LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 12707, 31 July 1919, Page 2

LEAGUE FOOTBALL.

NOTH AND COMMENTS* Tb© competitions were resumed last Saturday, and the active division had everything in their favour to make good, the grounds being fast, though the keen easterly breeze made conditions a little uncomfortable for onlookers. . ADDINGTON r. .FEDERAL. It was. freely stated that Federal were out for a win, and the followers of tlio Yellow and Blacks relied on'the assistance of the New Zealand captain, W. Mitchell, to bring about the defeat of Addington. There was some adverse discussion when Referee Hooper awarded the goal to Addington-, and though from two angles it was a doubtful decision, still the referee was in the best position to judge. There were other rulings by the man in charge that one did not agree with, but these no doubt were due to the referee not being well placed to sec the happenings, this resulting from the official not being fast enough to keep pace with the play ail the time. If the play is to be kept fast clubs should have the services of the speediest referees in commission, as the faster the rulings the faster the game and the greater the support by the public. It is nut good policy to have referees who, though quite impartial in their rulings, cannot keep up with the play and hamper speedy movements. and the sooner the committee realise this the hotter for the game.

j From a critic's point of view the match provided an interesting set-to enjoyable to those looking on- The play, however; lacked the sparkle and brilliancy that one -should see from these teams. There was an over indulgence in kicking bv the backs which should have been avoided, especially by the winners, whose three-quarter line were showing a lot of .flash, and though the younger Sanders showed some title work of movement he was apt to Overdo the kicking. The Black and Whites skipper , is clever enough to bent most opponents by his ability to side-step and move fast, and a? he is practically the tutor of the bright and youthful hacks associated with him every follower of the code, would ho pleased to sec him reduce kicking to a minimum. Federal commenced as if they were sure of ilie result, and they had the Western boys doing their best to stave off some solid attacks by the Yellow and Blacks’ forwards, who, going strongly, gave Thackwell the ball, anil from him it went to Mitchell or Ivrnso, and that was practically the end, of the ruu, as both these, players then attempted to do too much and rarely made efforts to get 'Weston or T- Molloy, who showed u> lot of dash, into action with them, and the youthful Addington backs made' no 'mistakes in checking the movement- Federal Were unfortunate in losing the services of Piripiri when the latter twisted his knee and had to retire, but there were a lot of good chances missed before the occurrence. The luck was against them, as the Maori three-quarter had a sure try when h© stopped on bearing a whistle on the adjoining ground.

With no score registered at half-time spectators were very keen, and as play after the interval improved there was some good football in the second half. Play was in favour of Addington, whose backs and forwards showed move nippiness and resource than their heavier adversaries. It was a spectacular action that enabled Goodman to score, J. Sanders bluffing his opponents neatly in, bringing about the try. Addington’s success was well deserved, as their play was superior all round to the Fcderalitcs.

Everyone was disappointed at the tactics of Mitchell, as. fresh hack from his Australian tour, it was expected that he would make merry, hut excepting that he issued instructions very freely he did not play up tb "stain da rd, though in fairness to him iff should be said that he was “ nursing ” a leg.

As the season is now' drawing to a close I would suggest to the executive that the Sydenham, Linwood and Addington teams play out the extra fixtures. That,' of course, would also keep Federal and Hornby in. but it is now the desire of regular patrons to follow Addington, who are very .popular and will draw, especially to Sydenham Park. Their recent games have made them favourites with the public as they play spectacular football. LINWOOD v. HORNBY.

It was given out that, profiting by experience gained in going under to the Addington team, the Linwood “heads” had decided to have a. reorganisation of their forces, and rumour proved correct, as the Green and Blacks had a re-shuffle of the backs against Hornby, and it certainly was to the advantage of the team. With a spectacular bout of passing between Runnier, Gerard, Wright and Murfit-t, the last-named sent infield again to Wright, and cutting out two opponents Murfitt again called for the ball, and speeding, on drew the Hornby full-back and returned infield to Wright, who sprinted away from the pursuing backs and scored behind the pasts. Linwood came again and the game was fast, but H. Moffatt got busy in controlling the ball in the scrums and prevented the Green and Blacks’ backs from bringing about any nroro scoring efforts,-and aided by some fine defence from Sales, Pitt, Dobson, Smith and Cox, the, Blacks’ forwards checked the rushes of the Liuwoodites effectively for the greater part of the game, even when the Green and Blacks had the assistance of the breeze. Though the play of the Hornby men was not spectacular, nevertheless it best served them as it enabled the team to check iho opposition from obtaining a larger score, though they (Could not score thcm&elves. Linwood were doing most of the attacking though they did not get the ball from the pack. " . The change in the Greens’ hacks enabled Gregory to show that ho is a fine full-hack, and had he played there in previous games it would have been beneficial to the team. Wright, Gerard and Rennier also demonstrated that they have ability, bub were previously denied the opportunities of showing itThere is room for a change in the forwards as Only Healey, Harris and Walker pursued tho ball all the way. The Hornby forwards deserve recognition for their solid play, H. Moffatt being very prominent all the way, and Nelson Freeman put in good ‘-work. With the backs previously mentioned J. Bine a iso did a, lot of Stopping and effective collaring. S. Smith and Oox made some nice passing funs, but there was a lack of support by the threequarters.

-LONIOR DIVISIONS. There was joy in the ranks of the M onlston team and their, supporters last week when they beat Hornbv. Tim Woolston team now have a good chance of placing their name on the flag though they have yet the hardest part to do—to beat both Avon and Lintvood. Their fixture against the former this Week at &t Albans Bark should bo interesting. 'Woolston are a powerful sme that could be trained into a fine team under the tuition ’of a nood coach. ■

The Hornbyitea did not play up to expectations. They are <f powerful forward team, but lack knowledge and combination. Their defeat Was brought about through a lack of cohesion. Tliev .bZrtVl I for a team anil members would only; iealuo that combined, hefidv plav 18 preferable t 0 individualism. * Ofhev hancos by far too much

• In heating a weak Sydenham team Himteod did not show that dash which should be forthcoming from a team whose backs are all fairlv fast and ninny. Probably the absence of lv fi oiu half upset- t-heir combi* l *-

t'ion as he is one of the best, pla.rere in the team.

In beating Hornby, the YTdolston team bare now a good chance of securing the honours in the third division. The team are improving each game. With their three in the secmid, third and fourth'divisions all going strong the players from the tannery' districts are having a. good season, and the competitions in these divisions are in an interesting: stage.

NOTES

Tim selection of the team to proceed to Wellington to-morrow night was the subject of comment after the names were forthcoming, and it is doubtful if there was a supporter who could have named the side prior to the selection. The backs are fair, though, the wing three-quarters might hare been improved upon. It was thought that I>. George, of Sydenham, would have secured a place, but evidently the selectors had othor views. Sanders ia.nd Young should do well together, though the latter lias been playing away from the serum. It is staled that Piriniri will not be available, and this means the inclusion of "Wright, the Limvood back, who earned his place on his game against Hornby. The forwards are the best available, though the inclusion of .Healey was a surprise. M’Gibhon G one of the most promising of the front-rankers and his collaring has no donbt secured him bis place. With fine weather the team should give Wellington a good game. Local supporters of the game are bewailing the railway rort.rirt.ious as they will probably moan that the Auckland ami Yew South Wales visits boro will be cancelled, though should steamer arrangements prove suitable, the tour ar,-ringed bv the latter executive, can be carried out.