ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22258, 10 May 1934, Page 4

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

By COBNEB-KICW, Once again, apart from the harriers, the Association football game was the only winter code to be played on Saturday, The grounds, following the heavy rains, were wet and muddy, and under the conditions the display of football witnessed in the various matches, can be considered as good. The decision of the Postponement Committee to play all senior games, although meeting with a mixed reception from players, was apparently appreciated by the public, as the attendance at the Caledonian Ground was easily the best so far this season, and the gate receipts, which would otherwise have been lost, wijl greatly assist the funds of the association. The cold southerly and the waterlogged grounds made matters very trying for players, and the clubs which have been following a regular course of training felt the conditions least. Both the Northern and Technical players stood up well to the conditions, a fast pace being set and maintained throughout, and generally the interest of spectators was maintained to the end. As was expected, both Maori Hill and Northern, the only undefeated teams so far, won their respective games, leaving the positions on the table the same, as last week. These two teams are drawn to meet on May 19, when an interesting game should result. Seacliff, by their defeat of Roslyn-Wakari, now fill third place. High School Old Boys having dropped a point in drawing with Mornington, which gained its first cup point of the season. Two senior matches are set down for the Caledonian Ground on Saturday— Roslyn-Wakari v. Mosgiel at 1.30 p.m. and High School Old Boys v. Northern at 3 p.m.—both of which should provide interesting games. NORTHERN v. TECHNICAL Unfortunately, Technical were not at full strength to meet Northern, the absence of -Ives and Addison being due to a rumour that all matches were off on Saturday. The vacancies were filled halfway through the first spell by two juniors, Anderson and Harrison. Consequently the team was not in a position to take full advantage of the wind in the first spell. The absence of a centre-forward to make use of Skinner’s crosses did not account for the team’s . defeat, but the margin of difference in the scores would probably not have been so great had a centre-forward been playing. As it happened one of Northern’s goals wag doubtful, whilst, that scored by Jorieg for Technical towards the end of the first spell was a fair one, although disallowed by the referee. Considering the state of the ground, which cut up badly in parts, the play was interesting, the Northern team especially lifting the standard above the mediocre, , Northern is undoubtedly a strong side, and with its fast-moving and compact forward line, backed up by a trio of solid players in the halves, it will take a lot of beating this season. Perry, at centre-half, is playing at the top of his form, and the majority of Northern's goals were the result of his_ judgment in opening up the play for his-forwards. The forwards keep their positions well and combination is not wanting. The three inside-forwards, Anderson, Peart, and Henderson, show a fine sense in distributing the play. Anderson especially distinguished himself, and, along with Little, provides a strong left-wing. Peart, at ceritre-forward, is filling the position creditably, and his dash and ability to seize upon an opening will trouble most' goalkeepers. Henderson, at inside-right, made many good openings for Connolly,; The latter, however, is inclined to: .work, to the corner flag when he should . cut in or cross to the goal earlier in his run. Neither of the backs was outstanding. Both were troubled by the dash of Witchall and Skinner’s ball control, whilst their clearing was wild at times. Jones was a safe custodian, and had no chance to stop Witobail’* fine shot. " The Technical team, was .unsettled -from' the start, the forwards lacking the necessary combination to make headway. Skinner, bn the left wing, saw little of the ball throughout, but on the few occasions on which play came his way he displayed real ability, and would be‘ a most dangerous player if he had a suitable partner to work in with. Witchall also was outstanding. He is playing better than last season, 'but, like Skinner, had to make: most of the’play for himself. Among the halves, Patton, at centre, played a solid game, and with his team mostly on the defensive, his timely clearances repeatedly averted danger. Pilling, the left back, came out of a hard day with credit, displaying remarkable coolness fo a young player. He has the makings of a good, back. With the Northern forwards sweeping down on him, Tointon, the youthful goalie, had more than he could contend with. With a greasy ball he should make an attempt to get both hands to it instead of punching the ball, as it. is liable to slip off into goal.

SEACLIFF v. ROSLYN-WAKARI The match between Seacliff and RoslynWakari was played at Seacliff. the home side deserving its win, but not by a threegoat margin. Ground conditions were against the much lighter town team, but

had the Roslyn-Wakari players taken the chances which were offered the result might have been different. On the Seacliff side, Jordan made some excellent saves, although his handling of the ball on occasions was none too clean. Anderson was safe on defence, kicking acurately throughout, and was too good for his opponents’ left-wing. Warnock was again the most reliable half. Always in position, he was instrumental in repulsing many attacking movements. O’Rorke played in the half line, in which position he shaped better than as a forward, and along with Hector was always up with the play. The latter’s goal was a good one, and caught Harbourne napping. Baillie turned out at outside-left, and was the most dangerous forward on the field, his long, swinging crosses causing trouble throughout the game. Hooper was too closely watched to be his usual success, but played a serviceable game, whilst Gorrie was seen to better advantage than in his previous game against Maori Hill. For the losers Harbourne, in goal, played a great game, but, although he is not to be blamed for the goals against him, he might, have prevented the first by kicking clear after mishandling. Ramage at full-back played his usual sound game and along with Copland stood up well to a hard day. Scott was easily the best half and like Warnock, broke up many promising attacks. Welham played a hard game, but allowed Baillie too much scope, whilst M'Callion, although good in the open,, was shaky when pressed. The . appearance of Munsie, late of Seacliff, and Oliver, ot Maori Hill, made all the difference to the Whites’ front line, the former leading the team well. These players will greatly assist the hill club, <is they have the experience, and the younger players should, come on well under their guidance. One of the goals scored by Munsie was a particularly attractive effort. Oliver and Lennon have the making of a strong right .wing, both showing up in many fine passing bouts in the game. MORNINGTON v. HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS Mornington and H.S. Old Boys had the worst of the deal on Saturday, the change of venue from the Oval to the Littlebourne Ground bringing little relief as far as the' playing conditions were concerned. From the roadway, the surface at Littlebourne appeared to be in fairly good condition, but once play had commenced the ground became a sea or mud. Notwithstanding this, a keen gamo resulted, both sides scoring four goals. In the last 15 minutes, or so of play four goals were registered,' and excitement ran high with Old Boys heading Mornington s lead of three goals, which it had held for the greater part of the game. At this period, the lull team tired, and the halves made the mistake of dropping back on the defensive instead of forcing the play. Making a final effort in the last minute, Donnolly, who had displayed rare paco throughout, scored a good goal and enabled his team to share the points. The Mornington team, in which Marshall and Lowden replaced Porter ami Murphy in the half line, and Agnew replaced M'Quarrie in goal, gave a much improved display on previous games. The forwards, with Whyte leading them well, displayed a better sense of position and at the same time distributed the ball with judgment. All four of the team’s goals were scored as the result of well-defined ‘movements. Agnew, in goal, shaped well for a junior, and was unlucky with one goal when the ball slipped between his legs. The absence of Sutherland- for the greater part of the first spell upset Old Boys, but their dogged determination in fighting out a game to the finish brought its reward in the end. Smith, in goal, was riot as good as usual, the greasy ball giving him trouble in clearing. Sutherland, although slow to settle down to the conditions,' played well, especially in the latter part of the game. The outstanding front-rankers were Duncan and Romeril, the latter playing a fine game at inside right. , MAORI HILL v. MOSGIEL Prospect Park was heavy and showing signs, of surface water in places when Maori Hill met and defeated Mosgiel by 3 goals to nil. Both teams adapted themselves to the adverse conditions. M'Dougall, between the sticks for Mosgiel, was as safe as ever, arid saved brilliantly on several occasions. Steven, and Dodd, as full-backs, were tireless workers, but at times were caught badly out pf position. The wing halves, ‘Truesdale arid Stenhouse, were a tower of strength in the Blues’ defence, with Stenhouse slightly superior and always in position. M'Lean worked hard all day, but still has that tendency to roam. Of the forwards, Skipner was easily the best, and had he been used to advantage would no doubt have troubled the Hill defence. Carr, Williamson, and Rogers worked hard, but without method,, while MTntosh was too slow on the wing. In goal for Maori Hill, Holden was sound, but he is inclined to use big feet rather much. Taylor was the best back on the field, his tackling and clean kicking being a treat to watch. His partner, Dougal, who replaced Bayne, was inclined to lie too far up, but got through his work well. The Hill half-back line—Gordon, Brown, and Baird—displayed keen anticipation, and their placing was excellent throughout. In the forwards Davidson again proved his worth, and has settled the centre-forward position for the Maroons. His goal on Saturday was a great effort. ' M'Cormack and Dalziel made some fine openings for their respective wings, the first-named scoring a well-judged goal. Haldane is improving with every match, and has certainly played himself into the team. He also scored his first goal on Saturday. Balk, on the left-wing, was the same clever and heady player, his control and cutting in being nn object lesson to younger flayers, while he can still find the goal mouth from any angle. RULE 12 Following the publication in last week's notes of the alteration to Rule 12 a correspondent sends me the following cutting from a Home paper:— the S.F.A. are to be asked the solution to a problem provided by their new rule regarding injured players. The, rule says players cannot return to the field until the ball is dead, and they must report to the referee. But here is a point which might arise. Let us take as nn instance Colts and Rangers. M'Gonagle is injured. He is taken behind the line for attention. Smith, Rangers’ centre, rung through with the ball. He beats Kerinawny and shoots into an empty goal. Before the ball crosses the line. M'Gonagle rushes on to the field and kicks clear. What should’ the referee, do? The referee has no rule to guide him. unless under the ungentlemanly conduct clause. One referee was asked what he would do. His reply was, “ Throw down the ball and order the injured player behind the line.”