ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22904, 11 June 1936, Page 4

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

By Cob .neb-kick.

FIXTURES June 20. —v. Canterbury, at Dunedin. July 1. —v. Australia, at Dunedin. July 4. —New Zealand v. Australia, at Dunedin.

FLETCHER CUP The final matches of the first round of the Fletcher C'up competition produced some interesting results, and as the table stands at present Seaclitf is leading Mosgiel by one point, High School Old Boys and Maori Hill being next, each three points behind, whilst Roslyn-Wakari, by playing a drawn game with Seaclilf last Saturday, moved up to the fifth position. Owing to next Saturday’s trial game and the return game against Canterbury lor the Jones Trophy the following week, the competition matches will not be resumed until June 27.

MOSGIEL v. NORTHERN Spectators at the Mosgicl-Northern garnc, played at Logan Park, witnessed fast and interesting football, notwithstanding the six goals difference in the scores. Northern was well beaten, although as a side it displayed plenty of dash and kept the ball moving with long passes, but it was no match against the constructive play of the country team. The forwards, with the exception ot Smith and Peart, were not ’ impressive, there being too many faulty passes. Smith, on the right-wing, was in good form. He shows to better advantage on a heavy ground, and sent over some line crosses, which should have brought results. Gordon played well at centre-half, but the failure of the half line in general to check the opposing forwards gave Collins, in goal, a full day, and he performed well under the circumstances.

A feature of the game was the outstanding work of Farnan at inside-left. His cleverness in passing and nippy footwork had the defence puzzled. He is without doubt the finest exponent of the round ball game seen here for many a day. W. Steven, on the left wing, spoilt much of Farnan’s play by taking the ball too far through, instead of passing back to his inside man and taking up position for another pass. Davidson. Rogers and Nicolsou all played fine games, the first-named scoring , five of the eight goals registered. Although missing several easy chances, those ho scored were exceptionally well taken, denoting cleverness in controlling the greasy ball. In filling the position of centre-half C. Skinner played a very sound game, holding the team well together and feeding his forwards with judgment. He is the versatile player of the team, having already this season filled the positions of left-wing and full-back. On Saturday’s game ho has evidently found the position which suits him best, and the selectors were apparently impressed as, they have given him a place in the trial match on Saturday. The wing halves. Williamson and- Steuhousc, were enterprising, and kept in close touch with the forwards. The full-hacks, whilst not as hard pressed as the opposing pair, kicked and cleared cleanly, and Hall, as a last lino of defence, was safe and sure.

SEACLIFF v. ROSLYN-WAKARI 'JTic.se teams met at Seucliff before a good attendance. The ground was greasy, and on the run of the play a draw was a good indication of the game. In the last 20 minutes Koslyn made strong efforts to secure the winning goal, but were kept out by the sound play of Anderson at full-back and Kankine in goal. Raukine appears to have an awkward style, but bo is very sure, and the team lias every confidence in him.

Iloslyn was well served in goal by Agnew, who received good support from the backs, Ramage and Ness. The fullbacks’ play was made easier through the Seacliff’s inside forwards laying too far back. Chisholm and M'Callion were the best of the half-line, the centre, Welham, failing in defensive play. The play of the -forwards did not come up to expectations. Munsie, although ou the slow side, put in some fine, heady play. Skinner, at centre, was disappointing. He overdid the tricky work and attempted few straight shots at goal. For Seacliff, the backs, Anderson and Ruddiman, were poor at the commencement, but displayed decided improvement ns the game progressed. Anderson was unfortunate to put the ball through his own goal due to a great extent to the greasy ball. Hector, Truesdalc, and Thompson played hard throughout, repeatedly blocking the attacking movements. The Seacliff forwards were lost without Hooper to lead the van. AVatson filled the inside-left position, Fyfc going to centre. AA’atson played well in the first half, but lack of training told in the latter period of the play. Fyfc scored his side’s only goal with a neat header, hiit should keep up near the backs more and not give them so much scope to clear. Hooper, who was forced to stand down owing to a previous injury, hopes to he fit and well for the trial game on Saturday. He is keenly interested in the coming tour of the Australians, having, as a member of the Auckland representative team, played against the Australians when they toured the Dominion during the 1922 season. For the same tour he was selected as first reserve for the New Zealand team in the three tests, and should lie he selected to represent Otago in the coming match with Australia, ho would have the honour of being the only player in New Zealand, and for that matter in Australia a s well, of having played in both tours.

TECHNICAL y. OLD BOYS There was a largo gathering of spectators to witness this match, which was played under excellent conditions at the Oval, and it was treated to a fast game, Old Boys’ front line being responsible for some nice movements. A feature of this game was the excellent display of goalkceping by Tointon, who undoubtedly saved his side from a heavy defeat. If this player would cultivate rising to a high ball with his legs straight instead of knees up, ho would greatly improve his game, as he is inclined to lose balance. Middlemiss and Jones had a hard day, and were fairly safe. Of the halves Groves was the pick, feeding his forwards with nice passes. The forwards did not impress, sadly missing Witchall. Smith, in goal for Old Boys, had an easy day. Chapman, who played at right* back, cleared in line style, but Pickcrill has played better. M’Narey was the beet half on view, doing a lot of work, and doing it well, hut is inclined to balloon the ball when' passing to Ids forwards. This young player should catch the selector’s eye before long. The forward line was an improvement from the previous Saturday. Duncan, Groves, and Latimer combining beautifully, although it was overdone at the expense of the left wing. Groves’s shooting from well out was deadly, and Tointon had, some hard shots to deal with. The game was played in an excellent spirit.

MAORI HILL v. MORNINGTON In this game, played at Mornington, there was not much difference between the teams, both sets of forwards missing many chances in front of goal, but the better placing of the Hill’s half line and general positional play of the team gave it the advantage to win by 6 goals to 3. Holden played well in goal, but tbe backs, Taylor and Bayne, were very unsteady, and inclined to miskick, whilst the latter penalised his team with three penalties. The bail line held the team w'ell together, and kept in close touch with the forwards. The left-wing pair were the best of the front line, Little, on the wing, scoring three good goals. Baughen, in goal for Mornington, is improving, making many line clearances. The backs, Riddell and Harrison, were inclined to get out of position, and lack of heading ability cost their side two goals. The plaeiiigs of the halves was not accurate, and more quicker action in opening the play to the forwards is necessary to give the front men more advantage in the attack. Over-kicking spoilt much of the forwards’ play, although they worked hard throughout. Sainsbury on the right wing was the best of the line.

SATURDAY’S TRIAL GAME In view of the representative fixtures ahead for Otago, the trial game next Saturday should be of interest to local supporters. Canterbury’s clear-cut -victory over Otago in the opening representative game of the season brought home to the selectors that some radical changes are necessary if .the representatives are to regain their prestige in the game in the Dominion- In positioning the players in the two teams announced for Saturday’s game, the selectors are playing what they consider to bo the strongest forward line against the best defence, and some illuminating plaj‘ should result. The final selection of the team will be made after next Saturday’s play, and in the meantime It) players arc assembling for training at Tonga Park. The return match with Canterbury' for the Jones Trophy takes place on June 20. and that against the Australians on July 1.

F.A. TROPHY In defeating Auckland by 2—l in tbc challenge game on Saturday, the Canterbury representatives proved that the form displayed against Otago a fortnight previously was no flash in the pan. Their win was all the more creditable when one takes into account that a factor in the Aucklanders’ favour in retaining the cup is the peculiar nature of Blandforrl Park. The playing area is clay surfaced, with the result that visiting players cither find it ns hard as rock or, under only a little rain, so greasy that footing is difficult, in which ease it is easily understood that local knowledge is a big advantage to the home side. The Canterbury team was the same aa played against Otago for the Jones Cup. with tiie exception that 11. Adam replaced F. Craggs at ontside-right, the latter being unable to travel. This is the first occasion that Canterbury has ever held the trophy during the 14 years it has been played for, the nearest it had reached previously being in .1934, when it lost to Auckland by 3 goals to 2. Commenting on the match, the New Zealand Herald states: —

The Canterbury side showed a marked superiority during the first spell, and it should have had a greater advantage than one goal at the interval. Revealing a better understanding of general methods, the visitors also used their advantage in height and weight in pushing home a senes of raids which had Auckland defending desperately. ’Flic Canterbury players were much superior in headwork, and whenever the ball was in the air the Aucklanders were at a disadvantage. The second half provided a change. The Canterbury players were less aggressive in their methods, which cave the defenders of the trophy a chance to regain their balance. Although the combination of the forwards was not impressive, Auckland hit back determinedly, and shortly after the interval had secured the equalising goal. Canterbury then tightened its grip again, and when a plcnalty kick gave the challenging team a fresh advantage Canterbury bung tenaciously to its lead. The spectators were privileged to see u brilliant goalkeeper in M’Rac, a player of exceptional build and agility, who provided Canterbury with a dependable last lino of defence. Ho was responsible for several brilliant saves, splendid anticipation enabling him to get down to shots which appeared certain to enter the net. Another salient feature of his play was the great length of his clearing kicks, which frequently lifted a siege and put the visitors on the attack. In a very solid and brainy defence, Gordon stood out for an excellent display. Very fast on the recovery, he upset Auckland’s at tack and fed his forwards with welljudged passes. The other halves, while solid defenders, were inclined to kick wildly.

Both the Canterbury wing men were slow, although Adam made amends in the first half with several fine centres. Sontcr and Ellis were always dangerous when within shooting distance, while Smith gave an intelligent interpretation of centre-for-ward play, distributing the ball nicely and evading the backs with clever footwork.

Auckland was responsible for a disappointing exhibition. It was only on a few occasions that, the team showed traces of good combination, while its play for the most part was ragged and ineffective. Wood. Fyvie, and Jetton showed up well ay individuals in the closing stages, but the forward line as a whole was not impressive. A fine display was given by Smith in the Auckland goal. He showed courage in moving out to meet the attackers, while his quick anticipation and safe handling saved the Auckland goal on a number of occasions.

During tho first half, when Auckland was almost continually on the defensive, Wright held the team together with a splendid exhibition of halfback play. Hagcett and Speed also gave no]jd displays, the former covering up nicely and making some smart recoveries. The teams were as follows; —

Auckland. —Smith, Hapgett, Speed, Watson, Wright. Chapman, Wood, Francis, Jepfion. Fyvie, Mnllane. Canterbury.—M‘Rae, Cawtheray, Fail, Patou, Gordon. M'Millan, Adam, Ellis,' Smith, Souter, Hall.