ASSOCIATION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 11110, 6 May 1911, Page 12

ASSOCIATION.

[Br Cestbb-Haw.] LETTER THAT HAS MADE A STIR. Hospital-Wanderers' Match. Tho standard of play in the WanderersHospital inntch fell far beiow that of tho previous Saturday's game. Tho defenders laid themselves out to. spoil the opposing forwards' combination, and they succeeded in doing so admirably, tho dangerous shots directed at either goalkeepers being few in number. C'ockburn saved very finely on two occasions, as did Garnett, who stopped an ugly low one from Phillips. Meither team deserved a point for their display, and Wanderers were lucky indeed to capture a win—a very doubtful goal by Kodgers settling tho matter. The deplorable happenings that marked tho closing period of the game were most unfortunate. The Hospital Club are considered to hold a high position as sportsmen both on and off the jield, and it would bo a thousand pities if a repetition of anything like this episode, should lend to "soccer" being shut down at Porirua. The Wanderers' skipper iM'NiukO deserves credit for his Kporhsnitiulikc attitude, as • well as his good play, a> he commanded the players who were plainly kicking .put, to "keep the ball in play." Another Reply to R. Mackay. Says another correspondent :—Reverting to friend Mackny's letter in a previous issue, it would be interesting to learn tho origin of tho term "blocking," and the reason-of the general use of the word by a certain section of colonial players. The term finds no place between the two covers of tho Referees' Chart. For the Cup tit\ 'West Ham versus Manchester United, tlio. English. Association appoiated one of their leading referees, while the "Athletic News" deputed one of their most experienced writers to report the game. Had tho former seen anything illegal, us regards what is called "blocking," tlie latter would surely have mentinned it in his fine report of the game. Not a word is mentioned, however. Our worthy friend (Mr. Mackay) has it that he saw innumerable instances of it. The fact is, thero is no such word in football nomenclature. The correct word is "obstruction," and that, is legalised. Chapter and verse for it are to bo found in Laws of the Gome. Hero it is stated that— Page 17, Law 9—"A player shall not bo charged from behind unless ho is intentionally obstructing." And "even if your opponent is intentionally obstructing you, you have no right to charge him in a manner likely to do him serious injury." Tho words "intentionally obstructing" are evidence that it is allowed. A player using common sensewill keep an opponent from the ball while another of his side clears, and no efficient referee would stop him so doing, unless lie was reasonably so far from the ball that, his obstruction taking the form of a heavy charge, his action came under the law relating to "ungenHenianly conduct." Passive obstruction, or variation-? of it, are,ordinary features of tho game. What would it be like if i.t wero not allowed? Are the backs not to obstruct the fiery centre-forward from bundling the goalkeeper and ball into the net, but courteously stand aside while he wins the match for his side? Hardly likely. So obstruct as much as you please, con-

sistent with good sportsmanship, and a reasonable proximity to the ball, which latter proviso is the root of the ruuttei.

Senior Game at Miramai. Colin. Webster seemed to liavo an abnormal development of tho biceps last Saturday, but on closer examination it was only tho marks of clothes nogs on his sweater. Tho ."hellielder was in his best form, and tho Bamblers have him to thank lor getting the full points at the expenso of Thistle. Tho winners plnyed tlireft reserves in M'Gillivray, Coward, and Gibson. The first-named is the making of a good back, while Coward brought off some brilliant runs on the right wing, and the losing team could have done with him very will. Kirsehberg, except for some tricky runs, did not shine, but Hart and Jackson, the other two halves, were better. One of the best forwards on the ground was Johnston. Edwards was in groat form, and his first goal gave the Blue keeper no chance. ■ This versatile player should not be overlooked this year for representative honours. Two of the selectors were on the ground. Smallbone was as good as usual, and finished well, but Hart has beeu knowq to do better. M'Cardlo is not as good as Rowan in goal. Clapham is coming back to form, and he surprised Webster when he took that free kick and scored. Jardino dofended in good stylo. Thistle have a nice littlo centre-half in Hills, but unfortunately ho is leaving tho district. Dixon and Mayo completed a fair half-line. "Jimmy" Ash was the best of a poor forward line, and with some more training should striko his old form again. Too much talk is tho trouble with the Scots. Hall is an offender in this respect. In conclusion it is held that Milner should not be persevered with, and Simpsnn can bo improved on. Three new forwards arc renuired, and the Blues would then take a lot of beating. •

Echoes from Clubs, Hospital are applying for Roots's transfer from Corinthians. It is a pity that ho is leaving tho young club. C. Webster, who played in goal for Ramblers on Saturday last, was undoubtedly the he-o of the match. Time and time again he saved his sido from defeat, and some pieces of his play were really brilliant. It has been noted that whenever his side is against a stiff proposition he seems invariably to play above himself.

Milk, Thistle's tricky little centre-half, was a host ih himself on Saturday, and played quite the game that.a centre-half should play.

The following is said to have taken place during a junior match on Saturday:—

Aggrieved player: "I say, Mr. Referee, why don't yon blow yer whistle? Didn't yer see that?"

Panting referee, after a twenty yards sprint to tho scene of action: "W-w-wait till I get my b-b-breath, can't you?" A new nile made by the Football Association says: "Clubs may, during the season 1910-1911, mutually ngree to use a ball other than one wiih an outer casing of leather." This, by limiting the rule to one season, is manifestly experimental, and by having the alternative covering or casing removed the experiment is made as open as possible.