SOCCER

Southland Times, Issue 20664, 20 April 1929, Page 18

SOCCER

(By

Whistle.)

TO DAY’S G.AMES. Invercargill v. Central on No. 3 ground. Corinthians v. Rangers on No. 2 ground. NOTES AND COMMENTS. Long grass kills short passing. An application of the lawn mower would improve footwork. A shorter turf would also improve foothold and ensure fewer falls. Corinthians were wide awake to the fact that strong kicks would defeat the ground conditions and an application of that mode of play helped in a large measure in the defeat of Central. The Central boys were game and showed well at times. They only require practice and a little coaching to make a good combination. They are keen and determined to succeed and I am sure Corinthians are good enough sports to wish to be given something to do. The old hands have had the practice and that must tell early in the season, but they cannot keep going for ever and the younger players should bear that in mind. Rudolph proved full of tricks on Saturday and kept the young men busy but imitation is a great, educator and he is worth imitating. Turner showed to advantage in the ranks of the. Corinthians and promises to give some good displays during the season. He has a great kick and is also full of good footwork when the ground permits it. He has a habit of coming up to net occasionally..

Several other players showed good form at times while others evidently forgot their positions in the teams but that is inevitable early in the season. Keenness is a feature of the soccer players and keen players will soon learn to. keep in their places. Several will have to learn another le=son and that is to talk less during play. It is a mistake to tell your opponent what you are thinking—do it when he is not expecting it.

The players are to be complimented on the wav in which they play without a “gallery.” They have the satisfaction of knowing that the spectators, who are elsewhere are missing some very interesting play. A fair number of schoolboys attended on Saturday and, sch’olboy like, started a game of their own. They overlooked the fact that the senior teams needed .the field and were hustled off to the side line where several quarrels took place. The boys should remember that they can learn by watching, older players and show their keenness by doing so. The game between Invercargill and Ran<rer« was close and interesting at times. At other times the players became somewhat mixed, principally through over-keenness and consequently lost chances. The ground was not in condition for footwork and while good footwork is the essence of good soccer it is useless to attempt it. when the conditions will not permit. Placing was

not very good but that was largely due to the long grass spoiling the direction of the ball. The heavy kicking necessary fpr quick advances soon told on the ball and a second one had to be requisitioned half-way through the first spell. At, present it would appear that referees will be scarce -later in the season and a word to the players in connection with this will probably be taken in good sporting spirit. Having controlled a field qf players on many occasions I know that it is impossible for a referee to see everything. If he is trying to do his best give him a chance. There are too many referees driven out of the game through unfair criticism and if the man with the whistle is missing things on both sides it will not effect, the result in any material degree. If a referee is missing something persistently and a team is taking advantage of it the referee should be told at the first opportunity. If he Is a good sport he will take it in good part and watch that it is not repeated. On the other hand referees should remember that there is usually something to learn and encourage players to work with them for the good of the game.