ASSOCIATION.

Waikato Times, Volume 118, Issue 19663, 24 August 1935, Page 19 (Supplement)

ASSOCIATION.

REPRESENTATIVE PLAY. MATCH AT SEDDON PARK. ISOUTH AUCKLAND DEFEATED.

(By “Sideline”.)

Conditions were not particularly favourable for the first match for the 'Hallyburton-Johnstonc Trophy and •consequently there was only a fair gallery of spectators to witness the contest at Seddon Park on Saturday. The heavy nature of the field and the high wind were not ’conducive to good play, but nevertheless there were some bright incidents in the game. Although they were handicapped by the wfind in the first half the Auckland representatives gained a lead of 3 goals to t over the South Auckland representative team, and in the second session they took advantage of every opportunity to pile up 7 goals to South Auckland’s 3. Altogether, they were the stronger team and fully deserved their victory. In the Goal. Auckland’s strongest point, and the home team’s weakest, lay In the goalkeeping position. It was evident early in the game that Raven was not up to form, and Auckland would certainly never have scored their first three goals had the custodian played as well as he has done in some of the club games this season. Gavan, the Auckland ’keeper, gave a very creditable account of himself and fully justified his inclusion in the team. Cool and confident, he saved the situation for the visitors many times, and the three shots 'that passed him would have beaten most goalkeepers.

The Sporting Spirit. If all of the matches in the Hally-burton-Johnstone Trophy series are played in ihe same spirit as Saturday’s contest, the future looks bright for tho competition. There were no deliberate “incidents" and a happy sporting atmosphere prevailed during the game. Although South Auckland •could see, in the later stages of the game, that the trophy had slipped from their grasp, they played on in an undiscouraged fashion. The visitors did nothing to unduly advertise their superiority and “gallery play” was entirely absent.

Advico From tho Line. A rather amusing remark was heard on Ihe shhdine at iasl Saturday’s match al. Seddon Park. M'lie speaker was of opinion lluil. if Ihe eommenls heard were any erilerion. a team ehnsen from among the speelalnrs should in; strong enough lo defeal any side Ihe Smith Auckland Knolhall Assnrialion rould pul on Ihe Held. However, if Ihe nature of Ihe loam's play followed the manner of the onlookers’ adviee. it. might have ;i Pmdeney in heroine rather ragged and iiieousisleni. Never-lliele.-s. we would ii iiilmd ded I y see some very original lar l employed.

Auckland’s Forwards. ] Francis, Cleal and Fyvie were the . outstanding forwards for the winners l of Saturday's game at Seddon Park | and Auckland's victory is in no small » measure due to their combined at- ! tacks. Cleal, the centre forward, is ; fleet of foot and he used his speed on ; many occasions. Francis’ strong kick I was handy in many forays and he •fully deserved the three goals he scored. Fyvie, although only a young player and rather small, toiled gallantly. He had his hands full in dealing with Stewart and Bates but he did not let up once. I Off Form. i The policy of hanging on to the ball 1 far too long cost 'Donaldson many chances at Seddon Park last week. At the start of the game he made a quick advance but failure to get rid of the hall cost him whatever opportunity he may have had. The inside left did not seem at all comfortable and did not settle down to his usual style of play. Lark, on the outside position, was as steady as ever, and played a hard rugged type of game. 'His centring shots were well placed, but Collins was not always in a position to collect them. Ekman Prominent. Although Auckland had a good share of the attack at Seddon Park last week they also had moments when a strong defence was called for, and it was in this department that Ekman was prominent. Playing at left fulli back Ekman had Stewart and Bates to look after but he gave them no latitude; worrying them every inch of the way. ‘Cavan certainly owed a good deal to Ekman and lloldsworth.

Raven’s Retirement. Physical disabilities have necessitated Rex Raven’s withdrawal from the active side of the association game for the rest of the 1935 season. Wanderers’ goalkeeper has given some very creditable displays in club games this year and made a name for himself in the recent engagement with 'Ponsonby at Blandford Park. His performance last week was far from bright, but this is in a measure excusable in view of the circumstances, and his temporary retirement will be a distinct loss to his team. South Auckland's Defenders, Don Crabh usually acquits himself well as a full-back and although he ■frustrated many of the opposition’s forays last week, he cost his team at least one goal. He bad cleared Raven’s goal and bad taken the ball out of danger, but when he hesitated for a moment to get his bearings, Cleal camo up fast and, relieving him of possession, went on to score. McCalium was rather disappointing as the associate back for South Auckland and most of the work was left to Crabb. Chatham Oup Finalists. It was evident in the Chatham Cup ■match at Blandford Park last week that Ponsonby did not have the luck that favoured them in their recent match with Hamilton Wanderers. Although they raided Hospital’s citadel several times the odds were against them and their attacking movements went astray. The home side was also beaten in the forwards, Hospital merely brushing their attacking movements aside.