SOCCER

Southland Times, Issue 21820, 24 September 1932, Page 15

SOCCER

(By

“Spectator.”)

THE SEASON CLOSES. Soccer is officially over for 1932, and this is the last occasion upon which this column will appear. The season just concluded has not been a wholly successful one, although matters have proceeded much more smoothly than they did last year. Public support was definitely lacking, while on more than one occasion this writer was compelled to protest at the lack of enthusiasm among players. Soccer is still on a very precarious footing in Invercargill, and will remain so until players decide to devote all their energy to the game. Next season it must be the duty of everyone connected with the sport to work well and place soccer on an established basis. Last Saturday’s game was a very easy victory for Otago. The scores at the finish of the game were Otago 5, Southland 2. The Dark Blues were superior in every department of the game, and at times made Southland look for out of the picture. Southland offered poor opposition, so the visitors won in a competent, comfortable manner. In the evening a smoke concert was held. The Otago team attended and his Worship the Mayor, Mr John Miller, presented the cups won by the clubs during the season. This was quite a successful function. All the clubs were represented while numerous persons interested in the game were present. Corinthians have had a successful season. They won the McDonald Cup, Mangan Cup, and Charity Cup. The Light Blues have again been able to field a complete team each week. This club holds soccer together in Invercargill. Rangers, although they won the President’s Cup, have not had a good year. A distinct lack of enthusiasm was evident, while on many occasions nine and ten men took the field. Maxwell’s team would have been a formidable proposition if the material available had been developed. Mr Galbraith’s combination, Central, did not cover themselves with glory, but nevertheless, they are a promising side. This team is made up of young players who with good coaching will win matches. Next year this team will probably be a strong combination. The Blacks, Invercargill, did not win one game. However, they prevented a bye each week, and therefore deserve the best wishes of everyone associated with the sport. The schoolboys’ competition was an utter failure. Towards the end of the season the games were not played and the competition passed into oblivion. Next year the boys will be under the control of the school authorities and better things are expected. A. dull, drab season has just concluded. Let 1933 be the year in which soccer in Invercargill commenced a turn for the better.