ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 3889, 25 September 1928, Page 53

ASSOCIATION.

OTAGO DEFEATS SOUTHLAND. INVERCARGILL; September 23. The Otago Association football team defeated Southland yesterday by two goals to nil. Skinner and M'Lean were the scorers. The show grounds were in a very heavy state after continuous rain, and the conditions were such that good football was out of the question; but nevertheless the game was always interesting, and there was plenty of incident. The match had hardly commenced when a blinding hailstorm swept across the ground, and in a minute the players were soaked through. The storm passed quickly, and the sun came through strongly for the remainder ~of the game. Otago sent down a young and keen side, and they showed that had the ball been dry the pace would have I been very fast. It was not until towards the closing stages that they combined at all well, and it was then that they scored two nice goals, Skinner and M'Lean netting. The forwards were good individually, but did not connect together. The halves were a hard-working and clever trio, but Coates, at centre-half, was evidently not used to the position, and was often caught out of position, staying too far upfield. Thompson and Hector were responsible for some clever work, and gave their wings plenty of support, while effectively checking the opposing wingers. Proctor was the better of the full-backs, and Holden, in goal, had a very easy time of it. He was called on once or twice to prove his mettle, and demonstrated that he is a goalkeeper of class, although inclined to leave his goal overmuch. The Southland forward line was a negligible quantity individually and collectively, and had no penetrating force. The half-back line was very strong, and the visiting vanguard found them a difficult trio. Maxwell and Cathcart, the full-backs, had a hard time, and came through with flying colours. Greenfield, in goal, had a busy day, and played an excellent game. He made some clever saves, but had no chance with either of the ones that beat him.

Mr W. Reddington was referee. A curtain-raiser between two leading schools for the final of the competition was played, and resulted in a draw—no score. Waihopai had a lead of one point before the game, and won the competition from Middle. Considering the fact that the game has not been played in schools here for very many years, and that the present teams have only played eight matches, the exhibition given was good, and if everything proves favourable Southland schools may be represented in

the tournament which will be held iu Dunedin next year. This afternoon the Otago team was taken for a motor drive to Riverton, and returned home by the night express.

MORNINGTON: PAST v. PRESENT. On the Mornington ground the Past v. Present members of the Mornington Club met in a pleasant game, which, although marred by wind and hail, was fairly fast and evenly contested. The scores were:— Bast 2 goals. Present 2 goals. MAORI HILL v. MOSGIEL. The Maori Hill team travelled to Mosgiel, and played Mosgiel, the match resulting in a win for the visitors by 6 goals to 2. The money collected at the game will be handed over to the Mosgiel Ladies’ Hockey Club funds. AUCKLAND MATCHES. AUCKLAND, September 23. North Shore 2, Hamilton 2. Y.M.C.A. 3, Ponsonhy 2. Onehunga 3, Belmont 1. Tramways won by default from Norths cote. WELLINGTON MATCH. WELLINGTON, September 22. The following is the result of the first A Challenge Cup.—Petone 4, Institute nil. CHRISTCHURCH COMPETITION. CHRISTCHURCH, September 22. Technical Old Boys 4, New Brighton 1. Western 4, Sumner 1. Villa beat Rangers by default.