ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12407, 27 August 1918, Page 4

ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

NOTES.

(By “SPECTATOR.”), THE “REP” PLAYERS.

Trial games do not, as a rule, provide the most interesting football, and the game at English Park on Saturday was no exception. -The “reps” naturally had most of the play, and indulged in liberties, In spite of this, however, there were glimpses of good football, and one could see traces of the form that will bo expected when the team is properly tuned up. The players have taken seriously to hard training, and its effects left several of them with sore muscles, so it is hardly to be wondered at if the players, as a whole, did not put a great deal of vim into their work. There is one thing, however, that needs improvement in the forwanl lino immediately, and that is combination.' It was very noticeable in Saturday’s game that most of the play was on the left wing, the right wing being neglected on several occasions, when nicely placed, through Pilling parting with the ball in the wrong direction. Filling’s position is undoubtedly at iAside right, as ho is a natural right-footed player, and has scored most of his goals from that position. At centre he is much too slow, and lacks initiative. Norman is a better player in the centre, as ho has a wonderful command of the ball and has terrific pqwer behind his shots., I understand ho is to be the pivot in next Saturday’s trial, and Pilling is to be tried at inside left in place of Grant, who will probably bo left out of the team on account of his having failed to put in, an appearance at two of the trial games, and the indifference shown in regard to training. If this alteration is decided upon by the selectors, Woods will probably come into the team and play at outside right, Frickleton going buck to his old position at_ outside left. The readjustment will not weaken the forward line in any way, except that Pilling may not be so effective as_ at inside right. It is out of the question, however, to move Bissett. from that position. It would probably bo beneficial to try Dowker at inside left, and bring Flood, who has been discharged from camp, in at right halt. Flood has proved himself one of the best halves in .the Senior Grade, and his inclusion would not weaken the defence in any way, whereas Dowker is a versatile player, equally clever with both, feet, and is likely to combine better with Fricklcton than Pilling, who relies a good deal on individual effort. HURLEY SHIELD. The final tie between Excelsior and Western provided a fine contest, the football being fast and exhilarating. The teams were most evenly matched, and although Excelsior managed to win by four goals to two, the score did not by any means bear a true reflex of the play. Western were unlucky on several occasions, hut their shooting was not so accurate as that of their opponents, who made the most of their chances. Pat O’Oailaghan found the net twice for the winning team, and Sproston scored a fine goal for Western. STRAY SHOTS.

There was a, good attendance at the meeting of the Canterbury Referees’ Association last evening, and some interesting points on the laws of the game were discussed. Opinions ■were divided on whether a. penalty kick should be given, or a goal awarded, in the event of a player shooting" for goal, and a defending player, other than the handling the ball, but not so as to interfere with its flight into the net. This is a debatable point, and ono to which the law' of advantage might apply. Law 9 distinctly states that intentional hands within the area must be penalised. Law 17, however, states that though a penalty kick may be deserved, the referee is empowered not to enforce it if to do so would benefit the offenders. Also if a penalty kick is awarded and scores, the referee must ignore any infringement by the defenders, and let the goal stand. Law 9 again says:—“ Let the referee give 1 hands ’ on his own initiative.” It would appear, then, that in the case in point the referee could use his own discretion in the matter.

Mr George Black has passed the Referees’ Examination Board and has been appointed referee for the Canterbury v. Wellington match. Air Black’s appointment to the Brown Shield game will cause general satisfaction in Soccer circles, as by his impartial judgment and accurate decisions he has gained the confidence of the players in ail grades, and has well merited the honour placed upon him by tho New Zealand Football Association.

In view of tho visit of tho Otago Boys’ High School on September 7, the O.F.A, has arranged for St Albans to play the visitors as a curtain raiser to the Brown Shield. The team, which has been strengthened by tho inclusion of two or three of the Rangers’ younger players, will he as follows Palmer, Fans, Hilgrove, < Thompson, Flood, Kirk. Jewell, Burnside, Mahan, Lament, and Lilburn. This team will play a trial game against the Canterbury representatives at Linwood Park on Saturday.