ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3035, 15 May 1912, Page 53

ASSOCIATION.

By ' LEFT-'-'WiNb;

The following table shows the relatiw* positions of the teams:--.' '' , : . -

i Played. • 'Drawn.>Gfcalsfor. • ■, Goals agist s Cup poiete.

The meeting of Mbrnington and RdslynWakari at Culling Pauk on Saturday should provide a battle of the stalwarts. Ttos'yn-i Wakari have the better record' so fair this season, but Mornington has latent powerwhich is bound to como, to light befora long. ' ~"■>■ T. ■■■■'' Among the Tery excellent suggestions made by Mr Haig when the .O.F.A. was discussing ways and means of improving the play in the schools was the proposal that those who referee in school matches, should at ib*> same time judiciously instruct the boys in better methods, pointing out the positions they should take in the field, or.plaii.ing rules, and encouraging them to seek and understand the fine points of the game. It is hoped referees will take the hint. ... ' ; ...: .'"■',>'- The pleasant reciprocal arrangement by. whioh town clubs provided for Kaitangata Club's luncheon when the miners came-to Dunedin, and the compliment was returned when town teans visited Kaitangata, lias been dropped. This need cause' no surprise, for Kaitangata naturally coukl scared / be exoected to continue to do their part when the town teams consistently .'forgot that it was a reciprocal arrangement. Dunedin teams should now make their own luncheon arrangements before travelling -to Kaitangata. . _ Surely an enviable record ; It transpired during the course of an inquiry at the O.F.A. meeting on Monday that up till this season the Maori Hill Club, which lias been iii existence for eight years, had m;vcr had a-plaver ordered off the field, and had only one© had a player reported to the O.F.A. as having been cautioned. Ihis j» a prouder record than to have won many cups! The junior who. by foolishly insulting a . referee, spoiled .such™ a splendid record, might well expre-ss —as lie did--hii shame at, having stained such a fair page., It would be a straining of the truth? te« speak, of excellence in connection with the football shown at Culling Park on Saturr day between Roslyn-Wakari and Nprtht»rn. The standard of play, indeed; was distinctly disappointing, and it was only the startling rapidity of the scoring; not the skilfulnefct of the play producing it, that made the game interesting and Ther© wa», an abundance- of ! hard, indiscriminate kicking, not a little faulfjy. heading, an<a plenty of poverty. of shooting.: The forward ■ - to ii: : frecprently,; ;rag|eii. *"* halves were not conspicuous foir regularity and preeieon in placing to their forwards-. The. redeeming feature was reached when the ball got to the backs.

Tho two backs on each side did sterling service blemishes in this department D - ing much rarer than in any other. A draw was just about a fair conclusion, for whereas Roslvn-Wakari missed a penalty kick—Wvness's infallibility in this matter having deserted him, —Northern's more frequent endangering of thair opponents' goal just about squared off this advantage Roslyn-Wakari missed Ritchie, who is always responsible for a lot of the brainiest work of the White forwards. Clyde came to light with his old zeal and energy, but without that fitness which is- the outcome of regular practice. He proved a useful man when goals were to be rushed through. And it was a day when goals were rushed through rather than driven through with clean clinking shots the fruits of thoughtful and neatly-executed manoeuvres. Elliott was Rc-slyn Wakari's most effective forward. And thie was because of his knowledge of the game and his keeping of his position on the wing. And it require? a knowledge of tactics besides skill in execution to elude a headv full back like Taylor Logie, on Roshn-Wakari's other wing, aiso did a deal of useful work, despite the unremitting attention of Evans. Thompson, at centre, did not impress. His style lacks virilitv. and he has an unprofitable habit of trying fancy kicks. Knights in goal is active, but would inspire more confidence Jf he used his hands instead of his feet on every possible occasion. Northern forwards showed better method than did their opponents. Timlin was the best, doing a powerful lot of work, and making nice openings. His goal was one of thos-; sudden flashes of inspiration which leave everybody wondering how the ball found a straight passage through the gOtl when there were so many players apparently in its .direct course. Bailes takes ihe eye. Why did Northern not play more to him? The new forward, Page, achieved oniy moderate success, but this :s his first ven»ture. V. Evans has not yet fully grasped ih© requirements of his new pvii tion in the field. Simpson played a fine game at centre half. He provided Wyne»3 with a barrier frequently impassable. Thcra was a fair gathering of spectators at the Gardens Ground, but they must have been somewhat disappointed witii the exhibition of football. For the first quarter of an hour the game was dull, and neither side seemed to take the work seriously Christian Brothers were the first to score, but Ravensbourne quickly equalised, only to see the Greens score .ajain. The Ravensbourne forwards then took charge, and chiefly through the good play of Wilson, scored two further wals before half-time was called. In the second spell, the Greens mostly had charge of the game, and Harrison was given an exceedingly anxious time. He played a magnificent game, end the Christian Brothers, although they assailed his goal incessantly, could not place the ball past liim. The game in the closing stages was very exciting, but this was due more to the frantio efforts of the Greens' forwards to score than to tny special merit in the play of either side. Tho goalkeepers on both sides acquitted themselves well. Stapleton, the Greens' custodian, let through a rather easy goal at tho beginning of the first spell, but afterwards ho seemed to gain confidence, and his taking, clearing, and kicking were of a hjgh order. Harrison was at the top of his form, and in the eccOral spell cleared some very difficult shots. Wakelin was r.gain the pick of the Greens' backs, and Murphy and Higgins were the best of the forwards. Walsh, a junior, who played with the schools' representative team two years ago, made his first appearance, and played a gcod game. He will improve when he gains more confidence, and more should be heard of him. Wilson stood out prominantly 'at inside left for Ravensbourne, and his placing to the wing flail centre forward was a ttreat to watch. M'lvor and Cairney both plaj'ed good solid games. Ravensbourne introduced a likely forward in the.." person of Whitelaw, recently horn Home. This player, however, will probably bo away from Dunedin before Saturday. For the next few Saturdays Christian Brothers will be without the services of Stapleton. who injured his leg on Saturday, and "it is possible that Higgias, who strained a sinew in the Roelyn-Wakar: match on Saturday week, will also have bo stand down. The decision, of the Otago Football Association to grant to Kaitangata Club the option of playing their match against Mornington Club at Kaitangata on the holiday (June 3), if the country club preferred that to winning by default on May 11 (Mornington having intimated their intention to default on May 11, alleging inability to get together a team on that day), has, like many other decisions of a wicked and perverse 0.F.A., been a subject of pavilion and tramcar oratory. Representatives of some other clubs can see in the decision nothing hut an attempt to give an advantage to Mornington Club. This is to miss the point. In the making of the decision those who supported the proposition considered Kaitangata only. Recognising that Kaitangata Club depends upon the visits of town teams playing for tho Cup to induce healthy " gates," by tho means of which the heavy travelling expenses of the Kaitangata team may be partly raised, and that the Kaitangata public reasonably looks forward to having half the season's matches plaved in their township, the O.F.A. decided that Kaitangata should have the choice as between adding the two Cup points without a game and a gate, or playing the Mornington team on June 3. The O.F.A. exists firstly to encourage the playing of football, and only secondly to run competitions for cups. In the light of this, the decision, in ''i*eft Wing's" opinion, was a sporting one. The orators aforesaid, however, are entitled to the comfort that a fair proportion of the members of the O.F.A. voted against the Croposal. In any ca#e the matter is ended y Kaitangata deciding to accept the win by default. A few queries: Why did Northern Seniors include a E layer who wore black and blue instead of lack and white? Should not, the O.F.A. instruct referees to refuse to allow a player wearing odd colours to take the field in a Senior fixture?

Why do not clubs insist upon their seniors —and juniors, too, for that matter—observing- some uniformity in the matter of pantaloons, instead of having one man with blue, another with black, and another boasting 8 red stripe down the 6eams? What honour did the Northern back think he was bringing to his club,* himself, and the game generally when from the field he conducted a stupid wrangle with an irresponsible spectator ? Why did a referee in a Senior match on Saturday twice rule men offside when the ball had come direct from, opponents? Why should a linesman take offence be-

cause a referee holding a different opinion uses his privilege—docs his duty, in fact—by over-ruling his linesman ? As the Schools' competition proceeds the need for the institution of a Fifth Grade competition is being strongly emphasised. Had a Fifth Grade contest been initiated, with a slight modification of the conditions, the (Schools' Committee would have been saved a good deal of embarrassment, and a menace to the welfare of schools' football could have been removed by placing Christian Brothers and High School A school teams in the Fifth. Grade. Iheso two teams are practically in a class by themselves—too good for the best primary school teams and scarcely class enough for Fourth Grade. They must be accommodated, and as they qualify for school competitions they are included m the rounds. As a weekly match against each other would be absurd, two of the best of the primary school teams are placed with them to form the A Grade competition. Upshot: Christian Brothers winning by 13 to 1, and High School by 11 to ml: consequent dissatisfaction and despair on the part of their weaker opponents. In the hope of somehow improving the pcsition the Schools' Committee has decided to make the first round of the First and Second Grade schools' competitions, for medals. At the clcee of the first round the system followed at Home will be adopted —i.e., the two top teams from the Second Grade will exchange places with the two bottom teams in the First Grade, and the teams winning the second round in these two grades will be awarded the cups. This system has decided advantages, but its adoption will not tend to letseii the disparity between the two strong terns and the weaker ones. As a one-sided competition can bring little of either pleasure or profit to the winners, would it not be a gain to the teams concerned, as well as in the interests of the schools' competition generally, if these two teams withdrew from the schools and sought entry into the Fourth Grade? Here they would be overweighted by some of the teams, but the superior training and skill of the schoolboys would render theln worthy opponents of Fourth Grade teams, some of which are composed of fairly light and altogether raw material. Certainly the play of these secondary schools will never be improved through 'the medium of games which they win by large margins without effort. The following letter is commended to the various clubs:—"Dear 'Left Wing,'—l am writing you on behalf of the Oamaru Association Football Club. We have made a satisfactory start this year, and have already played a match (last Saturday), with a team from the local woollen factory. We were defeated by three goals to nil, but it must be remembered that a number of our best players, including Dobson, played for the Factory team. We are very anxious to get visits from Dunedin teams, and perhaps the team having the bye in the Second Grade would pay us a visit. At any rate, any team would be heartily welcomed. You could mention that my address is care of Railway Department, and ask any intending clubs to communicate with me. Thanking you in anticipation,—l am, etc., A. E. MILLOW." Association football has made a modest start in Fairfield. A group of small, but earnest, lads out there have formed themselves into a Fourth Grade team, and have entered the competition under the wing of the Alliance Club, taking that club's name. These players had their first .match on Saturday, against Southern, and although beaten by four goals to one, did remarkably well considering their brief acquaintance with the rules. They have a fairly good ground of their own, and had the moral support of a number of the residents who turned out to see the boys play.

OTAGO FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION. The* weekly meeting of the Executive Committee of the Otago Football Association was held on Monday evening, Mr A. M'Hutchon presiding. H. E. Moller wrote accepting the position of vice-presidcnt,and enclosing a subscription. , The Secretary of the Roslyn-Wakan Club anpcaled to have the senior fixture RoslynWakSri v. Northern replayed. He alleged that the referee had given a corner kick asrainst the decision of the line umpire, who ruled that the ball had gone out. From the resultant corner kick a goal had been scored by Northern.—ln this connection the referee (Mr M'Donald! wrote stating that in his opinion the ball had gone over the goal line, and he had therefore awarded a corner kick without consulting the linesman (Mr Wilson). The latter had thereupon declined to act further, and a substitute 'had been appointed. The referee further pointed out that the lines on the park were almost indiscernible.—lt was resolved to dismiss the appeal. The matter of marking the lines was left to the secretary. Mr M'Queon. referee in the Third Grade match Maori Hill v. Morningten. attended in connection with having ordered off the field a Maori Hill player named Ralston for repeatedly making offensive remarks with regard to decisions, and finally calling the referee " a pointer."—Tho player said ho would not have made any remarks if 'he had not thought the referee was making " crook " deoisions. He was not the captain, and admitted having done wrong.— It was resolved that Ralston. who had already stood down for one Saturday, be disqualified for a further pliiving Saturday, and be admonished by the chairman. The Referee in the Fourth Grade match Alliance (Fairfield) v. Roslvn-Wakari reported 'having ordered off the field Hollotvav (Roslvn-Wakari) and Anderson (Alliance) for fighting, tho latter having been previously cautioned for rough play.—Hollowav attended, and gave his version.— Consideration was deferred until the following Monday, the referee and Anderson to attend. An application from the Kaitangata Club for permission to play a match against Waronui Club at Milton on June 3 was granted, subject, to the aoproval of tho N.Z.F.A., the Waronui Club being unaffiliated. A further application for permission to play a match against Mornington juniors at Dunedin on June 3 was also granted. Attention was called to the fact that football was being played on some of he reserves on Sundays.—lt was resolved to call the attention of the police authorities to the practice. In connection with the Ravensbourne Club's inquiry as to a grant of £lO having been made to the Ravensbourne Bazaar Committee on tho application of Mr Crawley, without the knowledge of tho Ravensbourne Club, Mr Crawley explained the circumstances. —It was decided to communicate to the Ravensbourne Club the explanation, which was endorsed as satisfactory by tihe committee. An interesting discussion ensued with re-

gard to ways and moans of improving and | encouraging play in the schools. Amongst ! the suggestions were the appointing of honorary coaches, the providing of uniforms, the distribution of copies of the rules, and the awarding of trophies. The various sug- ' gestions were referred to the Schools' Committee for its recommendations. NEW ZEALAND ASSOCIATION.

Tho following are the chief features of the annual report of the New Zealand Football Association, to be presented to the meeting of delegates in Wellington: There were 11 associations affiliated to | tho New Zealand Football Association, comprising 285 teams, as follows: —Auckland 45, Canterbury 8, Hawke'e Bay 4, 'Manawatu 8, Marlboro-gh 7, Otago 86, Poverty Bay 6, Southland 6, Taranaki 7, I Wanganui 4, Wellington 89, and about 15 unaffiliated teams. This is an increase of 60 teams over the previous season, and it is hoped that there will be a substantial ! inctease again this season. I The number of boys playing the game throughout the Dominion was much increased, and efforts should' be made to increase the number of lower grade and schools teams affiliated to all associations. Special mention might be made of the fact that Auckland started a boys' competition, for the first time, with about teams, "while Wellington commenced a schools' competition with 10 teams. The Hawke's Bay Association was re-affiliated during the year. The Waikato clubs have become affiliated to the Auckland Association. Through the efforts of the Otago Football Association the game has been revived in Timaru and Oamaru. Brown Shield matches were played as follows in Christchurch : —Canterbury 1A goals) beat Otago (1 goal), Canterbury (3 goals) beat Manawatu (nil), Canterbury (1 goal) drew with . Wellington (1 goal). Other representative matches in New Zealand were played as follows: —Taranaki (2 goals) beat Wanganui (1 goal), Manawatu (2 goals) beat Wanganui (nil), Wellington (4 goals) beat Manawatu (nil), Poverty Bay (4 goals) beat Hawke's Bay (1 goal), Otago (4 goals) beai Southland (1 goal), Auckland (boys; | 3 goals) beat Wellington (1 goal), Welling- , ton (boys; 2 goals) beat Auckland (1 goal); ; Wellington (boys; 1 goal) beat Marl- • borough (nil). One of the most important j matters in connection with the game dur- | ing the past year was the conference of ! Australasian delegates held in Sydney dur- ; in<; December, 1911. The secretary represented the association, while the late chair- ; man (Mr. H. N. Holmes) acted on behalf of South Australia. Very little further has been done in the matter of Australasian representation on the Council of the Football Association, nor indeed towards the visit of an English team to the colonies, but correspondence latterly on these matters has given us a more hopeful view of the future, when it is confidently expected that some definite decision will be i arrived at. Finance seems to be the stumbling block in the way of an English tou \ and until this can be overcome there would seem to be very little hope of arrangI ing su«'Ji a tour. It has been suggested I that each of the seven Australasian associa- , tions should contribute £SO each for three years towards the cost of an English visit. , If this could be done it would amount to I £IOSO, which sum, at any rate, should more than cover any loss on such a tour; given fine weather handsome profits should result Mr A. E. Gibb has lost no chance of looking after our interests, and we ere fortunate in having such a oapable enthusiast as our English representative. No action has been taken regarding the visit of a New South Wales team, though our Sydney friends are ready to come any time wo are prepared' to receive them. But without the support of the local associations your council can do nothing. The question of inter-State matches has been taken up heartily by the newly-formed j Commonwealth Football Association, and, as a result thereof, the Queensland Footj ball Association has arranged a tour ! through New South Wales. This is. of course, one of the results of the conference. The matter of grounds is one which is of vital importance to the game throughout New Zealand, and it is pleasing to note that the associations are realising I this, and leaving no stone unturned to securo good playing areas. The New Zea- , land Referees' Association is working steadily along, but there is much work to be done yet. It is a. matter for regret j that Mr Holmes had to tender his resignation chairman, owing to his departure ..from New Zealand. Mr Holmes has done a great amount of work for the gam© in New Zealand, but he may again assist at some no distant future date. The incoming council should formulate a definite policy and outline of work during future ' seasons, so that proposals regarding the future welfare of the game may be placed before the affiliated associations. | Tho following is the secretary's report on the Australasian Conference:—There I was very little of interest to those who had previously discussed and assisted in carrying out the many details and points by which the advance of Association football in the Dominion has been arrived at, but it has to bp noted that while certain ,>f the Australian associations are weak in soim points, so are certain of the affiliated associations in New Zealand similarly weak. For instanco ; we note how some of these are weak in tho boys' departments, others are weak in their relations with the press, and so on. In this connection there is work ahead for the council for I can only suggest that your council should keep each other association bustling to improve its weak points, and associations which are strong should be ask.f! to assist the smaller ones. The matters discussed in connection with this subject were:—l. Promotion of the game amongst boys, and of in tor-State games for bo vs. 2. Improving tho standard of play. 3. Uniform interpretation in rulings of laws of the game, and uniform standard of examination for referees and of appointment boards. 4. Inter-State and inter-Dominion games. 5. Increased use of the power of the press. Regarding Nos. 1 and 2, these have been so often discussed that I will not presume to say anything beyond that 1 hope no association will relax its efforts in this direction. In connection with No. 2 strong efforts should be made in the various centres to prevail upon referees and others to give lectures and instructions upon the laws of the game, and that notes and special articles on the play should appear in the press whenever possible. With regard to No. 4 I might say New South \\ ales is prepared to send over a team wherever we are ready to reeeivh it. Coming to the international question, there are points in this which ma' materially assist the Association code in" following years. The most important one was, perhaps, the Australian Board of Control, now definitely formed, and desig-

nated " The Commonwealth Football Association of Australia." My friends in Australia badly wanted me to agree to join, but I would not consent to do this until I had placed the matter before the council, for tne following reasons:—l. The New Zealand Football Association, in shorter time, has got more teams affilated tham the whole of the Australian Associations have.- 2. The difficulty of obtaining a suitable representative. 3.. The fact that, when represented, we should have one vote in seven. 4. The distance away. 5. That in most sports New Zealand prefers to', remain as a separate national power. _ One of the main reasons in promoting this board of control is the ever-prominent question of securing the visit of an English team. The; Australian associations are all very keen on this, as they regard it, and rightly, too, as one of the chief means of increasing the, interest in Association football in the colonies. It would bo but the means to an end. Of course, I agreed that New Zealand would help to assist in every way possible. I do not think that such a visit could eventuate for three or four years, and if each of the Australian associations and New Zealand could contribute, say, £SO each for three years, it would give us a fund of over £IOOO, which would be of great financial assistance. In the meantime it has been decided that New South Wales and New Zealand should each write and ask the Football Association (Limited) upon what terms it would send a team to to the colonies. The Australian associations are now actively engaged in endeavouring to arrange a series of inter-State games, and it is intended to arrange a oarnival in Melbourne at no distant date. This is, of course, to fight the Australian game of football. I The work of the delegates throughout the conference was of a very high order, and I am sure that the game is in very capable hands on the other side. All the associations recognise that tho future lies upon success in two main points—boys and finance—and their efforts are being* diverted mainly in these directions. It is possible that another conference will be held during Easter, 1914, and I hope that the work of the next two seasons will make the deliberations of a future meeting very light indeed.

SATURDAY'S MATCHES. FIRST GRADE Northern v. Roslyn-Wakari. At Culling Park, which was in splendid order, Northern and Roslyn-Wakari met, the latter playing Clyde in place of Ritchie, who met with a mishap on the previous Saturday. Mr M'Donald was referee. Northern 3 goals. Roslyn-Wakari 3 goals. Ravensboitrne v. Christian Brothers. Tho Gardens reserve was in good condition for the contest between Ravensbournc and Christian Brothers. The play was fa.st and interesting Ravensbourne 4 goals. Christian Brothers 3 goals Maori Hill v. High School Old Boys. The Asylum ground was in good order for the match between Maori Hill and Old Boys. Wella won tho toss for Maori Hill, and decided to play towards the town end. The play in the first spell was of a very ragged reature. the Maroons having the best of tho play. Each side scored one goal, R'gby scoring for Maori Hill and Allen for Old Boys. In the second spell the combination of the Maroon forwards proved too good for the opposing defence, and six goals wore added in quick succession. Wells scoring four, Smith one, and F. Beeby one. The Old Boys made occasional spasmodic rushes, but the defence of Payne and Vinicombe was very sound, and no score resulted. Davis displayed some neat footwork for the Hill team, and gave his other forwards splendid openings, but the shooting was poor. Fastier. Martin, Rae, and Hey played well for Old Bovs. and Grant and F. Beeby did likewise for the Hill team. The game, which was controlled by Mr Martin, ended —

Maori Hill 7 ,','oals. Old Boys ' 1 goal. KaITANGATA V. MOBNINGTOK. Mornington being unable to raise a team to go to Kaitangata, the Kaitangata Club wins by default. SECOND GRADE. Christian Brothers and Alliance (the former considerably weakened since last season) met on Montecillo Ground, which was in good order. Thorn, of Alliance, proved very tricky, and scored three fine goals from difficult angles. Black scored from a scramble on Greens' goal-line. Greens were playing against odds, the Alliance being smarter and a heavier team in every department. The Alliance goalkeeper only handled the ball twice in tho second spell. A notable feature of the game was the clean footwork by both sets of forwards. An enjoyable game ended: Alliance 4 goals, Christian Brothers nil.

Maori Hill defeated High School Old Boys by 5 goals to 3, after a fast and interesting game. Mornington defeated Roslyn-Wakari by 6 goals to 1. THIRD GRADE. Maori Hill and Northern played a drawn game, each side scoring 3 goals. Roslyn-Wakari defeated Ravensbourne by 2 goals to I. Dickison and Freeman scored for Roslyn-Wakari, and Frame for Ravensbourne. 0.8. L defeated High School Old Boys by 2 goals to 1. Alliance- beat Christian Brothers .by 4 goals to nil. Millow (2), Lamb, and Anderson were tho scorers. FOURTH GRADE. Ravensbourne defeated Northern B by 4 goals to 1. Mason scored 4 goals for Ravensbourne and Barnett for Northern. Roslyn-Wakari and Alliance- played a drawn game, each side scoring 1 goal. Mornington defeated Christian Brothers by 5 goals to nil. The scorers were Catto (2) and Jellv (3). Southern defeated High School Old Boys by 3 goals to nil. Mowbray, Ronnie, and Shrimpton were tho scorers. SCHOOL MATCHES. Christian Brothers 13 goals, Forbury nil. High School 3 «oals, Maori Hill 1 goal. High School 3 goals, N.E. Valley nil.

Roslyn- Wakari 3 2 0 1 9 6 5 Knitangata. ... ... Maori Hill ... ..; 2<2 0 0 5 1 * 3 1 1 1 11: 6 '.'■3 Noitlierh ..;... ... 3 11 1 10 8 3 Ravensbburrie' 3 11 ( 1 7 10 3 Christian Brothers 3 12 o- • 7 > 7 2 I'ornington 3 0 1 2 .4 4 2 High School - Old Boys ... ... 2 0 2 0 4 13 : 0