ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 2983, 17 May 1911, Page 70

ASSOCIATION.

By Left Wing.

The following table shows the positions of teams engaged in the Senior Oup competition

' The final decision as to whether the New South Wales team will bo invited to tour New Zealand this season will not bo settled until the annual meeting of the N.Z.F.A. on May 22. If the team is to be seen in Dunedin as early as July, arrangements will have to be concluded with great celerity The following clause appears in the report to be presented at the annual meeting referred to :—"Regarding the matter of a visit from a foreign team, nearly all of the affiliated associations have agreed to and arranged for a guarantee towards a visit of a New South Wales team. Beyond this, little has been done in the matter, as your council felt it was better to have the financial side of the question definitely settled' before opening up final negotiations for the tour." There was plenty of excitement and any amount of hard kicking in the match between Mornington and Northern, which the latter won by three goals to one. The feature of the game was the safe kicking of Taylor and W. Evans, Northern full backs. The former really had what you might term "a day out." Shepherd at centre half was seen to advantage, but kicked rather recklessly at times. Robertson worked quickly, keeping Forbes well in hand. Cameron put in some solid work, some of which, by reason of its "solidity," displeased a section of the spectators. The Northern forwards were in, good form, Timlin and Patterson showing up a little more prominently than others. Shepherd in goal was safe.

For Mornington, Mackie in goal showed signs of improvement, making several good saves. Caldwell and Frazer at full back were too often found waiting on the bounce instead of taking the ball on. the full—a, grave mistake when playing against a. fasb team and on a very fast ground,—but both put in some very good work. Garnett, Haig, and Shadwell at half back had a lively rough and tumble, Gannett especially coming in for a liberal share of hard bumps. Tabernacle (outside left) played well, but should remember he has an inner man. Simpson promises to be one of the best inside men Mornington have had for some time, and when Tabernacle and he get working together smoothly they should prove a very strong wing. Haig at centre forward gave Shepherd something to think about in the first half, but seemed to be unsupported. Some of the other forwards should hustle the backs more than they do. Baillie and Forbes played well at times, the latter being somewhat raw, as it was his first game this season.

The personnel of the Christian Brothers' team that went to Kaftan3-a.ta last Saturday was the same as that which met Northern the previous Saturday, with one exception —Lennon could not make the journey, so Cotter took his place. Clancy played full back, a,nd Cotter took his place in goal. The day was an ideal one for football, and both teams were in the nick of condition. The Christian Brothers' team, from Saturday's play, show what can be done by earnest effort to improve,

and Kaitangata had their work cut out for them from the outset. The first goal got by Kaitangata created much amusement. Thomson shot at short range, and the ball went right for Cotter. The ground was very slippery in front of goal, and when Cotter was bending low to field the ball his feet slipped from under him, and the ball passed between his legs and through the goal. Cotter _ redeemed this mistake on many an occasion afterwards, and proved himself a tower of strength to the wearers of the green. It was a great game to watch. In the second spell the best play was seen. The Greens made it 2 all, and then Kaitangata set to work, and a mighty cheer wont up when Thomson scored the, third goal for Kaitangata. Again the Greens pressed forward, and Smith, Casey, Higgins, and Cbnnor were prominent. Higgins made it 3 all. The last 10 minutes were worth watching. The Greens wore in winning form, and Smith scored the winning goal. It was the unanimous opinion of the spectators that it was easily the best match seen in Kaitangata, for a long time. The Christian Brothers’ team speak in the highest terms of the courtesy they received on all sides. Before dinner Mr Weston, the secretary of Kaitangata. Football _ Club, took the visitors to see the coal mines, and altogethoi’ made the day a true holiday for the visitors. The Rev. Brother Moore and the trainer, Mr R. Jack, accompanied the team. A striking example of a team dominating a game and yet losing was furnished at Culling Park on Saturday. During threefourths of the play Ravensbourne wore attacking, often pressing, yet they finished up without a goal, whilst Maori Hill, who had- very few chances before goal, made good twice out of those limited opportunities. Rav-ansbourne’s lamentable weakness in front of goal furnished' the explanation. With Barlow in the cenitre there would surely have been four or five goals ourt of Ravensbourne’s many chances. But Barlow is in Sydney. It was not that Maori Hill’s defence was sound —in point of fact it was quite the reverse. For lack of other talent, two centre forwards —R. Lambert and Yinnicombe —were sot to do duty as full backs, and they were a conspicuously simple proposition for the Ravensbourne vanguard. In addition they caused anxiety to the goalkeeper (who deserves commendation for his alert guardianship under the circumstances), and the half backs were obliged to fall back repeatedly to help those behind them, and consequently were not always up with the game when the forwards required support. Maori Hill players were captained by G. Reynolds, who has just returned from Wellington. He was inclined to take a share of the half backs’ duties, but should prove a source of strength to the forward line. Campbell is a player of promise, and Holleyman, although not seen to advantage on Saturday, is also good football material. Smith was easily the best of the front lino on Saturday. The wings keep well out to their positions, but the other three forwards should come to a decision as to their relative positions. Maines was the star in Ravensbourne’s attacking force, his shooting from the wing and his corner-kicking being fine. Connor broke away and made good use of his speed on many occasions, but his finishing work was erratic. Fisher did much shrewd work behind his forwards, and Middtediitch was very forceful at full back, crumpling many of Maori Hill’s attempts at attack. His old vice—hard kicking—still persists. M‘lvor, who usually partners Middlediitch, is unwell. His place was taken by M‘Oallum, a junior, who had no lack of courage, but who persistently directe dthe ball skywards. Harrison in goal had very little to do. The match between Southern and Rcs-lyn-Wakari calls for little comment. Such a wide margin as 9 —o between Senior teams is always a matter for regret. It is to be hoped that the effect of the drubbing will be not to discourage the young Southern players, but the rather to put them upon their mettle, and set them inquiring from their trainer as to the best means of overcoming their weaknesses and presenting a stronger front to the remaining adversaries. The excitement engendered by meeting tried craftsmen is bound to lead to over-eagerness, and in consequence young players need not be surprised to find themselves in their first essays as Seniors making mistakes which they were not accustomed to make as Juniors. Courage will beget steadiness, and consistent practice will bring . skill if the , men will apply themselves. Although losing the football championship at Rugby football, England proved successful in securing the Association championship, for, in the last of the international series of contests for the present season, she tied with Scotland at one goal each, and thus made the full score as follows :

The match was nlayed at Liverpool, before an attendance of over 70,000 spectators, and a tight _ game throughout saw England score 18 minutes after the start of play, while Scotland did not equalise until within five minutes of the call of “Time!” As between England and Scotland alone, the latter has an advantage, havintr wen 17 t'mes, against England’s 12, with 11 drawn games.

OTAGO FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION. The weekly meeting of the Otago Football Association was held on Monday evening, Mr A. M'Hutcfoeon presiding. In connection with Roslyn-Wakari's appeal alleging that the referee in tho Fourth Grade match Roslyn-Wakari v. Southern had declined permission to Roslyn-Wakari to play their eleventh man, who arrived late, the referee reported that ho had not refused permission to play any man. —Resolved that the appeal be dismissed. The report from delegates as to the number of players available for the formation of a Fifth Grade disclosed the fact that only one club —Northern —could enter a team. —The motion to institute a Fifth Grade competition was not proceeded with. The Secretary of tho Mornington Club appealed to have the Third Grade match Morning-ton v. Maori Hill relayed, on the grounds that the fixture had not been properly notified.—Resolved that the match bo replayed at the close of the season 'f necessary. The Secretary of the Kaitangata Club appealed to have the match against Christian Brothers replaved, on the grounds that the referee had allowed an offside goal.— Resolved to invite the referee to report at next meeting.—Tho Kaitangata delegate

intimated that Kaitangata wished to tender evidence. The Northern Club's application to enter a Fourth Grade team was referred to the Match Committee with power to act. A verbal application from Mr Jones for permission to enter 15 or 16 teams of Boy Scouts was 'referred to the Match Committee, a conference to be arranged with Mr Jones. Mr A. Mathews wrote resigning Lis position as auditor, the resignation being duo to his removal.—Received with regret. The Secretary of the Amateur Athletic Clubs' Sports Protection Association wrote enclosing list of defaulters, and pointing out that, the O.F.A. having agreed to endorse all his association's suspensions, it was necessary that a defaulter playing with Roslyn-Wakari should at once be suspended. —lt was pointed out that the suspension of the player in question had previously been thoroughly investigated by the 0.F.A., and it had been decided that upon the evidenco the O.F.A- could not endorse this disqualification. The Secretary of the Southland F.A. wrote inquiring when Otago proposed to play agaiast Southland at Invercargill.— The secretary to reply that information in re the visit of the New South Wales team was awaited before a date could be fixed. It was resolved to put in order the second ground on the Oval, to apply for tho use of an area on the corporation reserve in Cargill road, and to call the City Council's attention to the fact that a cricket pitch laid down on the Gardens Reserve had not been covered up. Mr Duncan reported having interviewed Dr Pickerill, who had kindly promised to give a, lecture in aid of the funds for grounds' improvement.—Dr Pickerill to be thanked, and arrangements to be proceeded with. It was decided to carry out matches on June 3 as arranged. SATURDAY'S MATCHES. SENIOR GRADE. Roslyn-Wakari v. Southern. Roslyn-Wakari and Southern met at the Gardens Ground irr the presence of a fair number of spectators, when the former team proved far superior to their opponents, the result being a one-sided game. From the kick-off the Whites pressed. Roslyn-Wakari 9 goals. Southern ... .' Nil. Northern v. Mornington. The old rivals met on the Mornington ground before a large number of spectators. Northern 3 goals. Mornington 1 goal. Christian Brothers v. Kaitangata. Christian Brothers managed to get their best team together to travel to the coal district. The long (grass on the ground, however, was against a brilliant exposition of the game. Kaitangata won the toss and played with the sun at their backs, and immediately attacked. The Greens were hard pressed for some time by the frequent excursions of Rarity and Penman towards the goal, but zood work by Casey and Connor resulted in play being taken towards Kaitangata's goal. Middlemass shifted the scene of operations _ by despatching Thomson on the left wing. This player centred, and aigain receiving the ball, shot !fmm close quarters, beating Cotter, the GTeens' custodian. Even, fast play followed for some time, till a centre by Higgins, which was missed by Penman and the goal-keeper, let Smith score an easy goal. Kaitangata tmmeately returned to the attack, good play by Rarity and Thomson being noticeable at this stage. After a scramble near the Green's goal, Middlemass got possession and scored with a good shot. Half time was called shortly after with the score— Kaitangata 2 goals, Christian Brothers 1 goal. On resumption of play, Rarity immediately secured possession and traversed half the length of the ground, but shot poorly. , Hasd and interesting play nowensued, tho 'ball travelling with great rapidity from one end to the other. The Greens were attacking strongly, and success rewarded their efforts, Smith scoring by a neat header from a. corner kick. From. the kick-off Kaitangata assumed the mastery, but fine defensive play by Tim Laffey, and splendid handling by Cotter in goal prevented further score. A period of slow play was followed by Thomson, who was playing a good game for Kaitangata, giving Cotter no chance with a stinging low shot. With 10 minutes to go. Kaitangata tired and the Greens attacked strongly. Penman was ruled off-side near the half-wav line. Clancey placed into goal nicely for the Greens. Thomson at full-back cleared ineffectually, and Higgins scored, making the score 3 all. The Greens- immediately returned to the attack, and just before time, after some good play by Casey and Wakelin. Smith again scored, with a nice shot. Time was called with the Eicore Christian Brothers 4, Kaitangata 3. Reviewing the game it must be allowed that Kaitangata were unfortunate not to come off with a draw. Mr R. Ibbotson controlled the game. Christian Brothers 4 goals. Kaitangata 3 goals. Maori Hill v. Ravensbourne. Culling Park was in excellent condition for the meeting of Maori Hill and Ravensbourne, over which Mr E. Ritson presided. Maori Hills 2 goals. Ravensbourne Nil. SECOND GRADE. Maori Hill defeated Alliance by 4 goals High School Old Boys defeated Mornington by 7 goals to 1. Christian Brothers and Northern played a drawn game, each side scoring 2 goals. Roslyn-Wakari defeated Southern by 7 goals to nil. THIRD GRADE. Maori Hill defeated Mornington _by 1 goal to nil. Beeby scored for the winners. Northern B defeated High School Old Boys by 4 goals to 2. ■ Roslyn-Wakari defeated Nortnern A by 3 goals to nil. FOURTH GRADE. Roslyn-Wakari defeated High School Old Boys by 6 goals to 3. For the winners, Carey scored 3 goals. French 2. and Farquharson 1 ; and for the losers Ritchie scored 2 of the goals. Mornington defeated High School Old Boys by 4 goals -to 1. Christian Brothers defeated Southern A by 2 goals to 1. Ravensbourne defeated Southern B by 2 goals to nil. Ireland and Frame scored for the winners.

i. s 1 <2 c3 M ri "3 -S .9 o p< p< ci o g H 0 0 pi s £ o dJ d3 O Northern 2 2 0 0 8 1 4 Roslyn-Wakari 2 2 0 0 15 2 4 Christian Brothers 2 1 1 0 4 8 2 Maori Hill 2 1 1 0 4 6 2 Mornington 2 1 1 0 4 4 2 Kaitangata 2 0 1 1 5 6 1 Southern 2 0 1 1 2 11 1 Ravensborune 2 0 2 0 1 5 0

England Played. Won Drawn. Lost. Points. ..3 2 10 5 Scotland .. 3 1 2 0 4 Wales' .. 3 1 X 1 3 Ireland .. 3 0 0 3 0