SOCCER

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIX, Issue 11226, 3 June 1922, Page 9

SOCCER

AUSTRALIA V. WELLINGTON TO-DAY'S GAME AT BASIN RESERVE. THE TWO TEAVIS SELECTED. The limelight to-day is directed on the Basin Reserve, where a Soccer game that ie» almost of the nature of a Test match is to be played. The Australian - team, the best that can be put into the will don tho bine and maroon, very catchy colours, against the Wellington representative team. Every road should lead to the Basin Reserve. There are divided opinions upon the probable result of the match, ?.nd it is the very difference in the two styles of play that makes the prospect?, so fascmating. Anything mar happen, but there should not be more than goals scored, with the odd goal to the winners. THE TEAMS. The teams are selected » an d it may be well to erive them before, proceeding furthey. They are: — AUSTRALIA. (Right) G. (Left) A. Fiahev W. Mcßride A. Gibb C. Shenton P. Doyle W. Dane, D. W. Maunder, J. Cumberf/>vd, T. Thompson. YfELLINGTON. Ballard, Campbell, Gilbertson, Palmer, Thomas. Brownlee, McArthur, Taylor, McKenzie. (Left) (Right) STRONGER THAN WANGANUI. The, forwards are a stronger set than the Wanganui five, and if reputations cou/at should give Cartwright a busy afternoon. They must 'be quick on the and get rid of it. for Fisher is a d.eadly tackier and a rare sure kicker. One or two erf the forwards are not playing in their usual places, but it is hoped experience will -pull them through. The halves are all good, and if Jones will perform at left half ns he has done at centre, the visiting forwards will know he is there. There is some disposition to disagree with the selection of the backs, bul they may be relied upon to put forth their best efforts. They will need cool heads against the nippy Australian forwards, and even if the visitors do beat them for the ball now and again, they must keep themselves in hand. The players are all good sports, but there were two penalties at Nelson as the result of excitement getting the upper hand, and no one wants to seo the result of the game depending on a spot kick. Ewing Probably realises that he will have nomethnig to do and will have his best grips ready. Views have been expressed that some of the younger footballers should be given a chance to thine in the rep. matches, if «>nlv for the encouragement it would give the youthful enthusiasts. There is also criticism of the large selection' frcrai the Thistle team, although it should be pointed out that MrArthur was pnly transferred to the Thistles last week, xt may be that had the team© been more largely represented, it would have given an coded zest to the game, but which is to he the main point—the gate and the representation of as many .teams as possibles or the best players? The selectors h#ve performed an onerous tasb honestly, and where is the selector who has never been criticised? And wlho would be a selector? THE VISITORS. So far as can be ascertained at preS'ant the Australian team is the very best they can put in the field. It is pleasing to know that all three of the injured players, Fishery Maunder, and Dane are recovered sufficiently to take their places. Mr Morgan, the manager, realises that the public expect the best exposition of football that it is possible for his men to give, and as far as he personally is concerned they will not he disappointed. He* considers this will be one of the biggest matches of the tour, and will give a big indication erf the prospects of the remaining part of the tour. , , _ _ , Mcßride played his first game at Nelson at right back, but, being a versatile player* good in defence and. attack, ana but 6 with both feet, he will, play left back to allow Fisher to retain his old position. Shenton, who shaped nothing like an international at Wanganui, showed a complete reversal of form at Nelson, and is going to be a. great asset to his side. He goes outside right, and one « ! almost justified in describing him as one of the, best outside rights ever seen in the Dominion. He is fast and his centres are dangerous. Maunder returns to- centre forward, where his dash, speed a/ndi first time efforts make him dangerous, ’©specially if begets through the backs. Thompson, good at Wanganui, will bare to improve on his Nelson form not to risk lfis position in t£he team. He must no£ allow his head to run away with him, although one cannot place old heads on young shoulders. Mr W. Bryce referees the game, his first representative match, although an experienced referee, and well able. ’to i control any game. His linesmen will be Messrs F. (yConnell and D. Stinratt. After the match the teams and officials, with a few enthusiasts, will attend a smoking concert. On Sunday, weather permitting, they go for a motor trip round the bays. They lcavo Wellington by the night’s boat for Christchurch, en route to Greymouth. It is hoped a good number of Soccer enthusiasts will gather to give them a good send-off.. Yesterday the Australian players were entertained at morning tea by Mr Simm, the general manager of the_D.l.C. They were accompanied hr Mr W. Aula, of the Wellington. F.A. and Mr C. Fordham, chairman of the New Zealand Council. They had 1* hours practice in the afternoon, and later on witnessed a school match. .__ . 0 - The Australians beat Wanganui 3-1, and Nelson 8-2. What can they do today? AN UNUSUAL FEAT. An unrecorded incident of the match at Nelson was a brilliant piece of headwork by the Australians. The bell went lip in the air at midfield. Shenton headed it as it came down, and tiie boll passed from heed to head, without Being kicked 'to the right half, thence to outside right, and then man to man and head to head right over to the outside left before it touched hoot or ground. The exhibition was greatly admired and drew hearty applause from the spectators. WELLINGTON TEAM FIT. The Wellington team, which has been trained by Mr Colin Reid and Mr W. McArdle, completed their work in this direction on Thursday evening, and they are reported to he as "fit as they can and should be.” . The weather broke last evening, and the rain will have the effect of making the ground heavy, which condition is not favourable to the Australians. A drying wind during the morning, however, would effect a great improvement. The kick-off is at 2,45 p.m. prompt. TRAIN ARRANGEMENTS. Tho Railway Department advise that a train, stopping whore required, will leave Thorndon station to-day for Johnsonville at 5.50 p.m. The train usually leaving Lambton at 5.12 p.m. for Lower Hutt will be postponed until 5.27 p.m.