SOCCER

NZ Truth, Issue 931, 29 September 1923, Page 8

SOCCER

CHATHAM CUP-TIE.

V.M.C.A. Beat Oawbers m Btirring

Contest.

(By "Tynecastle.")

The large crowd at Association Park on Saturday was treated to one of the finest exhibitions of Soccer witnessed In Wellington since the visit of tho Aussies last season. The lads from Palmerston were an unknown quantity to the majority of Wellington fans, but to those who were m the know, it was fully expected that the city lads would have to be on their' best behavior if" they were to deliver the knock-out to the hopes of Nashville's selected. And such was the case.

Looking the teams over the maroons had it on the Y.M. players, every one looking a picture m their neat strip, which came m for a good deal of comment.

From the kick-off neither side wasted much time m settling down to serious business, but the tricky cross wind had the maroons at a disadvantage, and the halves and backs found it a difficult matter to keep the ball down on the carpet. They adopted the long, swinging tactics, whilst Y.M. settled down to their usual close passing game. For fully twenty minutes play ranged around midfleld with the whites making strenuous efforts to get through a stubborn defence. Phillips came to light with a clever goal, which had the effect of turning the game completely m V.M.'s favor, and a second goal came the whites' way when Ballard flammed a fust ball m from well out. and Davies m attempting to cover the ball with his body was unfortunate to get his arm In the way. The incident taking place inside the box. Snowy McGlrr gave Childs no show with his effort from the spot kick. Half-time found tho score 2 — o In V.M.'s favor.

The maroons commenced tholr task m the opening minutes of the second spoil with some fine flashes of individual play, but McGlrr was using his generalship to great effect, and Hennessey, the mnroons clever forward, could make very little impression, not being allowed to get within shooting distance. This fnlr-hnlred player never pave up trylnrr. and a clover pans 'through to Davis allowed the latter to drive m a fast daisy-cutter, which loft

the T.M. goalie a spectator. T.M. then took the game m hand and gave the visiting goalie the time of his life, but the keeper was a great stumbling-block to V.M.'s ambitions. However, All Black Ballard was on the premises, after the goalie had made a great effort to punch out a cross from the leftwing, which failed. The finishing touch into the net was simply added (not per medium of a hand as a great many thought) but by a glance off the side of the head. This was the finishing touch to the visiting lads' hopes of getting within lifting distance of the cup, but making a final rally Chapman sent along a great drive which was a counter all the way. To the end both sides made gTeat efforts to increase their score, but the defence put up made scoring a very difficult matter, and so the final whistle found Y.M. m possession of a well-earned victory by 3 — 2. The maroons are one of the gamest sides that have stepped out at the Park this season, and they would be very dangerous if they would only settle down to combined play and each line get an understanding. Then there would not be so much crowding m on top of the ball, as was so noticeable m the above match. With coaching this side In "Tynecastle's" opinion would be one of the leading 1 lights m the country, and their play shows the great progress the code is making m the smaller provinces. Childs was a thorough tradesman m goal for the losers, and should be heard of m bigger football. Askham and Davies played well at back, the former being a cut above the average, his kicking throughout being neat and clean. Patterson, Whitehouse and Walker were a trio of solid toilers, but had a tendency to spoon the ball too much, instead of playing it through on the carpet. The two wing halves showed a bad habit m throwing the ball back instead of well ahead. McLeod and Lock, on the extreme wings, made ground quickly, but "Tynecastle" was surprised to see the former get so little of the ball. When it did come his way he took some looking 1 after. Chapman, Davis and Hennessey would have been far more dangerous if they had combined and opened out the play. The latter is a clever individual player, but spoiled all his good work by attempting far too much on his own, only pushing the ball out when he could not break down the opposing defence. First-time shooting would be a good stock for these inside men to Indulge m. Tarrant, McGirr and Rarity played their usual safe game, but the lastnamed was inclined to go too far afield with the ball. Half-back is this lad's proper position. Bosher, Pearson and Price got through a power of work, and fed their forwards nicely along the carpet. The right-half showed weakness m his head work. The left-half is one of the third team and was a great success m such a stirring try-but. Ballard. at centre, attempted too much and was far too often out of position. Left-wing is Charlie's masterpiece, so why not play Hindmarsh at centre? Hindmarsh was on his best behavior, but Smith was holding back a good deal, which was excusable as this lad has not quite shaken off the 'flu. Les. will be on the premises before the cup is finished with. Trott and Phillips are proving two of the most versatile players m Wellington circles. The former is spoken of as one of our coming half-backs. Next season's rep. honors should be within this lad's grasp. The Hospital — MariSt clash provided a rattling good game, but there was not so very much between the sides. Where Hospital proved superior was m the shooting department, and their quickness to snap up an opportunity carried them through to collect the points by 3 — l. For the winners Hughes and Dick struck form with a vengeance. They showed a clever understanding of the short passing game and had the Marist halves constantly on the move. Kissick was only fair, probably owing to knee trouble. On occasions his play would rise to first-class, but it was only m spasms. Thompson was on his best behavior and played like the budding player he was two seasons ago. > Gibson is a very impressive player as a half. Probably this may be his proper position, as he opened up the game for his wing and never failed to follow up. The latter was quite apparent by the number of shots he had at goal. Gibb, at full-back, gave of his best, and the duels between this player and McElllgott were worth travelling miles to see, with honors just about even. The Marist had a young player, W. Cudby, on show at right-half. His play was an eye-opener and there is no doubt about this youngster finding a place m senior football. Thomas was m good fettle and made some very neat openings for his front rankers. The side showed great improvement owing to the heady support given by this pjayer. Rudolph and Gamble were not at tholr best, failing to back each other up. and were often too far apart. Backs must have an understanding to have any success. Pope ha s provided the missing link In the forward line. Centre-forward 13 this lad's position and he has the nocpic ary bustle to keep a defence on tho hop. McK'lißott and Costello gave, a smart exhibition on tho left-wing. The former no doubt has at *last found his proper position, and he should remain there. Fitzgerald has been a very consistent goalie throughout the season and has played his part very well, but at times he has shown a tendency to be beaten by some of the weak stuff as was the cage with the second goal last week. Nlckson and Carruthers performed very consistently on the right-wing, preferring to play surely rather than overdo tho flashy stuff. Marist have been weak m their forward play during the season and the following may be a useful hint, especially as tho players have youth on their side. It^g the duty of forwards*to learn to make openings for their halves. It is no use simply loafing around waiting for the ball being placed through by the half; keep on tho move; this will tend; to have the opposing half guessing what you nro up to; should your half have possession of the ball try to assist him by moving Into a vacant position so that he can place it to advantage. Tho forward to be a thorough success must use his head not only when ho has the ball, but when he is waiting for it to come through. That is the secret of becoming what is termed tho "schemer." Tho battlo of tho Scots m the somltio of the Victory Cup was a very tame affair, neither side showing their uminl brilliant and attractive play. Thißtle stood up to their sturdy young opponents during the first spell, to all appearance being quite content to allow tho Wanderers to run themselves to a standstill. This they did and when it came to putting forward n. final effort during the latter stapes of the game the colts hnd done their dash, leaving their hip "brithcrs" to po on and contest the final and uphold the traditions of tho rnco ns beinp flour cup-tie fighters. TCwinfir, Cordiner and Taylor have worked up an understanding which proved too solid for tholr opponents. Lennox, at centre-half, wns tho moat outstanding player on tho field, and ig pomp to bo a real top-notcher very shortly, as ho improves with every game. Brownlcc and Henderson had a very quiet time, but left nothing: to chance. Houston and Taylor were tho moat consistent wings on the fleld, The latter Is a box of tricks. Poarco. at centre, was given much ropo. but should get rid of the bnd habit of waiting with his back to the opposing goal, as It wastes time to get round.

McLellan and- Smith on the left are playing nicely together and are proving a goal producing proposition. Lucky ones just count as much as brilliant ones, says Hector.

Kirkland, Small and Logan were not on their best behavior and the goalie's stock has gone down with a bump after Saturday. V Logic, McDougall and Williams could not master the wind and failed to push the ball out to the wings, preferring to play through the centre, when it was quite apparent the centre was up against a stiff proposition. Nicolle and Bradshaw had a very quiet time m the two outside berths. This accounts^ for the team's poor showing as ttie play was allowed to bunch too much m the .centre. Houston and-Galbraith worked hard, but wasted their energy by not opening up the game, which is the duty of the inside men. Lothian at centre was not a success, as he repeatedly got out of position and gave the backs free kicking, and m attempting too much he had' his outside men iji the air. "Tynecastle," however, is not going to alter his opinion of this lad simply because he failed to produce his true form m attempting to do t£>o much. It should prove a lesson on tactics to this young- side "how they beat themselves." Proficiency can only come through experience, and with this season's breaking m there is a bright future m front of this young club. South Wellington delivered the knock-out to Institute m the semi-final of the Victory Cup by 4 — 3, and so will now meet Thistle m the final. It was a good bustling game with many touches of clever individual play, but the wind spoilt any. attempt at combination. Institute playing with the wind m their favor, failed to make full advantage of it. South Wellington, going all out, opened the scoring through , Francis (1 — 0.) Institute then had an innings and tested Gell with several good shots, N. Smith equalising with a fast shot, which the goalie failed to hold (1 — 1.) Both sides tried hard to gain the lead, but half-time arrived without any addition to the score. During the second spell Institute played with more determination and it | looked odds on them coming out on top, but the stripes soon settled down, and after .some good forward play Bolt found the net (2 — 1.) , Institute then showed they had something up their sleeves and gave the South Wellington defence an anxious time, J. Smith taking a penalty kick, put the sides level (2—2.) Shortly afterwards a penalty was granted agrainst Institute and Reyling made on mistake (3—2.) South Wellington now had it on the Institute, and Stocks added another goal (4 — 2), which made it look a cert for South Wellington, but' the -Institute forwards got down to serious business. Haddock, going off on his own, beat all opposition and scored with a good drive (4 — 3.) South Wellington played up well after this and kept their lead to the finish. The boys from the Bay deserved their win, and "Tynecastle" is certain they will put up a good show m the final against the more seasoned Thistle stalwarts. For the winners, Gell proved a very capable goalie. Martin, at back, was very safe. and placed the leather out to his wings every time. That's the play, my lad. Robbins (who seem 3to be able to fill any vacant berth) was at left-back, and came out with flying colors. Dennis played a bustling game and tackled well. •Reyling was a tower of strength at centre-half and proved too clever for the opposing inside players. Cakebread had a smart wing to look after, but he never allowed them to settle down and was very prominent throughout the piece. Dewhurst and Francis combined nicely oh the right and both shot at every opportunity. The latter's goal was a perfect daisy-cutter. Stocks, at centre, led his forwards very well and kept slinging the ball out to both wings. His first-timer proves he can hit with plenty of ginger behind the ball. Bolt and Buckmaster, on the left, completed a smart forward line; both lads are full of promise. Burt, Institute's goalie, stood up to the hardest time he has had this season full of confidence, but found luck dead against him. Bell and Gill defended well, but were up against a stiff proposition. N. Smith was the star of the halves; his goal was a splendid, effort. J. Smith and Maddoek combined well on the right and had the opposition thinking badly at times, only to see their efforts nullified by the strong wind. Hanson is a clever pivot, and a trier, but he was ■ shadowed too well to do much damage. Dawe and Calvert played nicely on the left, and show promise of making a first-class , wing if kept together. Both are clever and speedy. "Horseshoe" writes: "Before you sling mud about re Watersiders — Johnsonville protest 'bo sure of your facts, or rather be careful how you state them. Re deducting points, etc., over Rowlands. Did Johnsonville notify the player or club concerned as they should have done according to W.P.A. rules? Again, was Watersiders representative allowed m to defend his club's action m playing Rowlands? Anyhow, "Tynecastle," "be fair, as you know the rules better than the average man, but apparently can't help throwIng mud at the Wharfies. As to ringIng m players, what about Moore, of Johnsonville, Rugby player all the season, and Moug played his first game against Watersiders whilst not being transferred to Johnsonville Club. Anyhow, If the W.F.A. granted Stacey's transfer, what are you squealing about? The W.F.A. are the controlling body and surely they know their business by this time, at least they have been lons enough at the game to know it. We Watersiders are quite alive to the fact that we can't expect any fair play or fair criticism from any of your paper reports, but we would like you to state facts fairly, sir." As the writer of this courteous epistle Is an official of the Watersiders Club "Tynecastle" will answer him In fairness both to the writer and the club. Johnsonville Club did notify the Watersiders Club m the proper manner, otherwise the protest would have been out of order and received no consideration. . Why should the W.itersldera nave been represented nt the meeting when .Tohnsonville was not? Is that playing the game? The players. Mover and Moore, are properly signed on players for the c : lub Tho former playnr wa» transferred on application being made to tho WFA by the club early m tho ' season. Re stace^» t™"^ 1 " "Tynccaatle" Is dolnp very little saucftlln«r hut havintr the rlcht to criticise and aTthe same time thinWnjn little of tho welfare of tho frame, that criticism wn7 called for m th« interests of every club claiming: affiliation to tho WFA "Tvnecantlo" hns «• hl * h °P ln!on of the senSmen composing tU« mannjemont committee of tho y™-/" I™*1 ™* a thtnlclpos Job Is theirs), they know the job rf condurtlnpr the business of hat body and thoy are to be complimented on the stand they have taken m Savins the protested match rep toyed which only poos to pro\e that "Tvnccnstle" hart a flrm frmsi) of ._ thG fact™ ofthe ca*o and also to show there was a "fly m the ointment." As to your club not receiving a fair spin from the Press, just get an eyeful of what appeared at the top of t h s column of the Bth Inst. Was that fair criticism? Also the 15th Inst. and see what "Tynecastle" had to say about club* rlnprine-Jn players of other codes. When "Horseshoe" refer* to "Tynocnstle" nn having thrown mud nt the Watersldon? Club, It Is quite apparent by his unconvincing attempt at nuttlnir the dopo over, that he Ik prepared to heavo a lot, shovel and all.