THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

Otago Witness, Issue 2686, 6 September 1905, Page 62

THE ASSOCIATION GAME.

CANTERBURY v. OTAGO ASSOCIA-

TION MATCH.

(Bt Ottb Special Reporter.)

CHRISTCHURCH, August 31.

Placid weather, sunlight without sunshine, a breeze sufficient to fan the players, without influencing the flight of tho ball, and a delightful turfed surface at Lancaster Park were conditions almost ideal for the Association football match Otago versus Canterbury to-day. The faot that Christchurch had but three clubs to draw from seamed to suggest no great difficulty in the way of a victory for Otago, and possibly for that reason the southern representative eleven was not the strongest that could have been chosen. The result —a win for Canterbury by 5 goals to nil —will be a surprise to many, though not to those who witnessed the match. The Canterbury eleven was the strongest yot known -in interproyincial contests, but the simple explanation of Otago's defeat lies in the fact that exery member of the Canterbury team, learned the game in the Old Country. The local men were of a fine physique, with the advantage in avoirdupois. Their backs were aa uncommonly powerful set, M'Creanor and Newell, centre and right halves respectively, and Forrest, right back, being adamant. In the first half, which ended without score, the play was fairly even, and not noteworthy for skilfulness. Otago adopted a left wing policy, and some combined work was indulged in by Robertson, Oliver, and Bailey, although the last^iamed was hampered from the outset by the weight and solidity of M'Gr&anor. Clark iheaded over the bar from a corner kick, and a shot by Oliver from a pass by Bailey took the same direction. An excellent opportunity from a beautiful centre by Raeburn was missed by Canterbury. In the second half Canterbury g"ave a fine display of clever and combined footwork. Ward, a well set-up youth of 18 years, was specially prominent, being concerned in most of the scores. Within a few minutes of recommencing Ward centred across the goal mouth, and Harvey (centre) missed, but Raeburn beat M'Donald and scored first blood. Shortly afterwards M'Creanor sent a- long pass to Ward, who beat the backsand scored. Otago was having but little share of the play. Ward again broke away, and his centre was this time taken by Harvey, who found the net. The next goal was the result of a fine individual effort by Marshall (left wing), who streaked up tha line and gave M'Donaid no chance with a high shot from tho line. Otago then became aggressive, and a good shot by Robertson was interrupted by a forward on his own side. A rapid change of scene gave Harvey a chance, which he accepted, registering the fifth goal for Canterbury. During the closing five minutes Otago made a vigorous onslaught, shots in quick succession being put in by Lambert, Clark, and Bailey, but the whistle sounded with the score: Canterbury, five goals; Otaejo, nil. Tho Canterbury forwards showed themselves to be skilful and resourceful, while their weight was a valuable asset. M'Creanor is probably the strongest and surest half back in the colony. The visiting team played below the standard they were capable of, finding the onposhig backs difficult to negotiate. Bailey and Robertson were the most useful, though the former proved rather light as centre against M'Creanor. Clark had not much to do, and Oliver fell away in the second spell. Lambert was in a strange camD as inside rijrbjfc, and might have done better at centre. The half back line was the weak spot, Ashtovi wandering considerably, while M'lntyrewas decided^ uii'happv in the, to him. unknown sphere of left half. Gilroy was the best of the line. M'Nish was the most consistent back in the team, an otherwise useful display by Younsr, his colleague, being marred by occasional inipetuousness. Mr Knight gave entire satisfaction as referee. The Otaqjo men found the unacoustomed width of the ground somewhat distracting. The Otago men were entertained at a smoke concert after the match. The players return to Dunedin by the second express to-moirow.

The Telegraph Depai-tment is advised that the service on the Formosa route to Japan is working alowly t