ASSOCIATION.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1204, 12 August 1911, Page 12

ASSOCIATION.

[Bi Cextre-llalf.l

.UGLY AFFAIR LAST WEEK,

Championship Table. Swifts maintain tho lead with a substantial total, and tho thing is practically a foregone conclusion for the red shirts. Following is the table: —

Wanted—Scoring Ability. Lack' of scoring ability, and a sound' display of goal-keeping by Hollis, cost the Hospital team a point on Saturday last. They were constantly attacking in the first half, and, beyond a few runs by Murphy (very smart at outside-right) anil a good effort or two by Godsalve and Smith, all tho play was in Y.M.C.A.'s half of tho field. How their goal escaped was a mystery on several occasions, and once the ball was lying dead close in,...but there was no enterprising foot on the spot to drive it home. Lyrer was about the best shot

for his side, one beauty from him just skimming tho bar. With his partner, Pearson, he made many combined runs, but, like the rest of tho forwards, persisted in shooting from long range, and Hollis was quite at home to efforts of that description. Godsalve, WM.'s new forward, is an. acquisition, and . displayed nice control of the ball, never hesitating to shoot when an opening presented itself. Host of Cockburn's work came from him, but tho keeper was like his vis-a-vis, not to be beaten.

There was a marked revival on the part of both teams in the second half, mostly due to a curious happening. Play was hovering about Hospital's penalty line, when Mr. Inco blew his whistle—a rare occurrence during the game—and placed tho ball on the penalty spot. None of the players were aware of anything that justified a penalty, and were at a loss as to whose was tho kick, so Mr. Ince informed Y.M.'s of their good fortune, for "hands" against Morgan. Cockburn, with fine anticipation, dived at the ball, and made a great "save" at tho foit of the post. After this little business the gamo became very lively, but neither defence was giving anything away though, for the advantage they had throughout, and the scoring possibilities that eventuated therefrom, Hospital should have won by a comfortablo mnrgin. Their skipper, Phillips, was nursing an injured knee, a memento of the kindly attentions which lie had received in the previous Saturday's game. A "Gentle" Game. Swifts by their win on Saturday last have made their position very strong for the first division championship. But tho winning of championships is not everything. Association, to. progress as its most ardent supporters hope, must be capable of producing much better football than tho two leading teams presented last Saturday, if it is to become the successor to Kugby. 111-feeling on a sports ground is always regrettable, but carried to tho extremes witnessed at Kelburne Park it is deplorable, and spells ruin to the game, for there was a fair number of boys—some- of whom, let it be remembered, are future first division playerswatching tho gamo between Thistle and Swifts. What they sa« (and most boys are perceptive) could not altogether eu.thuse them.

Tho opening on both sides was really good—tricky passing, 'clever defence, and good judgment being there in plenty. But, sad to relate, that opening was only the opening, nml too soon did play degenerate and becomo not keen or hard, but dangerously rough. The referee's warning to both teams was only partially heeded, and the .writer saw many things which must have disheartened any lover of Association. Nor do some of the spectators (a small proportion, it is true) help forward the games popularity by profane language, especially when ladies are present. The Winners' Lines. Coming to the play itself, Swifts' forwards hail better combination than Thistle's, and they sent in quicker shots than their opponents. Tho whole Swifts' line came away neatly, while their passes were accurate. Their line was not as good, as Thistle's, and though Eickerby defended well during the second half, tho lino did not cover nearly tho amount of work it should have, done, and was tho weakest part of the team. Wilson and Pyc-Smith wero too much for Thistle's forwards, and time after time the Blue's hopes were shattered. Penlington, in goal, was quite "sale," and disposed of all attempts to chide him, though at least twjee his resourcefulness was all but beatenA Glance at Thistle. Thistle wero not favoured by good fortune, and had the annoying experience of striking tho cross-bar with two shots. But their fonvards wero not so capable as their opponents, and failed to show tho accuracy in passing and control 01" tho ball that they usually possess. It is doubtful if changing the forward line (luring tho gamo was beneficial. Ash is better •"inside" than as a "wing," while ifall, when on the wing, sent m some good Tho halves worn all good, .Dickson being, jerhaps, tho best. Tho lino was better than Swifts', and fed the forwards well, while in defence tlio tackling was sure. Clapham kicked as hard as usual, but his associate was not as sure ;as could be wished. Taking the game as a whole, one would like to see these teams meet in\a better spirit, and give of their licit, foi' ; bo'th teams have played far better this season. / ! A Surprise at Miranjar. Rovers in their match with Wanderers seemed to have tho points in hand, standing 2 to 1 well through the second spell. But in almost a moment tho game was reversed, and the lied and Whites were leading by 'i to 2. Undoubtedly Hovers' forwards (like Thistle's) have been very lucky this season. Lowe, at outside right, is easily tho best of the White forwards. In fact, ho was tho best on the ground, lie. ami Martin at, left baelc. were the only two deserving special mention. Hughes (a Mnnawatu representative), who made his appearance in the ranks of the "English" team, scored a nice goal too. Venning, another "Home" man, and Hughes also, signalled their advent by registering a goal for their side. The club, which piides itself in being constituted of "(lome-biod ones," has more than its share of "little, fellows." However, some of them are verv clever, and can play attractive football, although they do not always "]:%g the point'." Parsons' clean si vie* verv much resembles that of his vis-a-vis,'G. Martin.

*3 . i £ „ .,, 5 ?: p 3 u iS Swifts 15 13 0 2 40-19 25 Thistlo 1G 11 1 .1 37—25 23 Hospital ... 1G 10 2 4 51—21 2-' Ramblers ... 1G 9 2 5 39—2a 20 Diamonds ... 15 7 .'! 5 39—2G 17 Y.M.C.A. ... 1G 7 3 G 25-27 17 Hovers 16 1 3 9 2G-35 11 AUwlerers 1G 4 1 U 23—38 9 Corinthians 15 3 111' 18—57 7 St. John's ... 15 1 2 12 15—19 4