia by the Men envoi on Wednesday. The Petone Club has withdrawn its third class team.

Swifts B. created a bit of.;;fa surprise in junior circles on Saturday by defeating Diamonds by three goals to nil. Both Swifts’ teams are now leading for the Junior Championship, and this week's fixture between the two teams is creating considerable interest. Swifts A won by Red Cross.

Queen’s Park L and Rovers plaved a drawn game, one goal each. The Rover; wifib one man away played a plucky game, and should have won. In senior matches Red Cross beat Petone by one goal to nil. The winners, handicapped as they were by the absence of two of their best forwards, played a hard game and are to be congratulated upon winning their first match in the Senior Championship. For Petone, the Renni brothers, McKinnon and Beard were prominent, ’while Earle, Jameson, Smith and Dixon were the best of the winners. McLeod, who scored, played too much off-side,

The other senior match, Diamonds ▼. Swifts, was won by the former after a fast and exciting game by three goals to two. The Swifts’ forwards showed much improved combination and got on good passing rushes. The only faults “were that Hale should get more chances of getting away and Johnson should not wander from the centre as he is apt to do. The Diamonds’ attack had not the same combination as the other side had, and their goals resulted more from individual play than from any combined effort. Wells on the right played a dashing game, but the opposing half, -Hawkins, did not allow him too many chances cf getting away. He got in one brilliant centre, however, from -which a goal was scored. Mouat on the left put in a lot of useful work, but one or two centres of his wont'begging. Taylor and Martin played well amongst the halves, the former’s goal from a corner being a good one. Iswaiu and Roberts put ‘iu some good kicking, but in close play they are not as safe as they' might be. Burns (in goal), though ’caught napping once, was very safe, and got his side out of difficulties more than once.

Keys, in the opposite "goal, played his first senior game and though evidently nervous kept goal very well. At present he is rather slow- in clearing *his goal,but with this fault overcome and more agility for close shots, he should be a‘big help to the Swifts backs. Keys could hardly be blamed for the shots that‘got past him.

White, Hawkins, and Sloman were the best 'of the backs. The two former used their pace, weight, and kicking to advantage. Sloman w-as the best back on the field. In a quiet sort of way, he ■gets through a big lot of work and is particularly safe in stopping ‘a forward rush. Johnson, centre forward, played an excellent game, using his pace and weight to advantage. He looks after his ‘wings well and on present form is about the best centre in Wellington. Hale and Phillips played very ■well together on the left, starting many a passing rush. Pmilips, whose "cal was a good one, is much inclined to loaf. He should 'hustle the opposing backs more. Smellie was in good form, and the same may be said of 'Williams,- although the iatter's knee is still troubling him. Towards the end ef the second spell, the Diamonds deliberately wasted time, by kicking into touch on several occasions. This is a very unsportsmanlike action on the part of any team “when winning, and doubtless the Diamonds would be the first to object to any team doing it against them. The Referee, Mr Munckton, is to “be congratulated upon his handling of the game.

One of the linesmen in the Senior match Diamonds v. Rovers had occasion to report H. Moore, of the latter team, for questioning Iris decisions. This is a matter which should be put down with a hand, but a linesman’s proper course in cases J of this kind is to call the referee’s attention to the player’s conduct, for it is the referee only (not the linesman) who has power to report any player. As the referee in question (Mr J.. Warded) did not notice any misconduct I am very much the Wellington Football Association can do nothing with the report. Mr H. G. Mayer's design far the “rep.” banner (an excellent one, by the “way), has been approved of by the Wellington Football Association, and all matters in connection with the “banner have been further entrusted to Mr Mayer. I understand Mr AV. F. Sloman, the well-known Swifts’ half, has been appointed the Auckland delegate to the New Zealand Football Association. The Football Association have just passed a ruling that “a referee (or linesman), however incompetent, is-still entitled to -the protection of the Association.” Foss Clark played a good “game for Queen’s Park juniors last week. He dribbles too ;much for a full back, but miguc be “tried"with advantage at half back. I notice Duff (Swifts' A) and Salmon (Swifts B) have gone back to full back and goal respectively, their old "places of a lew seasons back. Both are playing well. Barney Todd, 'one of Auckland’s best “soccer” players, passed through Wellington last week on his way home from South Africa. ‘ Should Diamonds and Swifts win their matches this week, the first round will end with Diamonds 6 points, Swifts and Rovers 5 each —a position which would make the second round an exceedingly interesting one. 1