SOCCER SEASON OPEN

New Zealand Times, Volume LIII, Issue 12424, 19 April 1926, Page 3

SOCCER SEASON OPEN

FOUR SENIOR GAMES TEAMS TAKE THINGS EASY GOOD MATCH AT HUTT The Soccer season opened on Saturday in earnest, and although it was more like cricket weather, a perfect spring day, quite a good crowd of spectators followed their favourite teams for the purpose of getting some idea of the prospects before them. The Wellington Football Association acted wisely in putting on a good game at Lower Ilutt, and city teams would be well satisfied if nil the grounds—and particularly Association Park—were in as good ploying order as the one at Hutt Recreation Ground, and this apElies to all the five grounds in use at ower Hutt on Saturday. The weather was really too warm for Soccer, and for the past week lias been more like an extended summer, for which all sporting bodies have been duly grateful and appreciative. Brooklyn Club is to bo congratulated over its fine victory over Thistle, who w'ere a strong side, and Institute seem to be able to do better than any other team at Hosptial, for they returned with the Hospital scalp at their belt; winning 3—l. Y.M.C.A. beat Diamonds 5—2. at Lower Hutt. RESULTS IN DETAIL Institute 3, Hospital ». Y.M.C.A. 5, Diamonds 2. Marist 3. Waterside 3. Brooklyn 3, Thistle 1. MARIST V. WATERSIDERS , FORMER’S NARROW VICTORY AN INTERESTING GAME. Marist and Waterside met at Polo Ground, at Miramar, where the turf was in far better order than at Association Park. It was a typical first of the season game, and this was evident when McEUigott failed with a chance which to him was a gift. The Waterside forwards then got to work amongst tbo Marist defence, and Fitzgerald and Rudolph were glad when the- halves feH back to help them relieve the pressure. Burke, the sturdy Marist half, in company with Thomas, tried hard to get the forwards in a scoring mood, but there was nothing doing, and it fell to Waterside to draw first blood when Nicklest put on a very fine goal. In the second spell both teams made the pace a cracker for a white, and some time elapsed before Pope managed to equalise with a somewhat lucky snot which he did not seeih to know much about. A fairly even spell of play followed, and it fell to Burke to put on the second goal for Marist, and then Thomas, with a well-judged pass, enabled McElligott to put on another. Still Waterside stuck to their task, and came very close to beating Hickey. They were rewarded by a **econd goal & few minutes before the finish, and Marist were fortunate in not having a penalty awarded against them. Cox, Irvine ana Nickless were outstanding in the wharfies, and Burke, Marchment and A. Rudolph for Marist. The final result was: Marist 3 goals. Waterside 2 goals. Y.M.C.A. V. DIAMONDS SEVEN GOALS SCORED DICKINSON DOWN AND OUT. What was expected to be a close battle for points was the game between Y.M. C.A. and Diamonds, the venue for which was Hutt Recreation Ground. This game was in tho hands of F. O'Connell, and having regard to the fact that these were the first games under the amended laws it was a wise policy to put the most experienced referees in charge of the four games, although C. Kelly was to . have taken the Hutt game. Both v sides fielded what were on paper fairly strong teams, although experiments were mode in some positions, and the experience gained will probably lead to changes on either side when they play again. Y.M.C.A. —J. Ewing, Roberts and McGirr; Eaton, Pearson and Trott; Nicolle, Worth, Orr, Cohen and Stark. Diamonds.—Blair; Hearne and Rate; , Bolt, Chowen and Pike; R. McLeod, Stocks, Dickinson, Musgrove and Cock'NvhMi Diamonds kicked-ofl with the sun in their eyes the handicap was a real one, and it was difficult to sight the ball when in the air. Both teams took a little while to settle down, although Y.M.C.A. had the best of the game, the backs being mostly on the defence. The Diamonds left wing was noticeably weak, and seemed to shy at coming in contact with the opposition. They were new men and no doubt felt strange. McLeod and Stocks were on the right wing, but found Trott difficult to get past, but when the outside man did though he generally got his centre in. The inside men, however, did not put the necessary ginger in. to finish. Roberts, the ex-Aucklander, played quite a useful game at right back for Y.M.C.A,, and is an acquisition, although when Princo returns lie will, no doubt, play elsewhere. Under the old regime there would have been at least half a dozen offsides in tlio first spell, and the absence of stoppages on this account made the game faster. The Diamond right half in particular had evidently not studied the new throw-in rule, for he was penalised several times cither for standing on the lino instead of behind it, or for not raising the ball over his head when throwing in. The strict adherence to tho rule by the referee and linesmen will, no doubt, have its effect in future. Both Y.M.C.A. wingers were in fairly good trim, particularly Nicolle, who was probably tile best man on the field. Stark did good work on the left wing, but had n poor phrtner in Cohen, who seemed to lack all idea of co-opera-don with tho outside man. When Stark endeavoured to shoot his attempts were rather poor. Orr at centre was below par, but Worth at inside right was a good partner both ways. Had only tho best opportunities been taken in the first spell by the inside men Y.M.C.A. should have scored at least six goals, but chances, even almost under the bur, went begging, and at half-time the score sheet was clean.

After a five minutes breather the teams changed over, hut Y.M.C.A. had less trouble with tho sun anil made the pace from the flag kick Nicolle cut in and short spell, but at last conceded a corner, and in the scrum which followed from the flag kick Nicolls cut in and netted. Y.M.C.A. l,j Diamonds 0. From a grand centre by Nicolle Orr hooked the ball over the top, a feat in which Cohen excelled, although ho scored later. McGirr found himself pressed by McLeod and conceded a corner. From this Roberts cleared and Stark figured in a Eretty run, sending in a shot which rought Blair to lus knees. Penning Diamonds in Y.M.C.A. added two more goals through Nicolle and Orr, the latter getting a beauty from a first timer. Three goals in arrears things looked bad for Diamonds, especially as they were without Dickinson, who bad been hurt just before the interval and hnrl to Tetire He was doing well with little help until hurt. Diamonds then came to light, for McLeod_ forced a coiner, dropped the flag kick in front of goal, and Musgrove. who linil l)Cen_ almost n Eassenger, headed through. Y.M.C.A. 3, linmonds 1.

Encouraged by this success Diamonds livened matters up, and four minuted later Cocking took advantage of a bad miskick by McGirr. for lie followed through and scored a good goal. Y.M.CA. 3. Diamonds 2. Orr did better work than in the first hnlf anil almost rushed the ball through from a corner, ami a minute later Cohen received from Stark and gave Y.M.C.A.

a fourth goal, which was followed almost immediately by a nice effort by Wirth adding another. Diamonds could not respond and the game ended: — Y.M.C.A 5 Diamonds 2 Trott and Dearson were both good halves in the Y.M. team and each had long pots at goal without success. Their tackling and feeding was sound. McGirr was not at his best. McLeod, Pike, Dickinson and Hearne were the l>est of the losers, and the loss of Dickinson handicapped them badly. INSTITUTE DEM HOSPITAL A HARD-FOUGHT GAME CITY TEAM'S DASH. The game between the Mental Hospital and Institute was played at Porirua in summer weather. Institute surprised the home team by its dash and fast football, and took full advantage of the new offside rule Hospital was much better in the second half, but was up against a strenuous, defence, particularly Tarrant in goal. Neither team, was at full strength, Porteous, Brown and

Newman being absent from Hospital, and Institute playing several of last year's juniors. It took both teams some time to settle down. Tarrant was soon brought into play, and he saved from Anderson, Jeffrey securing and sending the forwards away. Smith and Maddocks played with, fine combination, and dashed along the line, the former's centre being met by Gill, who nearly missed opening the score.

Play was fast, but unsteady, lacking combination. May and Dawe were playing well on the left wing for the Visitors. The latter secured from a miskick by Gibb, and sent the ball across to Smith, who was unmarked, and who found the net with a good shot at close range. Institute I—o. INSTITUTE AGAIN SCORES.

The tide was changed by Hughes and Mullins, but Institute again attacked, and Gibb kicked hard into the opposing forwards, the rebound going to Gul, who made no mistake. 2—o. It was close to half-time when a run initiated by Jeffrey ended in Maddocks finding the net. and making the score 3 — o. Hospital shook things up in the second half, out the defence was good. However, persistency was eventually rewarded. McKee centred to Anderson, who passed to Mcßride, and the latter crossed well in front of the goal. Tarrant got the ball, but could not clear it and Hughes drove hard into the net from a handy position. , Institute 3, Hospital The home team was playing much better football than at first, and several times the visiting goal was in danger through the ball striking the cross-bar and then the posts. Hospital had the better of the second spell, though they could not again score, and the play finished with the score 3—l. Mr S. Wilson refereed. BROOKLYN’S FINE WIN THISTLE DEFEATED NEWLY PROMOTED TEAM DOES WELL. The principal Soccer attraction in town on Saturday was the meeting of the newly promoted Brooklyn team and Thistle ab» Association Park. Both teams had a good number of followers present, the approximate attendance at the park being 300. It was confidently expected that after their showing at the Palmerston tourney at Easter time Brooklyn would give the light blues a hard game, and such proved the case, but tlio big surprise was that Brooklyn won by two clear goals, the scores being 3 to 1. The whole Brooklyn team combined splendidly, the half-backs continuously feeding their front line, and the forwards being in position when required. Thistle, on tlie other hand, did not muster the full selected team, two half backs being absent, the positions being filled by emergencies. The teams lined out as under: Brooklyn (blue and white). —Dobbs; Browning and Edwards; H. Hannon, Bowyor and Henry; Buckmaster, J. McMasters, \V. Anton, B. Brown and Griffiths.

Thistle (light blue).—McVean: Jack and G. Wotherspoon; Forbes, T. Wotherspoon and Dainty; Frew, Hunter, Lothian, Logan and Cunningham. Brooklyn lost the toss and Anton kicked off against a strong sun. The attack was made on the right wing, but an infringement by Anton temporarily relieved Thistle. Again the whites came unci for about ten minutes the blue defence was severely tested, but G. Wotherspoon and Jack were equal to the occasion, and kqpt the Brooklyn vanguard at bay. A sensational piece of work by the Brooklyn centre half, Bowyer, narrowly missed the objective, the ball just grazing the bar. and it proved a great relief to Thistle supporters when a goal kick was ordered. Brooklyn up to this stage had the best of matters, McMnsters and Buckmaster coming in for special mention. Lothian and Lojran pierced the Brooklyn rearguard, but Lothian made ft very feeble effort to net, and Dobbs cleared. Shortly afterwards McVean was called upon to save a hot shot from Anton and did so with credit. Thistle were now getting more into their stride, and with good forward combination had tho .Brooklyn backs bustled. Here Logan missed the easiest scoring chnnco of the match. Nice work by Harry Hanson, who was feeding his forwards well, saw the venue of play transferred to Thistle quarters. The ball was sent from ITanson to Anton, who beaded a nice forward attack. Here the Thistle halfbacks, especially Dainty, failed, and the full-backs had almost the whole of the Brooklyn forwards on them. The pretty combination exhibited by Anton, Brown and McMasters was smartly executed, for no sooner had Anton, who set the combination in motion, passed the ball to Brown in a good position, then ho (Brown) in turn whipped it across to McMnsters, who, with quick and accurate judgment, lent it nnst McVean, and thus drew first blood for Brooklyn. The Thistle goalie seemed puzzled nt the quickness of tho movement. Brooklyn 1, Thistle 0. Excitement now reigned high among Brooklvn supporters. [ By this reverse Thistle from tho. kick:

off quickly worked their way to the Brooklyn defence, and Dobbs had a busy time keeping his charge clear. Lothian had a simple opportunity, but shot wildly over the bar. Had. he used a little more judgment he could have walked the ball into the net. Time and again Thistle came within an ace of netting, but the shooting was very feeble. Cunningham, who was working strenuously for his side to equalise, gave Lothian another golden opening, the late Scottish Wanderers' captain making a good attempt to fiet, the ball missing narrowly. Another one of those unexpected breakaways by the Brooklyn vanguard 6aw Thistle hard pressed. A miskick by Forbes saw Brown through. His shot was saved by McVean, but the goalie failed to hold the ball, and Anton, who was following up fast, landed it on the rebound and safely placed it between the posts. Shortly afterwards lemontime arrived, with Brooklyn 2 up on the first spell. BROOKLYN’S GOOb LEAD On resuming Thistle started off very* well, with Logan and Lothian prominent. Both bombarded tile Brooklyn citadel with shots from all angles, but no matter how hard they tried Dobbs, the goalie, and erratic shooting, were their aownfal. Hanson, who had been instrumental in his side being two goals up in tho first half, came in for some good dribbling work 10 minutes after the resumption, he’ trailed the ball through in a solo effort, but his shot was cleared. Flay lor some little time became rather tame and uninteresting, both sides playing too much to the line. Bowyer set nis lorwards going, but G. Wothenspoon, who was the shining light of tile Thistle defence, intercepted a dangerous pass ana quickly placed the leather to Lothian, who, beating u coupie oi the opposition, gave a beautiful centre to Logun. vVun the Scots on tho line cheering him on, Logan sent in a beauty winch tne BrooKlyu goalie hardly saw go past him. it was .nogan's best shot oi the day. Brooklyn 2, Thistle a. dp-aiid-uown piay toixoweu, with Tmstie doing most ox tne attacking. Lotuian was now playing nut usuui dasmng game, ana nearly accounted for u second goal for Hustle, -but too much eagerness on his part lost the chance. The combination oi Brown and unthths on the Brooklyn right wing proved a source ox much danger and worry to the blues' defence, as their naif lino was below standard, being made up of two emergencies, viz., Dainty ami ivorbes, who were not quite qeuai to the occasion when culled upon, xnistle set up a not attack, and nad me best of tue play, out all the blue forwards, especially Lothian and Logan, hud apparently leu their scoring boots at hime. Their luck was ngnt out. A lew minutes betore the cail of time, when Thistle were in Brooklyn s quarters, Bowyer received and sent to the wing. Tiien a long centre saw Anton, wno had been prominent tnrouguout tne match, following up last. McVean, using his own judgment, leu his charge auu risked tlio cuance of reaching tne ball before Anton, which he aid. However, it was his misfortune to again luuibie with it, and Auton took control, and having a clear uelu, scored another easy goal, Brooklyn thus winning tile match by three goals to one. Brooklyn, after their fine display, well deserved the win. They played tho better football on the day, and are to be congratulated on making such a successful debut in Senior A contests. BOYS' INSTITUTE CLUB The annual meeting of the Boys’ Institute Soccer Club was held in the Institute on Thursday evening last, when Mr C. K. Dick presided over a large and enthusiastic crowd of boys. Six teams are being entered in the various grades. The following officers were elected: Patron, Mr G. A. Troup; president, Mr M. M. Murray; vice-presidents, Messrs H. R. Mnw.-on. L. T. Watkins, J. His--1 100, W. M. Caidle, A. Middleton. W.

Hicks, T. W. Killick, E. Heath, If. Spolsley, C. K. Dick, and W. 11. Clarke: club captain, G. Bell; secretary, J. Phillip; treasurer, W. T. Baker. THE SOCCER SEASON ENTRIES FOR 1926 Record entries have been received by the lion, secretary of the Wellington Football Association for the competitions during the coming season. Entries closed on Saturday, and 120 teams have entered for the various divisions on Saturday afternoons, in addition to which 32 school teams will be taking part in the Primary Schools’ Competitions on Friday afternoons, making a total of 152 teams playing the Soccer code during the coming winter. The question of playing areas ii greatly exercising the xuinds of the management committee of the association, and the thirteen grounds allocated by the City Council and other grounds at their disposal will be quite inadequate for the large number of teams competing tliis season. Entries are as follow; Ist A Division.—Marist, Y.M.C.A.* Institute, Diamonds, Brooklyn, Water side, Tlustlc, 'Hospital—eight cutties. Ist B Division.—Y.M.C.A., Waterside. Thistle, Swifts, Sentoun, South Wellington, Petone, Hutt, Wclgasco. Jolmsonville, Porirua Cnited —eleven teams. 2nd A Division —Marist, Diamond, Brooklyn, Thistle, Swifts, Seatoun, Johnsonville. Wadestown—eight teams. 2nd B Division.—lnstitute, South Wellington, Petone, Hutt, Lyall Bay, Island Bay (A), Island Bay (B) —seven teams.

3rd A Division.—Marist, Diamond, Brooklyn, Waterside, Swifts, Seatoun, Petone, Hutt—eight teams. 3rd B Division.—Y.M.C.A., Dia-. monds, South Wellington, Johnson, ville, Stop Out, Technical Old Boy*. Island Bay, Wadestown —eight teams. 4th A Division.—Marist, Institute, Diamond, Waterside, Swifts, Seatoun, South Wellington, Hutt—eight teams. 4th B Division.—lnstitute, Brooklyn, Seatoun, Petone, Stop Out, Technical Old Boys, Miramar Rangers, St Thomas, Y'.M.C.A., Island Bay— ten tea ns. sth A Division.—Marist, Institute, Hospital, Seatoun, Petone, Hutt. Technical, &t. Patrick's Coilogt—cigut teams. stl\ B Division.—Seatoun, Johusonvillc, Stop Out, Technical College, Miramar Rangers, St. Patrick s College, St. Peter’s, Newtown Conginational, Y.M.C.A., Wadestown ter teams. 6th Division. —Institute, Seatoun South Wellington, St. Patrick’s Col lege, Marist N. (A), Marist N. lB) Marist (T), Y.M.C.A.—eight- teams. 7th A Division. —Institute, Seatoun South Wellington, Marist (N), Lyal Bay, St. Peter’s —six teams. 7th B Division. —Miramar Hangers, Marist (N), Marist (T), Y.M.C.A., Newtown Congregational—five tennw Bth Division. —Institute, Seatoun, Miramar Rangers, Marist N. (A), Marist X. (B), Marist T, Y.M.C.A.—seven teams. Hutt Valley League.—Belmont Rovers, Eastern Hutt, Western Hutt, Anglican Home (A), Anglican Home (B). Petone A, Petone B, Nainai—eight teams. Chatham Cup.— Entries for tlu Chatham Cup, which closed on Saturday, w*r© received from the following dubs: Tliistle, Seatoun, Hospital. Mnrist. Institute. Y.M.C.A., and Water, side—total seven teams.