FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 14243, 18 June 1908, Page 10

FOOTBALL

Br Full Back. The follov.i. table shows the positions occupied by the teama competing in the Second Grade competition: —

' Duncdin won one match by default, and AVest Taieri one by, default, while Port Chalmers lost two matches by doiauH. By the alteration of the date of the intor-island match from Saturday, Juno 20, to Wednesday, June 24, local players selected to take part in this contest will be availablo for their club matches on Saturday next The team to represent New Zealand in the second test against the British team to bo playod ,in Wellington on Saturday, June 27, will bo selected immediately after tho finish of tho inter-island match, and the men decided en will remain in Wellington till the Saturday. :'t V. Cavanagh, of the Otago Match Committee, will represent Otago on the committee appointed to select the New Zealand team for the second test, Mr H. Harris being unable to spare the time to go to Wellington. Mr CayanagJi leaves on Monday morning for tho north with the Otago players selected to take part in the interislaud fixture. The team as no\y selected to represent t-iio South island against the North on Wednesday, June 24, is as follows:— Fall Back. Doell. Three-quarters. Fuller, Dansey, Fryer. Five-eighths. Eckhold, Gray. Half." Burns. Forwards. Fitzpatrick,. Mahonoy, Scott, Paton, Patterson, Ivimoy, Bain, Hamilton (wing). Emergency: Rudd (South Canterbury). Mr George Thomson, who travelled with the Jinglishmcn as tho representative of the Aew Zealand Rugby Union from Christchurch to luvcrcargill and back to Timaru left tne visitors at tho 'latter town and returned to Duncdin. Mr Thomson made himself very popular with the Britishers while on tour with them. The ex-Union and University player is a incst enthusiastic follower of tho sport, and intends putting in a week in Central Otago just prior to country week in orcier to give the Vincent Country team the benefit of his services as football coach. Gordon Denniston, who captained Otago against Southland at Jnvcrcargill last season, and who has lately been resident in yueonstown, has been transferred to Alexandra. Denniston is a sterling forward and will bo 'a tower of strength to the Greens this season. Denniston plaved his first game for Alexandra against Cromwell on Saturday, when the latter team won by 9 points to nil. Booth, Kaikorai and New Zealand representative, is now playing for the Newtown Club, Sydney. Wallace has quite recovered from his recent attack of rheumatism, and states that he is once more prepared to play for the Wellington and Now Zealand re presentativo teams if selected. The first New Zealand team to visit ling-land earned for themselves (he apt title of the All Blacks, by virtue of their all-black uniforms; while the professional team which followed was termed the "All Golds" as a consequence of the players receiving a share of the "gates" collected by the Northern Union; and now I notice a southern exchange lias dubbed the Maori team at present on a tour of Australia the "All Browns"! The Wellington representative half back. C. Green, who received much praise for his Ibe showing against tho Englishmen, is only 18 years of ago; and is the youngest Dominion player to participate in an inter national match. Green played for Wellington against Otago last year. J. Roddick, who captained the South Canterbury team .against the Anglo-Welsh-men at one time played for the Alhambra Club, and lias/reprcscntcd both Otago and Canterbury. Roddick was tho unwitting cause of losing the Second Grade banner to the Alhambra Second a few vears ago. Alhambra Second handsomely "beat the Raveusbourno loam in the deciding match, played at Ta-huna Tark, but a protest to the O.R.F.U. from the Ravcinsbounic Club against Alhambra playing Roddick, who was a senior player, was uphold and tho gamo ordered to bo replayed. The deciding contest came oft on the Caledonian Ground before a large attendance of spectators, and on this occasion Ravensboume won a strenuous gamo by a try to nil, and also the Second Grade banner for tho year. The Welsh, football championship was won by Swansea, with Cardiff runners-up. Swansea played 34 matches, and won 30, drew 1, and lost 5-two of Ihein against Cardjff. Cardiff played 31 inarches, of which 26 wore won, 4 lost, and 1 drawn. Each of the English teams which have visited the colonies has had at least one player who has stood out by reason ol his drop-kicking abilities. SfoddartY, team )»-d a. line goal-dropper in Spoakman; in Sivnght's team was Percy Bush, who was liable lo pot a goal on the slightest opportunity; ami in the present combination there is that splendid drop-kjcl; Jacke'tt. A footballer who represented Southland not so many years ago, when asked the other day what he considered the outstanding weakness of Southland football nowadays, said that it could be summed up in a few words: "Want of systematic training." This weakness is not the sole possession of Southland footballers. Thus a Sydney writer: "If the finest side New Zealand ever put to the field had met the Britiahors of 1904 at their lwst on tho Sydney Cricket Ground, it would have been tho football match of a century in tho Southern Hemisphere." As it is, the New Zealand match against tho 1901 English team at Wellington, in which the latter wore defeated, is usually considered by New Zea-landers tho match' of the century, so far as it has gone, in the Southern Hemisphere, and that against, the Welsh learn by the All Blacks in 1905, in which the latter wero defeated by 3 points, the match of lx>th hemispheres.' W. Hardcastle, tho old Melrose player, and who was a member of tho 1897 New Zealand team, is now playing tho Northern Union game. Ho represented Australia against New Zealand last Saturday week. Not a solitary momber of the above-named New Zealand team is still playing the gamo barring Hardcastle himself, and it surprised me to notice that he was in tho ranks of players at this stage. Hardcastle played for Wellington against Otago in that memorable match at tho Carisbrook Ground when Offside Mackenzie and his men made things particularly merry for the local team. Hardcastle was a forward on this occasion, and picking up the ball in Otago's twenty-five he potted a beautiful goal for the northerners. Mr J. M. Geddis, who is tripping round the world, writes from Brusiels to tho N.Z. Free Lance that "the Rugby gamo seems to bo gotting a hold on tho Continent. At Lansaune I saw. footballers returning from their match attired in tho short pants aud jcrsoys obtaining in New Zealand, h, Hanover I saw posters up

announcing a match for ICaster Monday between llio Aachen Club (champion of tlio Rhino-lands) and the Hanover Club (champion of Hanover)."

A writer in a Sydney paper refers to the manner in which Cabe and Morgan and O'Brien and Llewellyn, the threequarters of Sivright's team, used to sweep down the open side of tho forwards ready to come into the passing. Thin was a. feature of tho New Zealanders' play against Ihe Anglo-Welsh team. On breakaways from the line-out or scrums by the Now Zealand forwards tho three-quarters and five-eighths immediately came up parallel with the vanguard, and, the opposing forwards and half backs passed, the attack on the thin red line of English threequarters by Black forwards and throoquarters as well'was overwhelming. Tho possibility of tho ball being overrun and the British forwards being enabled to got away with it never seemed to be contemplated. Evidently both Sivright's team and tho New Zealanders—mostly All Blacks —realised tho truth of the well-worn axiom —(the best form of defence is attack. Whether the All Black team evolved the theory from the play of the 1904 English team I am not prepared to say. At tho conference between a sub-com-mittee of the O.R.F.U. and tho Referees' Association, held on Friday night, the following amendments in the existing rules wero decided on, the same to he forwarded tc the New Zealand Kugby Union for consideration:—That wing forward play bo abolished; that from a hick-out or kick-off tho ball be kicked parallel with the touchlino; that when a player is tackled and falfc to tho ground with the hall ho should hi allowed to pass, provided it is done immediately; that the referee .should put the ball in the scrum; that the ball should be thrown not Icm than live yards from tho louchlinc; .and (hat when a free kick is given "no charge" should be allowed. These proposed amendments aro much on the same lines as thoac decided on by the Wellington Referees' Association, and all in the direction of opening up the play. I should like to have seen the local conference, however, decide that the bull bo thrown at least 10yds into tho field of play from the touchliue. if a throw-in of syds from tho touchliue will have ihe effect of keeping tho ball in play, a throw-in of 10yds should have even a greater tendency to keep the game in motion. The proposal that from a kick-out the ball should not go out of boUnd3 is also a good one, and gives a side which has driven an opposing 6ido to force down 601110 advantage from their superior play, in offering them greater facilities to return once moro to the attack. The suggestion that the referee should put tho ball into tho scrum would, if carried, do away with a lot of the pointing tactics at presold; indulged in by players when placing a ball in a, scrum.

Referring to the statements made in tho New Zealand press that the present British team in New Zealand is a more powerful side than Bedell Sivright's team, "Cynic,'' Sydney Keferee, considers that if this is a true estimate of the respective abilities of the two teams on their play in Now Zealand, "one is strongly inclinod to tho view that Sivright's men never showed anything liko their real form in New Zealand. On their return they were assuredly a vastly different side from the beautiful team that had previously played in Sydney." The question of how at least the Otago team, which were defeated by Bedell Sivright's team on the Caledonian Ground in 1904, would lwvo fared had they played to win from the jump, as in the recent Anglo-Welsh match will always remain a fruitful source of discussion. By the time the Otago men in tho Bcdeli Sivright match liad realisod that their opponents were not such invincible footballers as they liad keen led to expect, tho Englishmen had obtained a lead which enabled them to finally add one more victory to their record.

ASSOCIATION. By Left Wing.

This evening in Wellington the N.Z.F.A. will consider an offer from a gentleman (who at present d<uires to ibe unknown} to pay the whole of the expenses connected wi tih the sending of 22 players to play 30 mutches against Home Second League teams in 1909, and to allow the A'.Z.l'.A. a .percentage (yet to ba anungod) of profits. Whilst th-21'e are many difficulties connected with a proposition in the carrying out of which the N.Z.F.A. cannot, possibly have complete control of tho arrangements, and -whilst it would be infinitely preferable that a Home team should iinil visit the Dominion, the offer must, I think, be acocipted, providing the terms of tho proposal allow tlio N.Z.F.A. sufficient authority. In tho meantime the feeling of tbs local association is thai if the tour is to benefit football in the Honiinion tho selection should be conllnod to bright voting players who have learned their football in New Zealand. I shall return to this subject next week.

Lot us talk of the Mornington A-Southem match, with tho understanding that the condition of the ground is taken as read. Grounds, liko referees, exist mostly to harass the players and spoil sport. 'Die principal lack in this match was four wing forwards. Given an improved article in this department on Saturday, and there would have been much more interesting football. As it was, the game was fast enough to satisfy the most gluttonous player—and a good deal/ too rapid for a number, mostly Southern men, who did not appear overtrained,—but it was not particularly clever. Morningiou held the vantage of play in tho first half, but Southern turned the tables after half timo, and Mornington mu.;l. lie regarded as fortunate in finishing up victors by the narrow margin of the ever unsatisfactory penalty goat

Interest in Mornington circles centred upon the reappearance of J. Baillie—newly returned from Home, wearing a trifle more flesh than when he left Duncdin-and the initial appearance of a new half llack, bv name Kobertson, from Falkirk, with the approved accent. The former's knee has not ■ troubled him for some time. Ho played amateur football in tho Old Country. To play "amateur" at Home is not so unremunerative as may \k supposed, for tho "expenses" allowed to amateurs may amount to 10s or more per match. But this by the way. The Baillies wore not so conspicuous as was their wont, although there wero occasional bright flashes. Baillie tlio younger liad only been a week off tlio boat, and w.as amongst those who were heard to inquire as to how near was the end.

Robertson is a nioely sot up centre half, courageous aud dashing, but I want to sec more of him before I am prepared to sound his praises. Mornington supporters were apparently pleased with him. Haig, whoso place Robertson was for the time occupying, commenced as centro forward, and it was not surprising that ho did not altogether grasp the requirements of the situation. A half lack is so seized of the necessity of falling back for defence when tlio play advances into his quarters that it is "agin uatur'" for him to easily drop into the centre forward play, which requires him to hang about in the vicinity of the goal mouth ieady to shoot, Kelly, whose progression from tho lower ranks to Senior Grade has been meteoric, justified his promotion on Saturday. He is a strong player, a fearless tackier, "requiring yet some training in the art of placing the ball judiciously instead of being merely content with getting rid of it. Allen aud Brady, at. oppesilo goals, were very safe, the latters saving of Grenfell's high shot being nothing short of brilliant. Southern suffer from a curious disposition to change their backs into forwards. Formerly it was Ashlon's usefulness being wasted by placing him up wing forward; now it k M'tlutchon, serviceable as a full back, being saddled with the delicate and intricate responsibilities of left winger. The thing is unreasonable. Ross, on tlio right wing, found it difficult to sorow the Ivall in towards the goal. M'Kinuou put in some good work, but his placing was not always accurate. Cranston played his usual quiet, clever, but leisurely game, and Macdonald led his men in true sportsmanlike style. Ashton has played much more reliable games, but lus colleague, Milton, was a shining ligJit, meeting doterrninod onslaughts with an easy confidence born of a valuable habit of keeping his eye upon the ball no matter how many opponents may bo around it and him.

Referees liave not so far responded to my invitation to draw attention to points of interest cropping up in the games over wiiioh they exorcise control. The iuvitatiou still remains open. .Meanwhile a wfluclion upon the Alornington A-Southeru match may be of interest. Players ami spectators find it very difficult to appreciate the fact that a man may.ha.ve three opponents in front of bim and still bo offside. It seems to be a very common fallacy thai a man in an offside position is placed onsiilo immediately three opponents como between him and the goal. Every week seniors may ba found pointing to the required numbers of opponents between them and the goal to demonstrate that they could not possibly have been offside. It iiappened on Saturday as usual. The Mornington halves passed the ball up to their forwards, who were mostly in an offside position. J3y the time tho ball (not having touohod another player) reached these forwards ono of tho Southern men had run back, thua making thrco opponents between tho Mornjnjrton for-

wards and the Southern goal, A Blue-and-blaek gaily received the ball, and there was mild consternation when the whistle was immediately sounded for "olfsidc." Another point: A Mornington forward fouled near Southern j>oal, hut almost at the same moment a Southern back, with a glorious kick, shifted the ball to jw.it tlio halfway. No wide u-wake referee,would rob Southern of the special advantages gained by (Jiat kick by bringing the ball back under goal for a free kick, with its attendant risks. Vet a Southern player cried out most pitifully—not to say wrathfully—because tlio referee did not blow his whistle and bring the ball all the way buck. One back appealed most persistently for offside against opining forwards who wore still on their own half of the field.

Northern and Maori Hill players may benefit by a thoughtful perusal of the following notes by a keen observer and shrewd critic: —

The Northern-Maori Hill match at tlie Gardens last Saturday was interesting, and marked by' many touches of clean, clever football. The superiority of Northern over their friends was confined to shooting. In open play and clover footwork Maori Hill, as a team, were tatter than Northern. The chief defect in tho play of the Hill team is the result of inexperience, and can ho easily remedied. Four of the forwards should practise shooting. The other (M'Clclkuid) needs support, In football as in life, it is not gcod for a man to bo alone. M,'Clolland' is a splendid player, but he cannot do impossible things. His neighbours should study the art of playing to him ut the right moment. He got few opportunities to shine on Saturday, which wan a pity for his team and broadminded spectators. I use tho term "brcadmiuded" with a purpose, and desire to statu once anil for all that the attitude ; displayed by [many Northern supporters against their one-time favourite was in bad taste, although an unconscious coui-i plimcnt to tho clever Maori Hill left I winger. It is unnecessary to eay more. I Granted _ ihat Maori Hill players arc , not a scoring team, it may be justly said that they have no causo to l;c disheartened or dismayed. They are setting up a good standard of football, which is the slow but corlain road to success. The goalscoring skill will come in good time. In" future matches let the forwards ba ready to shoot low and hard whenever they get within 20 yards of their opponents' goal. 0. lieeby should bo played on the left wing with M'Olelland. Tho change would bring goals. Try it. H. Aspuiall, tho right full hack, would make his kicking skill invaluable to li-is team if he kicked tho ball more to the left. . I mention those changes in all goodwill. There cannot be too many good teams in Dunedin. '_ Northern won the match bv smartness in front of goal and solidity of defence, the ludf, backs, excepting Leekie, were too rash in their kicking. Of the forwards, Evans stands most in need of advice. He should exert himself more to get.the ball. A speedy wing forward can afford to run back and.help his half back occasionally. James Timlin improves every match. Anuersott should practise sprinting. _In the Second Grade match between Northern and Wakari poor form was shown by, both teams. Northern's forwards are a fast lot, but one or two of them have a tendency to play the offside game. Paterson, who scored, has a. very nice style, aud should develop into a good player;, hut just now lie is too anxious, and has a tendency to overrun tho rest of his forwards and miss chances. Foord, Thompson,'and M'Laren all played a very fair game,-while at back Irvine showed very good form. For Wakari Campbell, who has been playing in Fourth Grade up till Saturday, was to the fore, and scored a very nice goal. Although' only a young player, ho has the makings of a first-class footballer, and 'should bo encouraged. Handle, centre half, is also a coming man. He kept his forwards well fed with the ball, and gave them plenty of opportunities, which, however, they failed to take advantage cf. Quitter, Wilson, and Hay also displayed fair form. In the Fourth Grade match High School A v. Wakari some very interesting play took place. Tho School team were heavier than their opponents, and, if anything, taster. Stephens, at full bank, was a thorn in the side of Wakari, spoiling many gcod attempts made by them. At times he played really brilliantly. Dawson, who was responsible for both goals, has a good turn of speed, and his dribbling was nice and clean. Hastings, in goal, did bis work well, saying several very hard shots. Along with liac, perhaps these wore the best of the School combination. For Wakari T. Duff and Waugh played well, while Marshall, in tho back division, had a very, hard game to play, but showed himseff equal to the task. Rcid, on the wing, is a very hand worker, but wero he to bo tried in an inside position ho would show to much bettor, advantage. Has Mornington over defeated Northern?. Fresh light is thrown upon this interesting question by the following letter;— "Dear 'Left Wing,'—ln reference to the question as to whether a Mornington Knior team ever defeated Northern, I. must beg to differ from ' Blue-and-Black,' who ' believes' Mornington defeated Northern at the Gardens by 3 goals to 2, ' four or five years ago.' The only occasion upon which -Mornington succeeded in beating the Northern senior eleven was at Mornington in 1902, when tho hill team was successful by 4 goals to 3. The Northern team of that year included such wellknown players as M'Nair, M'Laughlin, Chadwick, Kearney, Sicdcborg, and others, awl among the Mornington men were Alex. Martin, Seolyo (captain), Muir, and Ben Sparrow. It was a hard-fought game, and Northern at tho end of tho first spell wero leading by 3 goals to 1, but tho Morniaglon forwards, aided by the brilliant kicking of Sparrow, completely took, charge cf the game, and quickly put on three goals. Muir, I think, scored two, and Grey tho winning goal. Mornington the voir before (1901) suffered a crushing defeat by Northern at tho Gardens by 12 goals to nil.-'ln .1903 Northern beat Morniugton twice—at Mornington by 6to 4, and at the -l'oibury by 6 to- 2. In 1904 the first match resulted in Mornington suffering defeat by 4 to 1, and the second match Northern won by 3 to 2.—1 am, etc., Ernest J. Litolff."

» .2 • •" %Ch (S fi ft «| £ Dunedin* .. .. G G — — 115 3 12 llavcnsbourno .. G G • — — 80 5 12 West Tai«ri* .. 6 G — — .70 9 12 Pirates .... .. G 5 1 — 66 21 10 Kaikerai .... G 3 2 1 47 40 7 Southern A .... G 2 2 2 20 41 (i Taicri Rovers .. G 3 3 — 49 53 G University . .. G 3 3 — GO 4G G Southern B .. ■ 6 2 4— 35 50 4 A!hamb«i .. ..6 2 4 — 45 46 4 Zingnri-Kichniond G 2 4 — 38 44 4 Union G — 5 1 12 64 1 Y.M.C.A G — 6 - 5 163 0 Port Chalmers* .. G — G — 11 63 0