ASSOCIATION.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 13886, 25 April 1907, Page 5

ASSOCIATION.

By Left Wing.

The number of players taking part in the Association ganio this year under the control of the Otago Football Association is just about 800. There are 28 school teams, comprising 308 regular players, plus emergencies. This 308 is included in the 800.

( Wakari and Rcslyn met at the Asylum f'round on Salttrday, and the net conclusion is that Koslyn is likely to bo a strong eleven this year, whilst. Wakari is bv no means the attenuated figure she gave promise of being. Koslyn was decisively superior upon the day's play,' but when presently the services of Clyde and James Arniit are again available to Wakari the latter will bo a very fair combination. .1. M'ilillau, H. Movr i'.-on, and Gilroy turned out with Wakari, although the last-named, it is understood, does not propose to continue. John Armit, formerly an energetic Wakari forward, but more recently taking part in Rugby, also reappeared for his old club. Because of a recent injury to his hand, 11. .Morrison played full back with Knowlcs for a. while, but had to contend with a very natural disposition to steady a ball rather than to volley and take flying kicks. Early in the game I'. I'ssher received a knock which rather unsleadied him for while.

I'.dwards played a capital game for Koslyn, his kicking being rarely at fault, whilst ho furnished Ussher with a perplexing > problem. He has been elected captain, and should prove a capable coach for Roslyn players. Kobinson. from Auckland, whose position is full hack, was tried as left halt lack, and was inclined to hard kicking on some occasions and

to fiddling with the hall 0 n others. When accustomed to Ino posit '.u ho should prove a source of strength. ,i. Brown, after his long spoil from football, lacked that control of ihe boll which be will doubtless spoedily regain with practice. Otherwise bis qualities are tno well known to require recapitulation. M'l,eod. in goal for. lioslyn, gnvo an almost faultless display, and J. Ussher, though inclined (o wander, gave indication's that he will be a dangerous man in fronr- of goal.

put up a capital fight against. Northern, especially in view of the fact that Southern is sr,cli_ an altered combination as compared wii.fi their opponents of tho north end. Brady is an invaluable goalkeeper, and saved repeatedly in difficult situations. M'Hutchou, Asbton, and Milton were tho strength of tho backs, and effectually kept out the indefatigable Northern vanguard until the second spell was well advanced. The lilnck-and-while attack then became hotter and more wisely directed, and the score mounted up. Hilton, who played centre half, comca from tho Old Country, and shows a command of tho ball and judgment in placing. : Upon tho day's play Southern can be credited with only one reliable forward — tho veteran J. M'Donald, whose play is consistently clean, quiet, and heady. The material amongst. Iho forwards is all right prospectively, but, there was a painful lack of confidence and cohesion, and the maimer in which tho passes were placed at, tho Jeet of the Northern backs niado the task of defence fairly easy. In this way the Southern forwards lost many opportunities. Chatlwiek- and Morrison both appeared in the black-and-white uniform. Harrison, who had the misfortune to receive a bad kick, was playing with judgment in the left half position. His substitute, C. Irvine, showed both dash and courage, but has to unlearn (ho full-back habit of kicking with rather more .vigour than judgment. Tho position of right half hack filled by Leckie, promoted from junior rank, who stood up well to bis work, though at times nervously lmsty and tit other moments inclined to dribble. M'Clelland look liberties with an inexperienced .half Cack, but his shooting and centring wero less deadly than usual. Tho rightwing was rather neglected, and the forwards as a. whole did not provide ju exhibition of combined passing. The gawo was tinged by occasional displays of petty animosities, which were (scarcely n crcdit to the senior footballers responsible for (hem.

The Kaitangata v. Green Island contest, v.'hioh resulted in a decisive win for Green Wand, was not an inspiring match. Neither sido showed combination. This was not to be wondered sit in view of the alterations which have taken place in Loth •teams sinco last year. I'enman, Ramsay, A. Middleman. aid ,T. QUivcr were the only members of last year's eeniors playing for Kaitangata on Saturday. G. jliddlcniass was playing in a local competition on Saturday, which suggests (hat he may yet. assist his club in its efforts against Duncdin teams. A yoimgor Penman gives promise of turning o ut well for Kaitangata. Green Island had also but a. remnajit, noticeable amongst whom were Martin and Grant.

From as spectators' point of'' view the game between Mornington A and B was .always interesting, njid at times exciting. It was" a battle of styles between the A forwards consisting of Homo players, and the elevated junior.-, all colonials. The A men played a free, open game, passing with judgment, their movements being sniarr and effective and pleasing id watch, 'file B, on the other hand, making the pace warm, were content to play a bustling game. lor the winners Hutchison, who took Jack's pluco in goal, showed promise, using (lis fists to seme purpose. Earniun, at hair, played splendidly, placing the ball to the- forwards with considerable skill. Tho forwards are light, but resourceful, and should prove a good combination. N-otman, full back for the B, saved his side repeatedly, kicking powerfully and putting in good head work. The forwards all worked like Trojans, and had they received support -from the half back line would lisvc made a closer finish.

Ravcnsbouriie Club is to bo congratulated upon its growth, having this year three teams playing—ono Second Grade and two Third Grade. All three commenced the season well by winning their respective matches without having a goal scored against thorn. The HavonsLourno team speak -in tho highest terras of the good conduct of both spectators' ap.d players' at Green _ Island. Tor Green Island Duncan, at full back, was very safe, while Duncan and Andersen, half backs, did a lot of work. nderscn being especially prominent. Among the forwards Semple showed up well. Of (he Ravensboui'jio team Chioholm (full back) played well, wliilo Dcdd and Cainiev (half backs) showed lip prominontiy by their tackling. Among the jprwards, all worked wc-H, and with combination, and are worthy of mention.

llr Benton is to 'lie complimented on his tact and forethought in addressing both foams before starting to play, and asking for a clean display of football. Crawley proves the right man in the Tight place, and Ravensbournc have acted wisely in re-electing as their 'captain ono who is such a capable full' bade and such an indefatigable worker for the club.

Mr Soundy, who sonds (.'reetings from Hobarf, advises mo that tho panic has already a footinor in Tasmania. It is expected there will be. five senior clubs affiliated to the Tasmanian Football League tbis year. In characteristic manner our late lion, .secretary -utcs the promotion of the concerts to provide the school teams with uniforms.

Players .are recomracnded to purchase copies of I lift Olago Football Association's Annual, and to make themselves thoroughly familiar with the laws of tho Fame. Therebv much unnecessary appealing. _ much unnatural heat, and much humiliation might bo saved. On Saturday a player of some standing vituperated an inoffensive referee for not blowing his whistle when the ball struck him (the referee). An acquaintance with Law 4 would have preserved Ihe player aoninst himself, inasmuch as it is (hero laid down that in the case of the ball striking the. referee or linesman no action should bo taken. In fact, a goal is scored if tho lull rebounds Uirouirh tho goal off the referee. In the matter of rules the question has been askerl, Can a roan be off side in his own half of llw field? The reply is "Certainly."