ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume VII, Issue 2029, 16 August 1920, Page 2

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

CANTERBURY MATTERS. There is a probability of the Canterbury Football Association's first-grade competition being closed forthwith. Noma'ls' position at the top of the table is unassailable, but Linwood, St. Albans and Sunnyside are even in points for runner-up," and a suggestion has been put forward that the two teams with the best goal averages should play off for the honour. Should this idea, be carried out, a very interesting game would result between Sunnyside and St. Albans. It should be played on a neutral ground —English Park, for preference.

The New Zealand Football Association has been stirred into life after a period of inactivity. A letter has been received from it by the Canterbury association, suggesting a revival of the North v. South Island match, and asking if live or six Canterbury players could proceed to Wellington "for the !game. The C.F.A. applauds the idea of reviving this pre-War fixture, and also agrees to send the necessary players, but it points out to the governing body the advisability of holding this year's match in Christchureh, and also the fact that Wellington will have had four Brown Shield matches this season, while Christchureh has not had even a friendly interprovincial game. It is hoped that the representations of the C.F.A. will be agreed to, for an inter-Island match would indeed be very welcome to Christchureh, as something of that kind is required to infuse a little enthusiasm into Soccer generally in, Christchureh. The Canterbury Football Association is inviting the Otago Football Association to send a team to Christchureh as a return for the visit of a Canterbury team to Dunedin last June. Should this game eventuate, the suggestion is offered that a number of Canterbury's older interprovincial representatives be given a rest, and some of the younger players given a little encouragement by being promoted to do battle for their province. That there are several of the younger school worthy of consideration cannot be denied, and, as the match would not be a Brown Shield event, but more in the nature of a "friendly" game, it seems a good opportunity for trying out some of the aspirants to representative honours. In the event of the Otago representatives coming up, an endeavour will be made to bring a third-grade team also, and this game , would in all probability be played as a curtain-raiser to the interprovincial '. match.

In the event, of the I/eague competition being closed forthwith, as suggested above, it is probable that the English Cup competition will be commenced next Saturday. The Mat'/h Committee is meeting' this evening, prior to the C.F.A. meeting, and it is anticipated that it will have some recommendation to make ; in connection with the matter. Club secretaries should note that the C.F.A. has decided that any club whose account is in debit with it may not participate in the English Cup competition until its liabilities have been dis-

charged. The Thorndon (Wellington) Club has arranged to send two teams to Christchurch next month on a "friendly" visit to the St. Albans Club. The teams will probably be second and fourth grade elevens. There will be no Soccer at English

Park on Saturday, owing to the ground being engaged for an interprovincial ladies' hockey match. Otago v. Cautevburv. UMPIRE.