FOOTBALL

New Zealand Times, Volume XXXII, Issue 7122, 7 May 1910, Page 12

FOOTBALL

THE ASSOCIATION GAME. NOTES FROM VARIOUS SOURCES. (By "Goalkeeper.") Tho various competitions under the auspices of the Wellington Football Association having now got well under way it will be of interest to publish tables showing the respective positions of the competing teams in some of the higher grades. The tables for the first and second divisions are given this week, they being tho ones to which mo.~t interest at present attaches. They are as under : FIEST DIVISION.

The games of last Saturday indicate that a good proportion of plaj-ers hav« not properly got into form yet, though the high wind blowing certainly provided ample excuse for some of the defects noticed. It is yet too early in the season to warrant any recapitulation of the games at the end of the week.- •

Wednesday players began their season this mid-week with three games. The fact that seven senior- teams are engaged gives ground for expecting a highly successful season. Some of the players are likely to pat in strong claims for rep. honours before long.

Tho Auckland soccer season opened last Saturday with a programme well calculated to accord with the humour of spectators on an opening day, as both the serious and grotesque formed a place in it. The first match was a fancy dress one, and was pirovocative of much merriment. The players appeared in top hats and bonnets, which, according to the rules governing such matches, should be removed before tho players "head" the ball. It can easily be imagined that the desperate efforts of a centre forward to disengage himself from a fantastic headgear in time to have his head in the correct position at the psychological moment were rather funny. This rule was, however, honoured in the breach on a good many occasions. More serious football was provided for the spectators, of whom there was a large number present, by a six-a-*ide tournament. For this 14 teams had entered, several clubs putting in more than one team.

An Inquiry.put to a writer in the English "Football Argus" was:—"lf a free kiot is taken, and it goes through the posts without being touohed by anj-one, what should be-given?" He replied that it all depends on what the free kick is awarded for. If it were a free kick for a foul or hands a goal would be given, hut in the case of a corner kick (which is really a free kick), a goal kick, or a kick-off from the centre, no goal would count. In the latter case tho game would be restarted with a goal kick.

A ruling given by an English authority should be of interest to local referees. He says that a referee has no right to accept" an apology from a man whom he has ordered off the field. Ho should insist on the culprit going to the dressing room, and, if he refuses, should stop the game and report the occurrence.

-The English Football Association has insured the players who are going on the South African tour with Lloyds. 1

Kext season England will play International Federation matches with Holland in Holland, Belgium in Enghmd, Germany in Germany, and France in France.

The membership of the Eeferees' Association of New South Wales has greatly increased this year. The rules provide that no person 'elected as a member shall act as a referee in a match until he has satisfied a board of the Association that he has an adequate knowledge of the laws of the game. Tho examination is very thorough, comprising over one hundred questions in theory, as well as a numb&r of practical problems. How would local referees like this?

The New Zoalnnd representative team will play theiT first match in Sydney on Saturday. June 11, probably against New South Wales, and will play a return match on tho following Wednesday, June 15, after which they will visit Brisbane, and play there on Saturday, June 18, and Wednesday, June 22. On their return to Sydney a' game will take place with an Australian team on June 25.

The visit of the combined American Universities' team, will take place during June and July, the exact fixtures and location of same not having yet been definitely decided. The team, however, will play their first game on June 18, and the lost on, July 9, when they will,leave for New Zealand, starting for home from Auckland on July SO.

Just before the mail left home the last Rugby International of the season saw a fine victory gained by England over Scotland, by 14 points to 5; England thus secured the championship (the first time for no fewer than. 18 years), with 5 points (2 wins, 1 draw). The other scores were: Wales, 2 wins, 1 loss; Scotland, 1 win 3 losses; Ireland, 1 draw 2 losses.

As regards the association game Ireland looks like carrying off the championship for once, chiefly through an unexpected victory over Scotland a few days ago. This was only the second time that Ireland had beaten Scotland, the scores previously reading:—Scotland, 23 wins; Ireland, 1 win and 2 drawn games. TEAMS FOB TO-DAY. First Division. Thistle v. Rovers.—Thistle: Eowan, Hall, Jardine, McLellan', Birss, Jardine, Simpson, Irvine, Slater, Duncan, Blackwood; emergency, Dickson. Diamonds v. Swifts.—Diamonds: Marshall, W. Roberts, Fitzgerald, Barnett, Taylor, Thorley, Black, Tonge, D. Roberts, Lowe, and Eeddy. Swifts: McLean, Pye-Smith, Wilson, Kirchberg, Graves, Guise, Noman, Scott, Vesaey, Swift, Grounds. Second Division.

Berhampore v. Swifts.—Berhampore: Cummins (2), Walker, Powell, Stubbs, Osborne, F. Nees, Porter, Brown, Ellis, Robertson; emergencies, A. Nees, and Trim. The Swifts team will be selected from the l following: Phillips, Green, Abel, Goodwin, Taylor, Clifford, McLean, White, Gregory, Meickle, Dooley, Saunders, Pye-Smith. Mental Hospital v. St. John's.—Mental Hospital: Hicks, Routledge, Morgan (2), Vine, Shand, Pearson, Smith, Elliott, Phillips, Jacobs. St. John's: Sherwood, Ward, MoFarlane, Shaw, Harlen, Lambert, Meikle, Thompson, Dick, Egley, Smith. Diamonds v. Y.M.C.A. —Diamonds: Ella, Roberts, Johnston, Collins, Riley, Lowe (2), Fitzgerald, Wagstaff, W. Robinson,-Hall, L. Robinson; emergency, Cometti. Porirua Toa v. Marist Old Porirua Toa: W. Wi Neera, J. Foi, K. Wi Neera, F. Goldsmith, B. Wi Neera, E. Mexted, J. Harriss, E. Whitehouse, B. Parata, V. Mexted, W. Kerchoma; emergencies, D. Greer, G. Katene, N. Greer. Third Division. Diamonds v. St. David's. —Diamonds: Makin, HoMaster. Caldwell, Adams, Scambary, Stone, Murphy, Black, Wheldon, Wilton, and Harrison; emergency, Sanders. St. John's v. Wadestown. —St. John's: Fraser. Williamson, Brown, Probert, Hayton, Douglas, Hayoroft, Millier, Bruce, Hopkirk, Chartres. Fourth Division. Swifts A v. Petone.—Swifts A: 'Abel, Adams, Schock, Wiffin, Kutner, Hewitt, Bailee, Thirkell, E. Guise, H. Guise, C. Guise. Swifts Bv. Marist B.—Swifts B: Ward, Edge, Ede, Worger, J. Watson,- W. Wateon, Brown, Trilford, Jones. Shields, Hamilton. Emergencies: Coull. and Hyde. Marist A v. St. David's.—Marist A: Coleman, Richards, Guilford, Shannon, Martin, Turner, H. Carruthers-, Ryan, Burke. Scanlon, Kennedy. Y.M.C.A. A v. Newtown Congregational.—Y.M.C.A. A: Faldor, Mabin, Richardson, Tempeirton, Thompson, ifibbard, Bosher, Macintyre, Bryant, Maoklin, Baker.

Y.M.C.A. B v. KiandaJlai.— Y-ILCLA. B: O'Donahor, Jennings, Mansfield, Shorney, Perry, Gooder, Brans, Shannon, Nimmo, Houghton, Heley.

Rangers v. Eomblers. Rangers:' Adams, Mair, Hoiwird, Josling, WiJinot, Hanrisa, Scam bray, Griffiths, Gower, Iddiaxd, Whittington. Emergencies: King, Nesbitt.

Fifth Division—A Grade. Y.M.C.A. v. Mnrist.—Y.M.C.A.: Nicol, Williamson, Aickin, Baker, Walker, Botheram, Tullett, Phillips, Bates, Pearce, Howie, Worboye. Fifth Division—B Grade. Swifts v, Wadestown.—Swifts: Borrows, Curry, Richards, Oakley, Wilson, Helper, Ward, Humphries, Spean-man, Porter, Bowden. . Emergencies: Claris, Dimond, Downes. Y.M.O.A. v. Institute.—Y.M.C.A.: Meehan, Orr, Eobinson, Daubney, De Clifford, Macintyre. Webb, Porter, Swensson. Worth. , Sixth Division. Y.M.C.A. . v.. Rangers.—Y.M.C.A.: Crowther, McGinr, Connor, Jones, Payne, Maoaulay, A. Whittington, Giblin, Mudie, Aamodt, Fiebig, Cox. D. W. Whittington. fiTJGBT NOTES. The present seasan so far has been one of surprises, and every Saturday several matches have resulted in a most unexpected 'manner. But the "champion" surprise was that furnished on Saturday last by Victoria College, who defeated Southern ,by the largo margin of 26 points. After their draw with Oriental on the previous Saturday Southern went on the field hot favourites, but they never had a "look in" from start to finish. The greens played a really good gamo. For several seasons now the collegians have been giving promise of more than actual championship points showed, and at last they seem to be coming into thair own. Although they have lost a few of their best men—O'Leary, Hitchings, ■ Prendeville and others, have retired from tho game, or are playing for other still have several firstclass men. Curtayne and Wilson, in the pack, and Duncan, Kyan and Phillips amongst the backs are'- all good players. The greens a.re a deserving team, and everyone would like to see them in a good position on the list at the end of the season.

The punishment of suspension inflicted by the Rugby Union on offending players 6eems to be more serious on. paper than it is in reality. It is stated.that several persons who have been forbidden by the ,Wellington Union to enter any .of its grounds are regular spesotators at the chief games. Now that the union owre tha Athletic Park, and has the absolute power to admit or exclude whom it pleases, it should be an easy matter to find one of these persons and have him made an example of.

One of the "star" matches of the season is that fixed for the Park for next Saturday. Although the season is but barely commenced, St. James and poneke are the only two teams which have won every one of their matches. The meeting of these fifteens is eagerly looked forward to, and it is safe to predict that the attendance will be nearly a record for a club match. The result of the game should give some idea, as to the ultimate fate of the championship, which is at present a matter of .very considerable doubt. There will be only ono senior match on the Park, but No. 2 ground will be utilised for the playing of a junior game. '

The annual meeting of the NW Zealand Union, to be held on Thursday, does

WANGANUI BOWLING TEAM. Winners of the Keesing Cup 1910. . This oup is competed for annually by the Wanganui, St. John, Waverley, Feilding and Palmerston North Clubs. Tesla Studios, Wanganui,

not give much promise of excitement, the order paper containing nothing of an unusual nature. However, the section "General" might bring forth something to set tongues wagging. It is said that several little matters of administration, are to bo the subject of caustic comment, and the election of a management committee for the ensuing year might bo interesting. Several members of the present committee have declared that they will not stand again- unless they can get an assurance that some of the other members will go about their duties ini a, more businesslike manner. Certainly it is no joke to turn up to the weekly cornhave to wait close on an hour for a mittee meetine at the appointed time and quorum. Such an occurrence was the almost invariable rule last winter.

The time is fast approaching for the pickinK of tne New Zealand team to tout Australia. The team leaves Wellington on Friday. June 3rd, so that it will have to be chosen within the next fortnight or three weeks. Wellington m«u have two chances of catching the selector's eye, for should they be not chossn to wear the all black uniform of a New Zealand representative, they still have a chance of inclusion in the Wellington team which will play the Dominion team p:i the Athletic Park on the day of its departure.

The removal of the suspension imposed on a player some years ago calls to mind the fact'that the Wellington Union has no recoids, save from 1907. all its books having beeri destroyed in the great Lambton quay firo of October. 1906. The player who came before the union on Wr.<ln»srlay evening was suspended some time b9foi-o the records were destroyed, so that the only evidence before the union that he had ever been suspended at all was his own statement. . As one of the members 'remarked, if he had not been so honest as to come voluntarily before the union he could have played without anyone on the committee knowing that, ho" had ever been an offender;

The Petone-Hutt match last Saturday was good to watch. The Hutt men fought a valiant fight, but when, after change sides, the whole blue team started playing the passing game—the forwards lining out and advancing in open order with thoir backs ready to fill any breach the instant it occurred—the green and yellows wore quite non-plussed. It ; was an object lesson of the folly of a skilled team allowing an unskilled one to set the measure of the dance. That is what Petone did for the first half. Hardham's reentry on *° the field was very pleasing to the onlookers. He played the dashing game of yore, and gave h:s men just that inspiration which was lacking when St. Jimmies trounced them on. the Park. Jim Ryan was the star among the backs, though both, his brothers and McKcnzie played close up to par. Corson did swme excellent defence work. He should give a good account of himself in his new place at fullback. Joe Ryan scored the first try of tile day, and probably the best. He had twenty yards to go, and a third of the opposing team wore there to challenge him. There was no room to pass out, and to pass in was hopeless. He made a magnificent dash, the challengers went down like nine-pins, and tho try was scored. It was done in true Ryan, fashion. Tannahill again showed his insatiable appetite for work. There was no forward, on the Petone side quite as •good ■as he. They are a solid lot of forwards, are the Hutt men, but one or two of them are a big drag on the aver-

F. G. GEDDES'S TROTTING STALLION DENVER HUON, BY HUON JUNIOR—LEILA. Who with Gus Milisom up, won tiro 2m 32s basis trortting handicap, l£m, at tho Wellington (N.S.W.) JocTcey Club meeting on Friday April 25th, from 243 behind scratch in 3m 23a (2m 15 1-39 to tho mile)—an Australian record for tho distance.

age. The wing for one. Routley was tn© best man m the rear division. He pint a lot of dash into hie work. Cudby was as safe as a house. • Were he to use his head more he would be a fine threequarter. Hekita did pretty work. ,A re-arrangement of the Petone team has been decided upon. Millar comes up from full-back to half. Corson (wing ■three-quarter) going book, and Daly taking Carson's place. Besides Hardham, who has been moved to renounce his former decision and get night into -Hie fray once more, Prouse, an ex-T&ranaki player, will' figure to-day .amongst the forwards. TEAMS FOE TO-DAT. Senior. Athletic v. Victoria College.—Athletic: L. McDonald, A. Cunningham, Gibson, Evenson, Denham, McVay, J. Cuntitinirhara, Irvine, Murphy. Rapson, W. Wilson, S. Wilson, Bell, Kivell, Os-borne. Junior. Athletic v. Melrose.—AthDo'tic: Aokins, Onney. Laid Jaw. Gosling, Luxford, R. Johnson, W. Johnson, Bott, Wilson, Gledhill, F. G. Wilson, Stringleman, Douglas, O'Leary. Third Class. Athletic v. Porirua.—Athletic: Jomes, Shakes, Ireland, Hutchinfion, . Koch, L. Wilson, Riddick, J. H. Murray, Reeling, Stratford, Schock, Deihill, Smith',. Morns, Price. ' St. John's v. Oriental.—St. John's: SutcJiffe, Charlton, Parker, Eyan, pallant, Lamb, Rowe, F. AndTew, McKay (2), Barnes, Murray. Hall. Nolan. Fourth Class. Athletic v. Oriental A.—Athletic: Horgan, Newton, Henderson, Fairley, Peterson. Allen, Ford. Conlson, Quinji, B. Williamson, Christie. Fitzgerald, Woodcock, Brown, F. Williamson. Emergencies, Lynx and McLeod. St. John's v. St. James.—St. John's: Orr, Smith, C. Andrew, M. Andrew, Ba,rr, Lust, Douglas. Nichols, Lynch, Watters, Bennett, Thompson, Brown, Pearco, Weir. Fifth Class. Athletic v. Hutt.—Athletic: Thompson, E. .1. Adams. Donnldwn Piv>l, Adams, Hunt, Bilderbeck, Ackins,' Steevens, Newport, Osborne, O'Sullivan, Benning, Chapman, Knight. NOTES FROM MANAWATU The senior football competition commences to-day, and again there are only four teams ; in—Old Boys, Palmerston, Km. Toa and Feilding. Kin Toa seems to have fallen on evil days, and promises to be the weakest team in the competition. The old stars, Archie MoMinn and Stalker, have retired, and are ipinim» the old players' retreat—the Referees' Association. One or two other good men of the Black combination are also missing. Old Boys, too, have not so strong a combination as won them the Abraham cup last year. They have lost the services of. Contts and Monro, who have gone over to Palmerston, but they have gained Skelly, the well-known back. I'eildingr, if anything, have strengthened their formidable combination of last year, but as there is a movement to enforce the boundary rules relating to the Foxton sub-union the country team may yet lose its backbone in the Carroll brothers, who dwell within the borders of the sub-union. The matter is to be fought out at next Monday's meeting of the union.' Palmerston have a fine back division, the fleetest in the union,' but the forwards aire light. Best and Brough, the star forwards of last year, are missing. In the backs a notable addition is Ramsden, who played for Petone in the charity cup fixtures last yeaT. The junior division is strong this season, as is also the third-class. Archie Meilinn made his first appearance with the whistle on Saturday, and promises to be a smart and decisive performer.

i H - a z .2 -S J g fn a a Diamond 3 3 0 0 6 o G Y.M.C.A. 3 1 1 i 4, ■1 3 Swifts 1 1 0 3 3 Ramblers 3 1 2 0 0 2 Phistlo 3 1 2 0 2 4 Rovers 2 0 1 1 2 3 1 SECOND DIVISION 2 "2 a .3 u> >, g % § J •3 la S P 3 o, 6 o pjj Wanderers 3 3 0 0 15 1 6 St. Johns 3 2 0 1 15 5 Ma.rist Old Boys 3 2 l 0 11 6 5 Y.M.C.A. 3 l (J 7 10 4 flospital ... 2 2 0 0 11 1 4 Brooklyn 2 2 0 0 7 1 4 Taar-Porirna 3 1 2 0 11 13 2 Diamond 3 1 2 0 4 10 2 St. Ansrusfcme ... Webb St. P.M. 3 3 0 0 3 1 0 4 1 7 18 1 0 BerliampoTO 2 0 0 0 15 0 Petone 2 0 2 0 0 .6 0