ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23504, 19 May 1938, Page 4

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

By Corner Kick

FIXTURES June 6.—Canterbury v. Otago for Jones Cup Trophy. FLETCHER CUP COMPETITION No appreciable change resulted in the positions of the leading teams in the Fletcher cup competition, following last week's games, except that Maori Hill with four wins is on top, two points ahead of Mosgiel, which, however, had the bye. Although Maori Hill had a close call against Northern, the two first mentioned clubs appear the likely contenders for the premiership.. Still there is a possibility of High School Old Boys and Northern being more prominent. The latter team put up a much better game on Saturday, whilst Old Boys expect to present a more balanced side when Chapman takes up his old position at centre-half, and also with the return of G. Sutherland to full-back. The play-off between Mosgiel and Maori Hill, the two leading teams, on Saturday at Logan Park, should give supporters an excellent opportunity of witnessing bright football. Both sides are our best exponents of the better class of football, and there is every reason to expect fast and exciting play. MAORI HILL v. NORTHERN Contrary to expectations, Northern provided Maori Hill with its strongest opposition so far this season. In the past, Northern was always regarded as a team liable to rise to the occasion, and Saturday's play proved no exception. Hill was mostly on top in the first half, but Northern in the latter part of the game, although weakened by the play of Young, who received an injury, fully extended the opposition, and was unlucky in not at least sharing the points. Gordon's absence from the front line was another factor, as Thompson, who filled the vacancy, had had too long a spell from the game to be fit enough to stand up to the solid pace set. Hill's superiority lay in its half line, of which Sutherland and Haldane were the best. These two playefs have developed a keen sense in backing up each other, which enables the attack to be developed when one or the other is blocked. Cuthbert. who is usually in the right-half position, was not playing. Mills filling the vacancy with credit. Henderson, Little, and Balk were very dangerous in the first spell, bringing off some fine passing movements, which Balk completed by sending over well-placed centres. Much of their play was nullified by the determined defensive play of the Northern backs, Bennie and Anderson, and Warren in-goal. Both backs displayed even form throughout, whilst Warren, the goalkeeper, gave a sound exhibition. In his coolness he gave one the impression of being slow in getting rid of the ball. Buchanan was the best of the halves, with Sutherland at left-half improving in the second spell. The changing over of McLean to the centre-forward position made a remarkable difference in the play of the forwards during the latter half. He consistently troubled Sutherland, and it was his play which gave Reynolds his chance to score Northern's only goal. With little help to be expected from the right-wing pair, Northern should have concentrated more on playing to Reynolds, as the left-winger put in good work when play came his way, and Taylor had difficulty in keeping him in check Reynolds makes good use of his pace, and shoots well. Considering the fast play, it was only to be expected that both sides would miss opportunities, but Northern is to be congratulated on its improved showing, and should command a better position on the table ere long. At no period in the play could Hill rest on its laurels, and it says much for the defence, especially in the second half, when Northern was pressing hard, that the black and whites scored only once. Holden provided safety between the sticks, and was well supported by Taylor throughout, whilst Bayne made for better play the harder he was pressed. Hill's forward line can be dangerous in attack. On Saturday, however, it did not appear to have the quickness in thrust shown in previous games. Both Little and Gilchrist, the inside men, were inclined to play too much football at times. Gilchrist, however, provided some fine touches, and in addition to scoring Hill's second goal, it was his clever play which gave Wadsworth a clear opening to centre for Henderson to open the scoring. Henderson, although closely watched by Buchanan, held the line well together, and displayed judgment in distributing play to either wings

ROSLYN-WAKARI v. TECHNICAL The game at Ellis Park between these teams did not come up to expectations, mainly on account of the poor opposition from the Technical side. The forceful play of previous teams from the College Old Boys was lacking. The home side had matters much its own way all Jirough, and with accurate shooting should have collected a much larger tally of goals. On the few occasions Technical was in shooting position, lack of finish also marked its efforts. Both teams would benefit with a spell of shooting practice

For the winners Bennett, in goal, safely dealt with the few shots which came his way, and whilst the fullbacks, Ramage artd Ness, had comparatively an easy day the latter was the better of the two. Supporters of the team were greatly pleased at the improved showing of Welham at centre-half. In attack and defence he showed rare judgment, and was ably assisted by Smythe, who improved on his play in the previous week's game. McCallion also did his share, having the harder wing to contend with. In the front line Rutherford was the best, always on the ball and giving his wing man excellent passes. Wilson's play was also sound. He is a very neat player, who parts to good advantage. Stanton, at centre, netted a couple if goals which were well taken but he missed many othei chances. Of the wingers McGregor showed to better advantage than Ramsay the latter being slow a* times. Clarke, in goal for Technical, came out of a busy day with credit Mowat and Duerdon set up a solid defence, albeit some of the former's clearances were erratic. He gave away no less than nine corners in the first spell Groves was the team's best half, breaking up many fine movements besides making good play on attack. The front rank lacked cohesion, giving one the impression of getting rid of the ball without thought. Chapman was probably the best oi the line. O'Malley, though speedy, was too well watched to be dangerous. Grant and Howie, the inside forwards, were failures on the day, but showed that with proper attention their play could be improved

CAVERSHAM v. H.S. OLD BOYS This game, played on Caversham's home ground, kept the many spectators fully interested until the end, when the recently-promoted junior side made strong and determined efforts to gain victory. The result—a draw —was in keeping with the play, and it says much for the young Caversham players when they outstayed what has always been recognised as one of the fittest teams in the competition—H.S. Old Boys. Although lacking combination to some extent, the Caversham players make up for this in fast following up tactics. The side is very evenly matched respecting the ability of players, with the possible exemption of McSkimming, who, on Saturday's play, was its star performer. This player, although on the light side, shows promise in the outside-left position, and crosses equally well with either foot. Williams also was prominent, but'is inclined to hang on to the ball too long. The half line was tireless and gave every support to their van. The full-backs were inclined to play too square, and also too prone to fall back on the goal-keeper when pressed. Old Boys appeared to be unsettled by Caversham's bustling tactics, and were often caught out of position by the ball swinging from wing to wing. J. Williamson, ex-School and Mosgiel player, turned out at centre-half and played well until his condition showed him up. Smith, in goal, was again safe, as was Hamilton at full-back. McNarey was the best of the halves. In the forwards L. Groves and Cameron combined well, but the former was well watched and got few chances. Kidd and H. Groves on the right are not showing the combined

play expected from this pair. The game was played in excellent spirit, and should enhance Caversham's prospects.

SEACLIFF v. MORNINGTON At Seacliff the hospital side unexpectedly won from Mornington by the narrow margin of 1 goal to nil. Play was mostly in favour of the winners, although lack of finish by the forwards and the good work of Agnew, in goal for Mornington, prevented a larger score. Scott, its centre-half, was the outstanding player on the field, keeping good position in defence and playing up nicely to his forwards. Henderson was the pick of the forwards, and Rankine, in goal, brought off some good saves, although not troubled to the same extent as Agnew. Mornington was without the services of Cope, who, through an injured foot, will be on the side line for a few Saturdays. Mornington provided no outstanding players amongst the backs and forwards. The material, however, is there, but lack of backing up and placing of the ball and too much individual effort is the reason why results are not forthcoming. CHATHAM CUP Entries for the Chatham Cup competition closed on Monday, and it is pleasing to note that three of our best local clubs—Mosgiel, Maori Hill, and Northern—have entered. With a view to popularising the competition, the council decided to reduce the entry fee to £1 Is, but its decision to adhere to a recent decision not to provide hotal accommodation for teams in the semifinals and final will no doubt be cause for disappointment. Previously this had been the first marge or the gaie receipts after payment of all match expenses, and teams could usually look forward to receiving a proportion, if not all, of the hotel expenses. Under the changed conditions it will be interesting to note by the number of entries received how clubs throughout the Dominion view the position FIRST UNIVERSITY SIDE PLAYING IN AUCKLAND Auckland University, according to the Auckland Star, has shown the way to the rest of the Dominion by the formation of an Association football team. The report states:— For the first time in the nistory rt the University of New Zealand, an Association football team representing one of the constituent colleges has entered serious competition. This season has seen an eleven representing Auckland University competing under the control of the Auckland Football Association, and, judging by the keenness of its members, it should not be long before the club ranks as one of the major sports organisations of the college In spite ot its recent formation, the team, which plays in the third senior division, has shown definite promise and has a fairly good record to date. A narrow loss by 2 goals to 1 was suffered in the first match of the season, while the second game tesulted in a draw. Continuing its improvement, the side gained its first win last Saturday. In Dunedin all efforts to have the game introduced into the Training College have met with poor response from the authorities. Only two winter codes —Rugby and hockey—are played in the college, a student being required to have a knowledge of either as part of his grading list. Thus many promising Association football players who have played the game in the primarv and secondary schools before' taking up the teaching profession are forced to drop the game. Is there any need to wonder why headmasters of primary schools fall back oi the old plea that no teachers with the requisite knowledge are available to take charge if the soys desirous ol playin; the round ball game? However. Auckland's break from tradition should help to stimulate the other centres to activity in the matter. The English amateur team which toured the Dominion last year included several Cambridge and Oxford University men. and no one could desire to see a finer display of Association football than was given by this team.