ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3103, 3 September 1913, Page 53

ASSOCIATION.

Bt Lsrr Wixo.

RATTAN GAT A CTT WINNERS. Fully ICO residents of Kaitangata came to town to sot* what proved to bo the cup final on Saturday. Victory for Kaitangata meant that the cup would go south, while defeat would probably entail a play-off with. Northern A. Kaitangata’s match was against Mornington B, who had defaulted! in tuio first round, but who had beaten every other team in the competition except Roslyn-Wakari. Owing to the unplayable condition of Culling Park, the contest took p'ace before a fair number of spectators on Tahuna Park No. 2 ground, generously placed at the disposal of tile Otago Football Association by the Otago Rugby Football Union. The result was a win by 5 goals to 1 for Kaitangata, whose keenness in journeying all the way from Kaitangata every second Saturday in order to take part in the cup competition adds the clement of popularity to a win that the record in' the table bel ow shows to be highly creditable. Kaitangata have held the cun only once previously, but on four occasions have been runners-up. Following is the succession of premier clubs to date: 1895 Roslyn (Rangers runners-up). 1896 Roslyn (Queen’s Park runners-up). 1897 — Roslyn (Rangers ninnors-up). IS93 —Wakari (Roslyn runners-up). 1899 Roslyn (Northern runners-up). 1900— Roslyn (Southern runners-up). 1901— Roslyn (Southern runners-up). 1902 Roslyn (Northern runners-up). 1903 — Northern (Kaitangata rnnneis-up). 1904 Northern (Wakari nuineis-up). 1905 Kaitangata (Wakari runners-up). 1906 Northern (Kaitangata runners-up). 1907 — Northern (Mornington runners-up). 1908 — Northern (Wakari nmners-np). 1909 City (Northern runners-up). 1910— Northern (Ravenshourne runners-up). 1911 — Mornington (Kaitangata runners-up). 1912 Mornington (Kaitangata runners-up). 1913 — Kaitangata (Northern A runners-up).

Tile following table shows the position* of the teams engaged in the Senior Cup

c 0 •3 c e--5' 1 Played Won. Lost. Drawn. Goals for, :Goals agst. I Cup pts.

After a period of eight years, during which Kaitangata have faithfully kept their fortnightly appointments at Dunedin and striven valiantly to flu sh on the top rung of the ladder, the premiership goes again to Kaitangata. During the past two seasons Kaitangata have contested the final with Mornington. and have had to be content with tho position of runners-up. Tin’s year they have added the little extra forcefulncs* necessary to place them first instead of second, and they are in tho proud position of premiers of Otago, with a very fair chance of having their names blazoned agern on the Charity Banner* which they have held since last season. The success of Kaitangata is never begrudged, for the sympathies of the general public are with a. olub which is willing to go to such expense and loss of time as Kaitangata players do in order to take part in a sporting competition. Tho competition this season hats been particularly interesting right up to its conclusion, and lias provided more surprises than any season that I can recall. Kven the bottom team, which, surprising to relate, happens to be Ravensbourne. has throe wins and a draw (7 cup points) to its credit, while the decried Northern B repl es to its critics with a show of 8 cup point* (three wins ami two draws), and a posit ion only second Iwttom as the result of a surprise victory over Ravensbourne. Maori Hill luvo surprised everybody by beating on three successive Saturdays Mornington, A. High School Old Boys, and RoslynWakan, three teams in the forefront as regards merit. Tho surprise in connection with High School Old Boys is that, while they have shown the cleverest footwork in town, they can only head the lower half of the cup table. But tho greatest surprise of all has been the progress of Mornington B to a position of third on tho list, with the scalps of every team but Roslyn-V\ akari £nd Kaitangata at their licit. Concerning Mornington A tho surprise has been that, with so much talent—seven Otago representatives. is if?—they have performed so disappointingly. Christian Brothers havo created no surprise. V, ith a limited selection of seniors of merit, they have stuck loyally together, and have plugged away consistently, keeping their heads always aoovo water to the end.

Northern A are another exception to tli» general rule of surprises. Since 1902, when they wore runners-up to Roslyn. they have never been far away at the finish, and had always to he serions’y reckoned with by cupwinners. Thev held* the cup in 1903, 1904, 1906, 1907, 1903. and 19K). and have been runners-up on foui occasions, this season •they have been again consistently pood, and canto within one win of the victorious Kaitangata’s record. Kaitangata and Mornington It did not provide the most attractive game of the day. That between High School Old Hoy* and Northern A had. on the whole, more of the elements of pretty footwork than the match that preceded it Determination was written large across the countenance* of Kaitangata men. From the outset the backs tackled hard and the forwards went eagerly goal ward. It war, ties very eagerness that delayed success, ihe peculiarity of the game was that, although Kaitangata, except at rare intervals, -were attacking during the whole of the game, they wore three parts through the match before they could score, while Morninglon had always the one goal to reckon upon if only they could keep Kaitangata out. The taste of "blood’' whetted the appetite of Kaitangata, and, surprisingly enough, the older generation lasted better than did the younger men of Mornington, for at the close, when Mornington were A tired, effortless remnant, the Kaitangata stalwarts were working with oven more vigour and zest than had marked their play at tho commencement. Richardson and Thompson towards the close wore doing splendid service, the former showing something of that form which ho displayed against Northern A when lie scored five goals.

Tho outstanding figure of tho match ''as Mornington’s goalkeeper. Harknc-sa. He wore long trousers, which accentuated Ins height. Ho was tho picture of composure, and yet when emergency arose he was as keen as a rapier. He was at the exact spot almost every time. His coolness was positively cold blooded. When the first penalty was to be taken he was waiting ca. rnly with his hands deep in his front pockets. Such an attitude of contempt was ca.culated to shake the confidence of tho kicker, .and possibly that was why the ball was banged at the post. When tho next penalty kick camo in Harkness flung himself right across its path, and tho surprise is how it got through. Goalkeeping so brilliant and vet 60 nonchalant has not been seen in Dimed'n for many a day. Hay nut in many pretty ©hots for Kaitangata, tlie result of clever footwork. The Kaitangcda halves rendered line service.

It was unfortunate that Booker had to retire. Very early in his football career ho has to work on a weakened limb, and this let him down, the rough ground pcssiblv assisting. Ho was so splendid y covered Jjv Campbell that he had not been very daiAging up to the time of his retirement. Douchrass, with his speedy break-away runs down the centre of tho field, was the dangerous man for Mornington B. He got tho one goal, and deserved a couple more. Mornington backs maintained a remarkably stout defence against cont'nuous attacks until towards tho close of th© game, when the attitude of both backs and forwards was a somewhat premature acknowledgment of defeat. On one occasion Hark rices must have taken about six steps before delivering the ball. Ho deserved this unexpected latitude.

Tho game was not of the kid gloyo order. There was hard tackling oa both sides, and <ruostioaablo methods at t'rnos obtruded, Mr fj ancey was again indulgent, administering “correction” with a gentle hand. Northern and High School Old Boys provided a fast, spectacular display until towards tho close, when some of the players did not take the game seriously, and thespectators commenced to trickle away. Northern’s scores wore mostly the outcome of bright indiv.dual efforts, made possible by ahrowd passes from the backs. Old Boys, on tho other hand, made most of their advances on tho short passing method. The v/ings wore not much called upon, the three inside forwards—Race, Allen, and Restieaux —doing most of the attacking. Their com-, biaation was excellent. I have never seen Northern backs so frequently outmanoeuvred as was the case on Saturday. Black, although he let through at least one shot that did not seem very troublesome, saved Northern on several occasions when tho clever young trio had slipped through the Northern backs, Taylor included. The OM Soys included in tho room of Nicholson • fine young halfback in the person of MTnnes. Their young goalkeeper, Gibson, from tho Third, was out of his depth. Anderson, who was indisposed, would doubtless have kept the score lower. Donald played a dashing game as full back for Northern, and Timlin, Shepherd, and Fudge, in the forwards, wore a valuable asset. Evans and his absurd, everlasting offside is a trillo boring. The buybacks were safe and resourceful; but why does not someone show Dry den the correct way of throwing in? Tho referee, Mr Brown, sprang another suipme ruling. Restieaux was ly ng offside in tho goal-month when Allen passed towards him. A Northern back attempted to play tho ball, but it passed through his logs to Restieaux, who promptly goalod, and was awarded the point. Air Brown assures me that it is the practice at Home. to rule in such a case tnat the defender i. as played tho ball, although he did not actually touch it. Tho case would be siniiv*r if the defender had attempted, but fifciied, to head the hail. If Mr Brown is jr‘g£vt, it will bo news to local footballers, arid s*mo Northern players will la; obliged to accept the position that their supercilious attitude towards the dec sion was mainly a confession of ignorance. Incidentally, Mr Drown showed his readiness to deal with Mi unusual situation. After he had placed the ball for a penalty kick the Northern captain, evidently valuing his own judgment above that of the referee, shifted the bail back a yard. The referee did not return the Dali to its original position—lie did better: ho instructed the Northern captain to do it. The Northern captain did so, as refusal would assuredly have meant his retirement to the pavilion. The circumstances surrounding this same penjity kick suggest strongly tho need for an amendment of one of the taws of the game. Allen took the kick ami placed safely through tho goal, but because an opponent had crossed tiic penalty lino before the tick was delivered, the ball hud to be brought back, and tho second attempt faiirg. !■: such a e;>o common justice demands that a goal should be given in tho first oase. Vhe same reasoning applies in tho case c»/ a defending back cutting across tho goal-mouth after his goalkeeper has teen beaten nnd plating the ball with Irs ’hand*, j'. .v.ich r. case a goal is a fair deolaJCUp but vpitutunrtc.’y the rules do not pannit !t. toil B and Railangata will meet again Saturday, th s time a l . Kaitangata, to oc-niest th* semi final ol th. 3 Charity Banner ccmpc-tition. Thin being an extra match, the exs cf th > travelling- team will be nuid In this oh-rumetmee, Mornlsixvo;t B. who dtuatt’.{«t, instead ol fulfilling them first appointment at Kaftan-gat a, seem to bo lucky. According to Mr Haig, however, seven cf the B’s journeyed in Ka it Angina to represent the A’s, which puts a different complexion upon tho matter Among minora there is a strong bond of practical sympathy, and there is no doubt that at this match a. substantial sum will be raised for the unfortunate lad who lost a leg owing to an accident at the mine.

Mornington A and Northern A should provide an interesting contest on Culling Par!;. The popular opinion is that Kaitangata and Northern A will contest tlie final on September 20.

Green Island have signailised their reentry into Association football by annexinnr two of the three Cups—Second and Fourth Grade—for which they entered. This is a ■worthy record. Next year Green Island will probably be asking for admission to the First Grade competition. The fact that a team representative of school football in Otago is leaving Dunedin to play a Wellington representative team on Saturday next is not as well known as it deserves to be. and as it might have been if the Schools’ Committee had been alive to what can be gained from banding out, information to the press. The bulk of the expenses has been collected frj m enthusiasts, and Mr Beeby’s team, which it is understood is a good one. will bear away the best wishes of sports in Otago.

OTAGO FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION. Iho weekly meeting of the Otago Football Association was held on Monday evening, there being present Messrs A. M‘Hutchon (chairman). Martin, Cocking, J. Connor, Duncan, Jas Haig, Rae, ileon, Cameron, John Haig, Rigby, B. Connor, Beeby, Gordon, and Sinclair

The Secretary of the Hawke’s Bay Association wrote asking what arrangements the Association had with the Defence Department with regard to daylight parades for the season 1914. Tho Hawke s Bay Association had been put to great inconvenience this year, and thought concerted action on the part of all sports bodies would result in a satisfactory solution being arrived at.—Tho Chairman said that the Qtago Association had not experienced any difficulty in. the matter.—Letter received. The Secretary of the Referees’ Association forwarded for confirmation the following resolution adopted at a recent meeting;—“That tho usual signal, the whistle, be used at all free kicks, penalty kicks, and goal kicks.”—Confirmed. Mr Wiis on asked on behalf of Kaitangata that one of the Charity Banner somihnu! matches on Saturday next be played at Kaitangata. The Kaitangata Club desired to help a young miner who had had the misfortune to lose a leg as the result of an accident. The dub suggested that half the proceed,' of such a match should go to tho Otago Football Association, the balance to be donated to tho injured miner referred to. —Mr Cameron said that while he congratulated Kaitangata upon their winning of the cup, and sympathised with the wish of the chib, he believed that all such important matches should be played in Dunedin. It waa to be remembered also that Kaitangata was partly under water.— The Chairman read out tho fixtures for Saturday, ns drawn by the Match Committee, as follows: —Kaitangata v. Mornington R, at Kaitangata; Northern Ay. Mornington A. at Culling Park.—Mr Wilson moved, and Mr Beeby seconded ; That the draw bo adopted. —Mr Cameron moved, and Mr Jas. Haig seconded, an amendment: “That tho two matches he played in Dunedin.”—Mr Wilson’s motion was carried by seven voles to five, the voting being taken down at tho request of Mr Cameron. —Mr Sinclair moved: “That the fares of Mornington B team be a -first charge upon the receipts, and that the net balance be donated to the iuhired miner.” —Mr Cameron seconded the motion, which was lost in favour of an amendment subsituting “expenses” for “fares.” In view of the fact that on September 13 the Otago representative team will be playing at Invercargill, and tho Christchurch Nomads will bo playing Mornington at Dunedin, it was resolved that no other matches bo played in Dunedin on that day.

It was decided that five-a-side tournaments for Third and Fourth Grade teams be held on September 13, Messrs Cocking and Booby being appointed to manage tho tournaments; entries to be due by 5 p.m. on September 8; a minimum of six entries or no competition. Permission was granted to Mornington iunions to travel to Oamaru on September 13. At the request of the Schools’ Committee a ballot was taken in connection with the appointment of a manager for the Schools’ representative team travelling to Wellington this week, and Mr C. Beeby, jun., was declared elected to the position.

Several applications for the use of grounds for matches were referred to tho secretary, with power to act. Complimentary reference was made to tho special services rendered bv Mr W. Cocking taking charge of the gate arrangements each week.—The Chairman and several members spoke in appreciative terms of Mr docking's qualities as an executive member, and it was decided that steps ho taken to suitably recognise his services.

It was resolved that a letter of condolence Ire sent to Mrs Ward in connection with the death of ex-Judge Ward, who had been a loyal supporter of tho Maori Hill Club, of which lie had been president since its inception.

iSATT'RDAY’S MATCH PS. FIRST GRADE. Kaitaxoata v. Monxixurox B

Mornington B kicked off facing the sun and a barely perceptible breeze. The ground was humpy, inducing uncertainty in the bounce. Mr Dancoy was referee. Kuitangata opened out witli the determination of men out to win. The pace was fast, and for the first 15 minutes the visitors were the principal aggressors. Then a mistake by 1 ivo Kaitangata halves let Dcuchrass away on a speedy run, which ho rounded off with a successful shot. Mornington 13 1 goal. With renewed vigour Kaitangata kicked off, and Harkness was nearly charged down before he delivered after stopping a shot by Hay. Next the ball struck the referee and enabled Jan Thompson to shoot. As the ball approached the goalkeeper it struck a bump and rose sharply, Harkness just managing to turn the ball over the bar. From the ensuing corner kick Mornington cleared with groat difficulty. The Blues forced the visitors back, but rarely got past half-way, Kaitangata being the attacking force for the bulk of the spell. From one of the corner kicks (of which Kaitangata had many) Hay laid the ball beautifully before goal. It was listed out by Harkness, but instantly rapped back by Middlemass. Harkness, who was playing faultlessly, leached it with his hit when a goal seemed inevitable. A little later a long shot by Middlemass bounced almost level with the bar, but Ilarkness’s reach enabled him to turn it over. Mornington relied on long kicking and following up, and tactics of this description helped Dcuchrass to break clean away to the goalkeeper twice, but in each case his shot was faulty. The closing incident of the spell was a splendid shot from Ilav, which struck the upright. As in the first spell Kaitangata opened with a most determined attack. For full 15 minutes they swarmed round Mornington’s citadel, and shot after shot was aimed at goal. Quito 10 corner kicks wore taken, and yet there was no score. Mornington backs worked like demons, and worked every expedient to score their goal. Yet, but for the superb efforts of a nerveless goalkeeper there must have neon several goals. At last Dcuchrass foolishly played the ball with his hands in the penalty area. Surely here was Kaitangata’s chance. Pryde banged —the ball smote the upright with a sounding thwack —the Kaitangata forwards closed in—the ball came back like a cannon shot from the left, and in the same instant the goalkeeper was prone with the ball turned deftly round the upright. Presently the chance was offered again, Plunkett stupidly presenting a penalty kick. This time full-

back Richardson took t!io kick and drove low through at the corner amidst wild enthusiasm. The scores even, success had a useful effect upon Kaitangata. .lay sent in from the corner, Plunkett missed badly and Richardson promptly scored from four yards out. Morningtdn B’s share of attack in the second spell may be judged from the fact that the Kaitangata goalkeeper handled the ball once. From midfield the ball was centred and Richardson placed nicely through, but was j loporly ruled off-side. Presently, however, by an equally good effort, he got a legitimate goal past Harknesa. making the scores Kaitangata 3 goals, Mornin<jton B 1 goal. About this time Booker injured ids knee and Mornington B had to finish with 10 men. The pace had told and they defended with little interest and energy for the remainder of the game, which thus closed ; Kaitangata 3 goals. Mornington B 1 goal. Northern A v High School Old Boys. Northern A and High School Old Boys occupied the Park at tile conclusion of the Kaitangata-Mornington B match. Harrison played right-half and Shepherd inside-left for Northern, while for High School Old Hoys Gibson played in goal and MTnnes replaced Nicholson as left-half. Mr Brown was referee. Northern A 7 goals. High School Old Boys ... 3 goals. Mornington A v. Christian Brothers. The match between Mornington A and Christian Brothers was played at Morningten. Christian Brothers won the toss, and Mornington A played uphill, with the sun in their eyes. Mornington A 5 goa's. Christian Brothers . . 1 goal. Northern B v. Ravensbourne.

Ravensbourno and Northern B met at the Gardens under ideal conditions. A friendly game, in which the whistle, was hold by Mr Kean, end:d Northern B 2 goals. Ravensbourno 1 goal. Maori lln.r, v. Roslvk-Wakari.

After occupying one of the humblest positions in the Cup competition for most of the season Maori Hill have concluded brilliantly by defeating in turn on tho past three playing Saturdays three of the strongest teams —Mornington A, High School Old Buys, and Roslyn-Wakari. On Saturday they triumphed over Roslyn-Wakari by 1 goal to nil, thus finishing above two teams in tho competition and incidentally shattering Roslyn-Wakari’s prospects for qualifying for tho Charity Banner match. The game was played at tho Oval under tho control of Mr Troup, and the solo goal was regis(erod by Kerrigan from a penalty kick.

Maori Hill 1 goal Roslyn-Wakari Nil. SECOND GRADE CUP.

Christian Bros, and Green Island played at tho Clear tho final match for tho Second Grade Cup. On the previous Saturday Green Island had drawn level by defeating Chrisiran Bros, and in the p’ay-off Green Island again contrived to gain tho ('."cision by 2 goals to 1, and thus annex the cup. THIRD GRADE CUP. Roslyn-Wakari defeated Ravensbourno by four goals to nil, and thus win the Third Grade Cup. Southern defeated High School Old Boys A by 4 goals to 2. Green Island defeated Christian Bros. A by 7 goals to 1. FOURTH GRADE. Christian Bros and Mornington drew, 2 all. For Christian Bros. Anderson and Marlow scored, as did Plunkett and Davidson for Mornington. Anderson, Temple, and Macklo played well for Christian Brothers.

Green Island A defeated Northern A by 11 goals to iv 1. Green Island B defeated High School Old Boys by 10 goals to nil. Southern defeated Roslyn-Wakari by 4 goals to 1.

FORMATION OF TEAM. LONDON, August 31

The Chelsea Club (Association) spent £IO.OOO in organising the present ( ? coming) season’s team. The sum of £2OOO was spent in capturing one player. WEDN ESDAY ASSOCIATION. SOUTHLAND v. OTAGO. A match was played at T'ahuna Burk on Wednesday afternoon between the Southland representative team and tho pick ot tho Dunedin Wednesday Association players. '1 he weather was fine overhead but the ground was in an extremely bad condition, and was covered in many places with pools of water, which greatly interfered with the play. There was only a fair attendance of enthusiastic supporters of tho game—those present probably not numbering more than 150. A fast and fairly interesting display was witnessed, with Southland making most of tiie play. The footwork of tho visitors was remarkably good, and their combination very effective, while their shooting at goal was also marked by more precision than was the case with the local players. The Otago men, however, though outclassed, battled hard, and made tho contest vigorous and interesting right up to tho final whistle. Their combination and passing was also fairly good, and they put plenty of dash into their play but they were outgcnerallec! by tho superior tactics of their opponents, and the game ended 4 goals to 1 in favour of Southland. The teams wore as follow: —

Southland. -Wylie, J. Hurdio (captain), Mitchell, M'Kachran, Wahnseley, Dawson. M. Wilson, Herbert, W. Hardie, Thorpo. Buchanan.

Otago.—W. Tavlor, Brown. Goodmanson,- ,). Harvey. D. Klrkncss (captain), P Swan, J. Wallace, W. Wallace, W. Ross, J. M'Faull, J. Patterson,

Otago won the toss, and Southland kicked off against a fight wind and the slope of the ground. The visitors at once assumed the aggressive, and W. Hardie and Wilson both had good opportunities of opening the scoring, but tbe r efforts failed. The Otago forwards came away with a good passing effort, and from a corner kick on Southland’s line M'Faull had a shot, which ..passed outside the posts of the Rugby goal that was used for the match. From the kick-off Southland again attacked, and Wilson Kent in a fine shot, which struck the crossbar. Play was very fast at this stage, and within a few minutes Otago ,vcro again the aggressors, and a likely shot by W. Wallace, who was playing a fine forward game for the home

team, passed just outside the posts, Kirkncss, the Otago captain, was also doing some excellent work for his side, but he sustained an injury to his ankle and had to retire, his place being taken by M'Kor.zie. Much up and down play followed, and finally Thorpe headed a good goal from a corner kick on the Otago line. Southland 1 goal Otago Nil

A hot attack by the local team followed, but Southland quickly returned play to the other end. and Herbert sending in a good pass to W. Hardio from the wing, this latter player drove the ball straight into Taylor’s hands. The Otago goalkeeper fell back over the lino and Southland secured their second goal. Southland 2 goals Otago Nil

Otago again laid siege to Southland’s goal, and though frequently turned back by the .splendid defensive kicks of Mitchell, their efforts wore at last rewarded. Ross and W. Wallace, by some good play, took the ball right down in front of Southland’s goal posts, and Wylie, getting out of position, the latter drove a good shot homo. Southland 2 goa's Otago 1 goal Otago kept up the attack till the end of the spell, and though the visitors’ defence was nearly penetrated on several occasions, no further score resulted.

In the second spell the pace of the game and the heavy state of the ground seemed to tone play down to some extent, but there were many interesting moments Shortly after the resumption of hostilities, Dawson sent a good pass into W. Hardio, and this player, cleverly evading the opposition, cleverly shot a good goal. Southland 5 goals Otago 1 goal

Some even play followed, until Ross obtained possession almost in front of the visitors’ goal, and a score seemed imminent. The opportunity was lost, however, for a hard shot went right across the posts. A few minutes later Southland further increased their score. Otago had conceded a corner, and \V. llardio headed the ball in to the centre. Taylor effected a temporary save, but Buchanan sent in a nicsly-timcd shot and scored Southland’s fourth goal. Some even play followed, and the game ended shortly after in neutral territory with the score Southland 4 goals Otago 1 B°a' Mr A. Richards controlled the game. Messrs Hay man and Gawn acted as line umpires, and Messrs Pierccy and Caldwell as goal umpires. In the evening the visitors were entertained at a smoke concert in the Rata Tea Rooms, and a most enjoyable time was spent

Kiu tan tfiita 15 12 2 1 47 20 25 Northern A 15 11 7 1 56 30 23 Momington B ... 15 8 4 5 41 30 19 Mornington A ... 15 9 6 0 44 32 13 Roslyn-Wakari ... 15 6 b 1 38 31 17 II.8.' Old Boys ... 15 5 8 1 60 47 13 Christian Bros. ... 15 5 9 1 38 39 11 Maori Hill 15 4 10 1 22 54 9 Northern B 15 3 10 2 24 56 3 Tlavcnsbourno 15 3 11 21 43 7