ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 4039, 11 August 1931, Page 47

ASSOCIATION.

FOOTBALL ASSOCIATION TROPHY OTAGO BRINGS IT SOUTH By Corner Kick. For the first time since the Football Association trophy wag presented for competition to the New Zealand Council in 1926 by the English Football Association,

an Otago team has been successful in wresting the trophy from the North Islam! holders, of whom Auckland has

held it successfully for five years. On two occasions Wellington has secured possession of the trophy for part of a season, losing it again to Auckland and now to Otago. For some years the trophy was played for on the lines of the Plunket Shield matches for cricket, and Otago and Wellington met twice under these conditions, the former defeating Wellington on both occasions, but failing when up against the other provinces. Under the challenge system, inaugurated this season, Wellington defeated Auckland by five goals to four, losing to Otago on Saturday by four goals to three. The next challenge match will be against the sister province, Canterbury, and this will take place in Dunedin on a date yet to be arranged, probably August 29. Otago’s win completely took Wellington by surprise, as its team was regarded as the best that had ever represented the northern province, and the visitors were freely told that they did not Stand a chance. In the face of such odds the local representatives are to be congratulated in doing the seemingly impossible, and the fact that the trophy has at last come south should give a great impetus to the game in Dunedin. The manager (Mr Simpson) speaks most highly of the conduct of the team, which, imbued with a fine team spirit and the will to win, was a credit to itself and to the game. The officials in Wellington could not have done more for the visitors during their short stay, and the result was that they had had a most enjoyable trip Special mention might be made of the visit to the House of Representatives, where the visitors were received by the Speaker (Sir Charles Statham), who is president of the New Zealand Football Association, afterwards being escorted over the building. Mr Simpson had much to say of the wonderful organisation of the Wellington Football Association, arrangements being complete to the last detail, and altogether the team, apart from actually winning the coveted cup, wil] have the most pleasant recollections of its visit to the capital city. Mr B. L. Salmon, the well-known sole selector of New Zealand teams, has this to say of the match; “Otago defeated Wellington and well deserved its victory. I am not going to say the Otago team was well trained, because that is a fact that could be denied, but it was able to maintain condition until the end of the game—an essential point in the winning of mat dies. “Otago was the better side; of this there can be no doubt—possibly 4—2 or even 5—2 would have been a truer indication of the play. However, Otago is probably well satisfied with a 4 —3 victory. “ The better team won. due, I think, to three causes —condition, better footwork, and better positional play. Wellington had the opportunity of winning, as it was early in the lead by two goals to nil, but slackened, and so lost. It is an axiom that attack is the best defence, and Wellington should have maintained the attack and possibly won by 4 —nil.

“ One of the main principles of ‘ Soccer ’ is that of ‘ positioning.’ 1 am sure each forward on the winning side always felt that the ball was coming to him, and proceeded to a position where he could make good use of it. The right type of ‘ positioning ’ bottled up Leslie, the Wellington centre-forward, and the wrong type released Hooper, the opposing centre. Hooper and Leslie are both opportunists; the former was enabled to get goals, Leslie was not. “As I have already said, Wellington lost the game in the first half through easing lip. Otago came with a great rush in the second half, and for a long time Wellington was kept busy defending. Then Otago got two goals, and the excitement was intense. Wellington scored, and Otago’s chances seemed hopeless, but the visitors rallied, drew level, and then scored the winning goal, amidst scenes of wildest excitement, which was maintained to the end.

Coining to the players, each rrtan on the )tago -side did his part, but Perry, at right-half, and M’Hugh, inside-right, were weak, and should be improved upon if possible. There were weak spots on the Wellington side. Chapman, M’Cormack, and Balk proved too hot a proposition for the M’Leod brothers. The full-backs were found wanting at times, too. Of the goalkeepers, M’Vean (Wellington) had much more to do than M’Dougall (Otago), and he handled exceedingly difficult shots with rare judgment. M’Dougall also did well, but be did not have the hot work his vis-a-vis had to contend with. Of the full-backs. George Anderson was outstanding. ami he is as good as ever. Cope, his partner, also did well, and made few mistakes. They were ahead of the Wellington pair, who were bothered by the pace of the Otago forwards. Brown came wellboomed as a centre-half, and there can be no doubt that he was. He overshadowed Campbell; but the latter, nevertheless, played a fine game. But 1 thought Brown’s accurate passing to his forwards opened up the play wonderfully at times. Chapman was very sound at left-half, and tied up Wellington’s fast wingei. M’Leod. Dunean and Balk were two vety line wingers; the latter swung in some fine centres, and he seems as youthful as ever. He was well partnered by M'Cormack whose brilliant footwork largely contiihuted to his side’s success. 1 would have liked to have seen him partner Duncan as the latter was rather poorly served b\ M’Hugh. Hooper is an opportunist pine and simple, but what a wonderful forwatu he would be could he only control the ca« Leslie, centre fop Wellington, is anotlui opportunist, but he could not break down Brown and Anderson.

The Wellington forwards, on the whole, were rather disappointing. Craig and Smith did good work at times, the firs! goal from Smith's foot bting a beauty. The two M’Leods. who probably won the mat-ch against Auckland, were well held by Chapman and Cope, while M’Corniack and. Balk proved too slippery for J. ML- o 1 at right-half. The coiner kicking was excellent all through. What a treat it was watching Balk and Duncan using their opposite feet in taking the corners! It is a great advantage to nnv player to bo able to use either foot: in fact, no p!a.‘ ei> shoiiH he in any senioi team who cannot do .-o.

Siieak ng generally, the football of the winning side was superior from nearly every , viewpoint, and this undoubtedly eont i-t-ut.-il to its win Th? O'ago writer who favoured slow insides with fas; wiug-T.s must now surely review his opinions Comm,mting on the game the Wellington Ev.-iimg Pest states: — In one of the best exhibitions of th? “ So<-(-e> ” <-<>dc seen in WeTingt/ n during the last tow years. Otago, challengers, de tr-ated Wellington in a match for the l-oot'c.'l Association Trophy by 4 goals to 3. at the Basin Reserve on Saturday. The game was played under idea] conditions, in su,-.Ji i ii.-. and there was very little wind. ' s. The:is only one reason for Weliington s, deteat: they were beaten by a team which was superior in every department or tin- game, and by a side which played hig!' class football. As compared with \A elbnaton s more or less haphazard tactics. the visitors played a definite game a <- t:i;i; n-ition, and thus oiigh'y deserved th:-:r wm. (bi the days plav. they whre more than one goal better than Wellington. 1 lu? game was full of incident. Wellington se j-ed first, and. at half time. led 2 I. Otago equalised, and in the dying stae- s scored the vital goal. V\ i-Hiiigton s tor wards were disappoint mg. and. as compared with Otago's mners and ihe brilliant centre-forward, who see: <a.l a]< his side’s goals, were outclassed. In the halt hue. Otago was superior, ami as far as the backs were concerned, the local pair were not as strong as the visiting backs. Both goalkeepers acquitted with merit. M’Dougall particularly being outstanding. ALTERATION OF LAWS Impoitant decisions’ affecting the laws of football were made at a meeting of the International Board at Gleneagles, when Mr Robert Campbell, of the S.F.A.. presided Delegates were present from England. Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, and a] s o from the International Federal’on. The proposal by England to delete the penally of a free kick for a player playing the bail when it was being thrown dqwii by tl.e referee was defeated. A free kick will no longer be given for a foul throw from the touch line. On the proposal of Ireland, moved by Mr Fergmon. jt was agreed that in future a throw-in should be given to the opposing side for such an offence. It was also agreed, on Englands pioposal. that a goal-keeper should be nerm tted to carry the ball four steps instead of two as at present. England proposed an alteration to the law governing the birth qualifications of players. It was suggested that the words “ within the area of the National Association ” should be added. The contention was that without these words the present agreement was noi definite. Some discussion arose, and it was pointed out that such a ruling would mean that the Irish F.A. could not select players in the Free State. The proposal was defeated. This means the Irish Football Association is constitutionally entitled to select players born in any part qf Ireland. A letter was read from the Irish FreeState complaining of the Scottish and Irish As- oeiations not recognising suspensions of amateur players who were suspended by the Free State Association for playing for Amateur Ireland against Amateur England. No action was taken, as the decis’on given regarding the agreement of 1895 covered this letter.

SATURDAY’S MATCHES.

. DUNEDIN. The results of the two games played at Logan Park on Saturday provided the unexpected and quite alters the position of the premiership, which has only another round to be played. High School Old

Boys were very much off their usual game when they met Northern, losing 'two valuable points which, following the defeat of the leading team. Maori Hill, by Mosgiel, deprives them of all chances of holding the Fletcher Cup for 1931. In the Maori Hill - Mosgiel game the former had an opportunity of securing the lead in the second half with a penalty, but M’Dougall made two wonderful saves, and from this point onwaro Mosgiel held the game in hand. By defeating Technical. Seacliff drew level with Maori Hill, and the premiership now lies between these teams. The results of the games are: — Northern .... 2 H.S. Old Bovs . 1 Mosgiel 4 Maori H:ll .*. .. 1 Seacliff 5 Technical .... 4 Port Chalmers . 5 Mornington . . 1 POSITION OF TEAMS. The following table gives the relative positions of ihe teams in the First Grade;

MOSGIEL v. MAORI HILL. At Logan Park Maori Hill suffered its second reverse this season in the Fletcher Cup competition. Mosgiel’s half-backs an.l forwards dominating the ' play in ;.ne second half. Without the services of Balk (owing to illness), who distin-

guished himself for Otago last week against Wellington, the Hill attack was seriously handicapped, and the loss of the cup points after leading in the coinpetition for most of the season is likely co ose it the premiership. Facing - a slight breeze, Maori Sill kicked off, Mosgiel being the first to get within striking distance when Wills saved a hot shot from White. Forcing play uy the Hill halves. Brown essayed a long drive. M’Dougall cleared, but further pressure by the Hill forwards saw Sutcliffe shoot over and Steven repulse Carse. Taylor uiiskic-ked a long clearance, Whyte smartly sent Gorrie away on the right, the winger’s parting shot being cleared by Wills, but Moore secured and drove ihe ball into the net. Mosgiel 1, Hill ml. A Hill advance was short-lived, and Taylor again missed the ball, allowing the Mosgiel forwards to break through, and only fine goal-keeping by Wills saved the situation. Taylor sent the leather upfield, and passing play between Carse and Haldyne enabled the tatter to slip the ball past M’Dougall from the winger One all. Play was fast, both sides tiefending well, but Hill were showing to better advantage. Hill were penalised for foul charging and from the free kick C. Skin ner received and crossed to the centre, Brown saving by dropping back. In an attack Carse beat Steven for the ball but was unable to plaee past M’Dougall, who also turned over the bar a fine shot from the same player shortly’ afterwards. O’Rorke, playing left wing for Mosgiel, was troubling the opposition, and a concerted attack ended in Gorrie’s shot rebounding off Wills, and Moore, following up smartly, handled the ball into the net, Ihe free kick bringing relief. Again

Porter, Whyte, and Gorrie were or >- ininent. Bayne repulsing the movement, and good heading work on Hill’s left was nullified by Fraser's poor shooting. Play continued up and down field. Haldyne sending a good jshot across Mosgiel’s goal. M’Dougall was twice called upon to clear his lines, and at the other end following Porter’s opening-up play. Whyte hit the outside of tlie net with a good atenrpt. M ilson. Hill s outside left, was playing a solid game, and giving Haldyne a pass, M’Dougall punched out the latter’s shot, a free kick bringing relief to the defenders. From the kick Moore received and sent out to O’Rorke. who slipped past I aylor to send in a swerving shot winch hit the upright, and Bayne cleared Play was in midfield when half time sounded, the honours' of the spell being fairly even.

The second spell opened with bright p.ay. a Mosgiel attack being repulsed by laylor, and Thompson sent his right-wing away, a fine cross by Carse being headed outside by . Sutcliffe. Hill still pressed, and Haldyne mused a fine chance by being too slow. Whvte was opening up he play for Mosgiel. but Brown was proving effective in breaking up the. attacks. Hill’s halves were forcing the play, and. following an attack on the right. Mosgie] suffered a penalty shot. M’Dougall made a great save from Taylor’s “spot” kick, and neatly deflected Sutcliffe’s return .-hot over the bar as well. Mosgiel repulsed the corner kick, and O’Rorke attacked on the left, being awarded a free kick for tripping. The ball was nicely placed to goal, and in the resultant melee Brown stopped a shot with lies hands, the refer e awarding a penalty goal. Mosgiel 2, Maori Hill 1. Both sides were swinging the ball about, making the play fatt, and

interesting, but Mosgiel’s halves and forwards were showing to better advantage. Taylor. Hill’s right-back, was defending more safely than in the first spell, and repeatedly blocked Mosgiel’s advances. Both fides forced corners, Mosgiel making better use of their’s, Moore scoring with a header which gave Wills no chance. Mosgiel 3, Maori Hill 1. In an effort to make up leeway. Hill attacked strongly, Brown and Oliver being prominent. Fraser twice kicked past, and M’Dougall safely dealt with a further shot. Hard up-and-down play saw Bayne miss-kick to Gorrie, the latter placing to goal for Moore to pilot the ball through Will’s legs. Mosgiel 4, Hill 1. Stevens showed coolness in dealing with the Hill forward movements on the right and sending his forwards away, good combined work ending in Whyte heading past. From the goal kick the baD passed along the Hill forward line. Carse finally shooting over. Brown was feeling the effects of an injury received in the first half, and, although Thompson and Wilson continued to do good work, the Mosgiel forwards dominated the play. Good defence on the part of Taylor - and Wills averted further goals. In the final stages Maori Hill made several break-aways, and, although the forwards (jot past the backs on occasions. M’Dougall was always in position to clear, and the game ended: Mosgiel .. .... .. 4 goals. Maori Hill 1 goal.

NORTHERN v. H.S. OLD BOYS. Northern kicked off and made play to Old Boys’ end, where Hall saved from Riach, Chapman secured and gave his

forwards a chance, and Wallace gave away a corner. Nothing came from it. Midfield play followed and Smith brooke through but shot over. Play hovered around Old Boys’ territory and Hall was called on to save several times. From a breakaway Chapman secured and tested Hall, who saved well. Again Old Boys attacked and Groves shot over. Thomson hod a good chance at the other end. but Hall saved. Old Boys’" halves were playing well, but the forwards could do nothing right. Groves broke through and passed to Cameron, but he shot into Hall’s hands, and a good chance was lost. Northern were playing nicely, and Thomson was keeping Old Boys’s backs busy, and a good nin by Faithful saw Thomson head over from the cross. Shortly afterwards a penalty for hands against Boyd was awarded Northern, but Thomson’s shot grazed the bar. Northern continued to press and Riach missed some nice chances from a breakaway. Latimer had a shot, but it went wide. The first half ended in a goalless draw. The second spell opened well, and Boyd shot over. From the kick Sutherland secured and passed to Faithful, who centred nicely, but Dunean relieved. Play slackened down, but Northern continued to press, and Hall ran out to save from Smith, and before he returned Thomson sent in a long shot to score for Northern. Old- Boys transferred play, and Hamilton shot wide. Thomson' broke through and nearly had another goai. and shortly afterwards headed over from a centre by faithful. Perry secured, and a shot from well out beat Hall all the way Northern 2, Old Boys nil. Wood secured but ran too far down before centring, but Coats cleared. Old

Boys returned and again Woods broke through, but Hall saved. From a corner Groves scored with a good shot. Northern 2, Old Boys 1. This livened things up and Old Boys returned to attack. Duncan and Chapman carried the ball well down, but Wallace kicked over for a corner. Nothing came from it, and the game ended shortly with play in midfield. Result: Northern 2 goals. H.S. Old Boys .... 1 goal. PORT CHALMERS v. MORNINGTON. Mornington attacked from the kick-off in the game against Port Chalmers, Donaldson sending past. At the other end Johnstone relieved danger from Ires, and after the visiting centre had attempted to go through on his own, Connolly opened the scoring for Mornington, beating Camp, in goal, with a good low shot. Mornington 1, Port nil. Following the kick-off, Ives, on the Port right wing, drove into goal, Lowden clearing, and .Hall had a good drive at goal, but Camp proved safe. A fine combined movement by the Mornington van compelled Camp to go on bis knees to save from Young. The home team now took a turn at attacking, Evans sending out nicely to Ives, whose cross was well cleared by Haldane. At Port’s end, Donaldson dribbled past the backs, Camp effecting a lucky’ save. Couper and Ives, with a combined effort, took play towards Oastler’s charge, but the former shot wildly when well placed. Madigan had a fine shot from well out, Oastler saving by tipping over the bar.

Connolly was most unlucky with a splendid shot that hit tbe crossbar. Rapidly transferring play, Ives neatly tricked Johnstone, but Lowden saved the situation. and sending well down, Camp had to leave goal to clear from Donaldson. The Port custodian saved at point-blank range from Young, and following a couple of strong attacks by the Green and White forwards, Monti sent across to Ives. Madigan secured the latter’s return, and levelled the scores with a neat effort. Port 1, Mornington 1. Following another strong Port attack, Johnstone sent well down, and Connolly hit the upright. Exceptionally fast end to end play saw Madigan dribble through, followed by Monti putting his side in the lead with a low drive. Port 2, Mornington 1. Mornington had several likely attacks, but M’Sloy and Ives were both safe in the Port defence. Connolly missed almost on the goal line, k and the same player followed with a fine shot from well out. his effort going narrowly past. Fleming had a good attempt to level the scores, but Camp was again in position. Half time was tailed with the score: Port 2, Morn--ington 1.

After the spell, play was still very fast. Moon and Hall repulsed a couple of Port rushes. The former swung the ball over to Young, Camp coming out to clear. A lob from Hall was fisted out by the Port goalie. The centre-half received the rebound, but drove outside. A free kick for an infringement by Fleming spoilt a likely score. Immediately afterwards, Holden met a cross from Couper, and „-;n, ;1 «n'o n didly-ind<rcd shot, put his side further ahead. Port 3, Mornington 1. Janeouragea by this success, the home team again increased their lead, Monti being the scorer. Port 4, Mornington 1. Un-

dismayed, the visiting van attacked, and after Young and Fleming had narrowly missed scoring, the former tricked Hutchison arid brought Camp to the ground to save. Nice combined play by the Port forwards ended with Couper shooting over. Madigan outwitted Lowden, and Oastler was lucky in saving at the foot of the upright, at the expense of a corner. Port almost had another goal from a goalmouth scramble, and after Hall had cleared a corner kick by Ives, Madigan made Porte goal tally five by beating Oastler with a fast ground shot. Port 5, Mornington 1. Moon attempted to go through Port’s defence, but Ives was again too safe. The Port custodian dealt with a good shot from Young, and had also to get down to a drive from Moon, Mornington launched another ineffectual attack when the final whistle sounded, the game ending: Port Chalmers .. .. 5 goals. Mornington 1 goal. Mr J. Morwood was referee. SEACLIFF v. TECHNICAL. At the Oval Seacliff had a narrow win over Technical, the scores being five goals to four, after the former were leading in the first half by four goals to nil,

MflLean netting all the goals. Bartlett opened the scoring for Technical in the second half, Al’Cormack increasing Seacliff’s tally with another, and Parsons and Bartlett and Armishaw followed with bne each for Technical. SECOND GRADE. Tramways 5, H. 5.0.8. nil. Roslyn-Wakari 1, Technical Old Boys Bil. THIRD GRADE. Leith A 3, H. 5.0.8. nil. FIFTH GRADE. Mornington 2, Normal 1. Technical A 2, Mosgiel 2. Northern 2, Technical B 1. IN OTHER .CENTRES AUCKLAND. Celtic 2, Ponsonby nil. • Tramurewa 4, Y.M.C.A. 2. Thistle 5, North Shore 1. Onehunga 2, New Accord 1. WELLINGTON. First Division. Seatoun 3, Hospital 3. Marist 5, Diamonds 2. Petone 6, Waterside 1. AULD MEMORIAL CUP. Thistle 4, W.YM.I. I. > CHATHAM CUP MATCH. CHRISTCHURCH, August 8. Nomads 1 defeated Dobson (West Coast) nil.

r. W L. D. Goals Cup Pts. F. A. Maori Hill .. 13 9' 2 2 37 18 20 Seat lift .. .. 13 9 9 9 47 21 20 H.S. Old Boys 13 9 3 ] 42 33 19 Mosgiel . . . 13 8 3 2 35 24 1 X Not thorn . .. 12 3 6 3 21 27 9 Technical 12 4 8 — 19 3.) 8 Mornington .. 13 9 11 — 26 42 4 Pt. Chalmers 13 2 11 — 21 48 4