FOR OPENING GAMES

NZ Truth, Issue 1272, 17 April 1930, Page 17

FOR OPENING GAMES

Teams Are Ready In The North ■ (Prom "N.Z. Truth's" Auckland Rep.) With the books still open for transfers and entries, little definite Information Is available of movements In Soccer circles, but a few clubs have practically decided on their personnel for the opening games at least. DONSONBY have secured the services *■ of Bentley, Whimster and ' Peterson, from Onehunga. The Western Club was thought to be shutting do,wn at the end of •' last season, but apparently it has taken on a new lease of life, and efforts are being made, so far unsuccessfully, to secure the release of old players who have signed on with other combinations. The Ponies' centre-half of last year, Dick, has gone over to Thistle, but will be replaced, under present arrangements, by Bentley, who will probably have Ballock and Morrison on either side of him. The backs will most likely be .MeCosh and Williams, -but it is probable that a new goal-keeper will take Lyons's place. • Trams will have much the same team as carried all before them, winning the championship, Chatham and Falcon Cups. Clem Bqll will not be available at the start owing to sickness. Great hopes are expected of a youngster from Scotland named Mills, reputed to be extra good at outside-left. Stretton .is believed 'to have signed on with Thistle. . The latter team have suffered a great loss In the defection of Chalmers and Murray Kay, who have definitely gone over to V.M.C.A., and McCosh, who .has returned to Ponsonby. * ; However, they, too have one of more recruits newly arrived and will hope to measure up to standard. V.M.C.A. should be even stronger this year than last," when' their, foVwards lacked thrust and scoring ability. Humphreys will again lead ,the line, supported by Kay, Whalley (probably), Ross and Chalmers. There is a doubt about Whalley's; fitness at present. Clariachan will be available if needed, but the half-backs line will be Malcolm, Chapman and Riddolls, with Otter and Mowat at back .and Hilliard m goal. This defence was excellent last year, and with the added strength forward, "Truth" picks the young men to be Trams' hardest opponents. " • A good many of last season's players have left Onehunga for other clubs. If they do not return, some promising juniors ■will get chances, which, irti some ways, is all to ;the good. Manurewa will field the teamHhat won promotion and all fans will wish them the best of luck.

iniitiiiiuiiiiiiiuntttiiiiiitiiitiiniiiiiiiiiiititiintiiiiitiiintniiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiiuiini Drs. Barnett and C. Wight are m good form at present and they should contest the final. '■ Hamilton caters for the Walkato district golfers, and should have a successful meeting. W. "Wynne has a fine record on St. Andrews, and has a great chance of winning the event. Auckland's meeting at Mlddletnore without Sloan Morpeth will make the Issue more open. ' R. George, R. Wright, and ( young Smith are likely players to shine. Smith . played well at Belmont, and if m the same form should go near winning his first big tournament. Nelson Is usually the mecca of numbers of Wellington golfers for the Easter meeting, yet \v . Higgins, the local player, seems capable of holding his own against the invaders^ New Plymouth have a good entry for their meeting, and with the Quins, Greys, etc., should have a happy event. C. H. Stephenson, last year's winner, \may go under to Major Conway this- season. Palmerston cater for three different classes of players- and have a huge list of players to battle for the cups. H. Ekstedt has the record m this event and with the absence of T. Horton he ought to win it. It is hoped L. Cathro will be able to play at this meeting. He would malce it an interesting final. At Shirley the ladies stage their' Easter meeting, which has been won this last three years by Miss O. Kay. The event is a stroke one, and on recent form Miss Kay looks a certainty to make it four on end.