ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23829, 8 June 1939, Page 4

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL

By Comer-kick FIXTURES June 17.—Auckland v. Otago, at Dunedin —F.A. Trophy. JONES CUP MATCH Canterbury 8, Otago 5 jugt about sums up the difference in the merits ’of the representative sides which delighted the many spectators with a fast, thrilling, and high-scoring game. Canterbury on the day was full value for its three goal lead, and was superior to Otago in most positions. The visitors’ early speed, positioning, covering, and backing up gave them a three goal lead before Otago settled, and it was then that Otago should have fought back, but as it was they continued on defence, and it was only by sheer clever, determined play on J. Skinner’s part that brought Otago up. He was ably supported by Rogers, and as both were well and truly

G. SMITH,

guarded they had to work for an opening through the visitors’ strong defence. Canterbury’s half line was its strong point, but they were given too much latitude to come through with the ball and place it to advantage. In big or representative football that should not occur; the opposing inside should watch that it does not happen. Although Otago fought gamely to even up the game, the players were handicapped more by their lack of inches to a great extent, and as Otago does not possess any outstanding typical half-back around the 6ft mark, the local selector is faced with a decided handicap. Both goal-keepers had no chance with the majority of goals scored against them. Hall was unlucky, as he was caught on his goal line with a chest-high ball when R. Smith promptly charged him. Cawtheray and McMillan were sounder than Sutherland and Ruddiman, and covered each other better. Both local full-backs had an anxious time on account of the halves’ faulty covering. Ruddiman was definitely below club form. Canterbury’s half line played sound football. They were up in support and back quickly on defence, although none of the trio appeared to be speed merchants. Murphy, who replaced McNarey in the Otago side at left-half, was good on attack, but his positional play on defence was weak, Almond having the whole line to work on in the first half. The latter player was mainly responsible for the three opening goals. C. Skinner played his usual game, at no stage rising above club standard. His goal was well taken. Pauli was a dour tackier, and put in a lot of work, but failed, after having made his tackle and robbed his opponent, and generally lost the ball to an opponent or kicked too far ahead of his forwards. The Canterburjvforwards, as a line, combined well, the Smith brothers and Souter having a good understanding. The inside forwards gave valuable support to their centre, whereas with Skinner, the Otago centre, who was closely watched, when tackled had only Rogers to pass to or else worm his way through for a shot. Davidson, his partner at inside-left, played altogether too deep. Steven did not see much of the ball, but should remember when to dribble and when to lob to goal. McFarlane was most disappointing, failing to reach anything like the form he has been showing in club football. Almond and Hall, the visiting wingers, had good ball control, were fast, and shot or crossed as the play required. The game marked the eighth contest for the trophy. Otago has won it on four occasions, Canterbury three, whilst one match was drawn. Excellent overhead conditions prevailed for the play, the ground also being in fine order, and the crowd appeared to be fully interested throughout. With Otago fielding a stronger trophy eleven against Auckland on June 17 the many . “ soccer ” followers should be in for a real treat, and, as an Auckland eleven turned the tables on the Navy on Monday by winning 2—o. the local side will have to be right on their game to hold the major Dominion trophy. FLETCHEK CUP COMPETITION The results of last week’s games made no appreciable difference to the positions of teams on the table the two leaders, Mosgiel and Northern, still continuing their winning way. These teams are four points ahead of High School Old Boys, which has played one more game than the leaders. Seacliff and Maori Hill follow on. each with seven cup points. Mosgiel and Northern will meet next Saturday, and this match will count for both the Fletcher Cup and local Chatham Cup competition. MOSGIEL v, MAORI HILL Maori Hill put up a valiant attempt to lower the colours of the country team which experienced the hardest opposition so far met with in this year's competition. Good football was not over abundant, but the play, typical of cup-tie football, made the game interesting throughout. Hill’s team was disorganised through the absence of Romeril and Cuthbert, and although defeated by a difference of three goals, had the satisfaction of fully extending Mosgiel Mosgiel’s clever forward line was only occasionally allowed to function with perfect freedom but it was the better finished play of the latter that accounted for Mosgiel’s win. The Hill line lacked thrust, and there were some fine chances missed by Henderson and Haldane. Both sides were well served in goal. Wills, for Maori Hill, gave an excellent display, showing he had lost little of the art since representing Otago some years back. Hall, too, played with confidence, notwithstanding his backs were not up to the mark, especially in close work. Taylor, Hill s right back, was right on his game, being the best back afield. Bayne was uncertain, and has lost speed The Mosgiel pair did not impress; Johnstone who has mostly played as a centre-half, was inclined to play with the ball too much, and this against faster moving forwards would be dangerous. The Mosgiel halves were superior to the opposing trio. They kept much better position, and C. Skinner excelled in playing the third back game Stenhouse had a fine understanding with his forwards and it would be stronger for better placing the next representative team. Pauli was a forceful tackier, but his play would be stronger by his ballooning of the ball Mills, at centre-half tor Hill filled an unenviable position in having to face the clever inside play of the opposing van Like most local halves he played too deep, but having already this season played as a fullback and a forward he has had little chance to adjust himself. Little was opposed by a strong pair in Rogers and Nicholson, and performed better than McQuarrie on the opposite wing Mosgiel’s forward play was good, with the right-wing being outstanding. Rogers was nippy in opening up

play to Nicholson, and positions himself well when an attack is under way. Nicholson has never played better, his only weakness on Saturday was the tendency to over-drive his centres. J. Skinner, at centre, was always dangerous;, his cleverness in making openings troubles the defence, and he made good use of his opportunities. Davidson played deep to take advantage of the gap left by the opposing halves, but he and Steven found Taylor hard to pass. Balk was again the best of the Hill van; his centres from the line were always well judged, but both Haldane and Henderson were too slow. Morris, a junior, who filled the insideright, shows promise, whilst Wadsworth, who did some good work at times, spoilt his play by passing without first gauging the positions of the respective players.

ROSLYN-WAKARI v. HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS

This game at Ellis Park exceeded expectations as far as the home team was concerned. The score 3—o was a fair indication of the play, and had it not been for solid defence on the part of Old Boys’ backs the score must have been larger. The feature of the game was the play of Roslyn’s halfback line, which had their opponents’ front rank well held throughout. Good cohesion beween the trio and the front rank accounted mainly for the victory. School did not show the clever footwork usually displayed by them. They lacked penetration, and shot wildly when near goal. For the winners Hughson did well in goal. Ramage and Simpson (the former taking Ness’s position) did not get much to do. but what came their way was cleared nicely. Of a good half line Wilson was the best afield. The centre position suits this player, whilst T. Smyth played his best game so far this season. D. Smyth was also safe on defence and attack. In the front line Welham was successful at centre, getting two good goals. Chisholm and McCallion played well also, whilst Ramsay and Rutherford sent in some good crosses. The latter’s goal was one out of the box.

For School Nixon had a busy time, but could not be blamed for those that got past him. Credit must be granted to Sutherland and Nelson for the splendid defence set up. the former being in top form. In the mid-line Duncan tried hard to get his men in front going. He was the pick. McNarey seemed to be saving himself, whilst the right-half could do nothing right. Of a weak front line, Groves was the best, but had no support from his centre. McDermott, who was easily robbed in possession of the ball. Pauli was not forceful enough. He has played better games. The wingers, Race and Kidd, sent in one or two good shots, the former being the better. This game was decidedly in Roslyn’s favour. SEACLIFF v, CAVERSHAM This match was played on Tonga Park, which was in good order. The game was fast and clean and always interesting. More experience and understanding of one another’s play eventually gave Seacliff the victory by 7 goals to 2. ' The two full-backs. Anderson and Ruddiman. put up a solid defence, and the Caversham forwards found them difficult to pass. The halves. H. Ives, Scott, and Rogers, did all that was asked of them. A lively forward line was well led by Fyfe, who was in good shooting form, and always dangerous on attack.

As a team, Caversham did not seem to play up to recent form. The weakness appeared to lie with the halves, who played too far behind their forwards. The forwards lacked penetration with the exception of James Gilchrist, who played a heady game. He broke through several, times only to find Seacliff full-backs right in position, and consequently his attempts to goal were blocked. Bennett gave the better display at full-back, and was a tower of strength to his side. Goalkeeper Stevenson gave a good display, but should remember to keep his eye on the ball instead of paying attention to attacking forwards. In the remaining game between Northern and , Technical, the former ran out easy winners, although it was not until the final spell that it ran up its majority.of goals to win 6—l. JUNIOR TABLES The following tables give the results of the competitions to date in the lower grades. The results of several matches have not been sent in, and should be forwarded to the secretary of the association. Second Division

REFEREES’ CLUB NOTES Laws of the Game

Tripping.—Many players often commit fouls through ignorance. Ankletapping; the sideways action of the knee on the other’s leg; the twisting of the hips, etc.; all these come within the category of tripping. Kicking.—lntentional kicking at an opponent is a deliberate and serious offence, and in all cases should be dealt with immediately and firmly. Striking—Striking at an opponent, whether the blow connects or not. can never be justified, and. very rightly, referees will not tolerate any action nf that sort

Jumping.— lt is quite permissible to jump up to meet a ball in order to head it. but it is not football to jump at a man. A player will sometimes launch himself at an opponent, with both feet off the ground at the moment of impact. The charge then becomes a jump, and would be penalisei-

Holding.—lf a player obstructs an opponent by using his hand or arm or any part of his arm extended from the body, he is guilty of holding. Players should not let their elbows come across their opponent’s body. This is quite a common, yet effective, method of obstruction, and often difficult to detect.

Pushing.—Players should not push opponents, either with hand or arm. Often in a charge a player will raise his forearm horizontally, and in place of a fair shoulder charge, it becomes a shove with the arm.

Charging.—Referees are expressly required to allow charging, except when it is violent or dangerous, when it must be penalised. If a fair charge were suppressed, other less desirable means of stopping a player would be adopted. Players must realise it is no disgrace to be bowled over by a fair charge.

ANSWERS TO CORRESPONDENTS “ Live-wire ” asks the following questions: —

1. If a player is outside of the penalty area, and he reaches out and handles the ball inside, where was the offence committed? 2. If, on the other hand, the player was inside of the penalty area, and he played the ball with his hand outside the area, what would the referee do? Answers 1. Player is outside of the penalty area, and he reaches out and handles the ball inside. The handling takes place not where the player stands, but where he handles the ball. As this is within the penalty area, a penalty kick must be awarded. 2. Player stands inside penalty area and plays the ball with his hands outside penalty area. As handling takes place outside penalty area a free kick from which a goal may be scored direct must be awarded.

P W. L. D. Pts. Caversham .. 4 3 0 1 7 Maori Hill .. 6 2 1 3 7 Mosgiel 5 2 1 2 6 Northern 6 2 3 1 5 Old Boys 5 2 2 1 5 Technical 5 1 2 2 4 University 5 1 4 0 2 Third P Division W. L. D. Pts. Caversham 5 3 2 0 6 Northern 4 3 1 0 6 Mornington .. 4 2 1 1 5 Training College 3 2 1 0 4 Old Boys 4 1 3 0 2 1 Mosgiel 4 0 3 1 Fourth P Division W. L, D. Pts. Mornington .. 5 4 1 0 8 Caversham .. 5 4 1 0 8 High School .. 5 2 2 1 5 Technical 4 1 3 0 2 Northern 5 0 4 1 1 Fifth P Division W. L. D. Pts. Roslyn-Wakari 5 4 1 0 8 Mosgiel 5Y .. 4 3 1 0 6 Northern 4 1 3 0 2 Kings II 3 0 3 0 0 Sixth P Division W. L. D. Pts. Mornington .. 3 3 0 0 6 Mosgiel 6Y .. 3 2 1 0 4 Y.M.C.A 2 2 C 0 4 Kings V •• 3 1 2 0 2 High School IV 4 1 '3 0 2 Northern 3 0 3 0 0