THE SOCCER GAME.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 182, 7 September 1914, Page 9

THE SOCCER GAME.

PROMISING YOUNG PLAYERS. The match arranged by the Canterbury Football Association between the (Canterbury representative eleven and a, team composed of aspirants for representative honours, and played at Richmond Park on Saturday, proved most interesting, and any doubts that may have existed as to the possibility of filling any vacancies that may occur in next season's representative team are dispelled; During the first half of the game delightful football was witnessed. The "youngsters" had by far the better of the game then.' Unfortunately, their to .show their representative proficiency led them, to much wild work in goal-mouth, thedifference between, their "finish", and that of the representatives: being; most marked. . : • ■ ''

The ' * probables' " forwards showed nice combination. Golightly and Hill put in some very pretty w«ork, the latter player giving glimpses of a -high grade of play. "Hains, in centre, although a cool and reliable man, is lacking in dash. But this cannot be said of Howie, who held the inside left position. Howie was distinctly good, and quite the best man in the forward line. Chamirigs, at oiutside left, put in a few good runs and centres, but on the whole was a trifle disappointing, he not playing up to his usual form.' ''.'.' '

The half-back line was good, and put in some fine tackling. Of. the three, McCreanor. showed most promise, although he has much to learn. But he is young, and, f considering'that he was up against the most brilliant forward line in Canterbury, he did remarkably well.' Tait, at centre-half, mixed with the forwards too much. Ens'or does not feed his forwards as accurately as one could wish, but he is a fine tackier, playing with plenty of vigour. Johnson, at full-back, did' some splendid work, but to miskick three times in one match is, from a representative standpoint, unpardonable. Grahame, United's promising young player, will, surely have a tick against his name in the selection note book. He played a nice game, but when beaten he is a little inclined to '{give it up as a bad job"; but as he g!ets to know his powers better he should quickly ' lose this tendency. Swift brought off some fine saves, but did not play up to his top form.

THE REPRESENTATIVE TEAM. A. Grant's enforced idleness has 4by no means interfered with his proficiency. He and G. Norman put in 'some fine work for the representatives. Ramsay, who filled,a vacancy in the representative half-back line at the last minute, came as a bit of a surprise to most present. Eamsay is a tip-top half-back, his Saturday's play proving it. Unfortunately, he is a little inclined to "lose his head" in a strenuous game. Could he but overcome this failing, he would rank amongst Canterbury's best halves. McFarlane, at back, played his usual strenuous and safe game. But Mitchell tried to do too much; although he was robbed, not once but many times, it did not seem to shake the opinion he evidently had that he was playing against inferior players. Tennant was extremely good in goal; he gave .a delightful exhibition. THE LEAGUE FINAL. Sydenham and Nomads will meet next Saturday to decide the league championship, and the C.F.A. has decided to give the proceeds of the gate to the Patriotic Fund. Through the kindly- interest of Dr Gow, permission has been gained to play the match at Sunnyside. That the game will be.;. most'strenuous o.ne goes without saying, and Association football lovers will get a treat which rarely comes their way. A great crowd is expected, and a good shilling's worth is assured. The ground is an ideal one, and the worthy object should appeal to the patriotism of all Soccerites. Many Canterbury players have answered their country's call, and although we cannot all go we can at least, show our appreciation of their great sacrifice by doing all in our power to make this undertaking of the C.F.A. a huge success. Probably the ladies who so kindly managed the afternoon tea at the Can-terbury-Wanganui match could be again prevailed upon to attend in the sama

capacity 1 . The proceeds would thus be largely augmented, besides adding what already promises to be a splendid afternoon's entertainment; JUNIOR CHAMPIONS. The Woolston Club is the champion of the Junior League, its draw with Sydenham putting it in this proud position. The club is to be. congratulated on its season's performance. Its only loss this season was against United, and the "Woolston Club was distinctly un- i fortunate then, some of its players having volunteered their services to the country. I hear that the club iritends to seek fame in the senior ranks next season. Should this be a fact, a warm welcome jvill be accorded it. It has a large following of supporters, who will welcome senior* football in the Woolston district. The Canterbury Football Association's action in removing the suspension of a certain senior player has not met with the approval of a large section of Association players. Nevertheless, no amount of arguing will alter this decision, and it would be wise to let the matter rest. !The season has been singularly free so far from "jars" of any description. We may depend upon •it that this decision was not hastily come to, and a ruling body has yet to be found to please everyone. The C.F.A. has proved that it has the good of the game at heart. No one can gainsay this, and Association players as a body can best show appreciation of the ruling body by loyally accepting its decisions. WANDERER.