Association Football.

Free Lance, Volume I, Issue 4, 28 July 1900, Page 15

Association Football.

The Postponement Committee acted wisely, but not well, last Saturday, in postponing the matches. At mid-day it came down in torrents, and, naturally, they thought fit to defer the matches ; but, unfortunately for them, it turned out a lovely football afternoon, consequently a lot of disappointment prevailed amongst footballers generally. I would strongly advise the Committee to play the Third-class matches in any sort of weather in the future, for what I consider the indiscreet action of its Committee in having two rounds in its fixtures, seeing the number of teams in for that competition and the extia matches to be played — Henderson Challenge Cap and their annual six-a-side tournament. When all these outlines are followed out, it will be pretty late in the

A team of eight brave footballers journeyed to Petone on Arbor Day to play a team from H.M.S. Royal Arthur. To play a game of tootball in the pouring rain seems " a lump oft." As a man-o-war player was wont to lemark, " We must be all mad," but, to avoid disappointment to the Royal Tars, although raining heavens hard, the team willingly braved the elements and played, under the circumstances, a most enjoyable game. From reports of the game I attach the following notes : — Jones in goal saved splendidly. Tiuman had all the full-back woik to do, and altogether was not quite safe. Hawkins and McKeown shared the naif-back woik, and Hawkins made clear work of all his kicks. Duff played a splendid game at centie toiward. Twohill and Hall worked f 10111 skirt to finish, and each h<td two men to look after. The game resulted in a draw, each side notching a goal, scored by Duff and " i hummie" for the Nondesciipts and Itoyal Arthur respectively. lam also informed that McKeown was nude of certain parts of his football appaitl after the game. Mr B. L. Salmon had contiol of the game. A good many third-class footballs have met their fate through alighting on the baib wiie fencing enclosing the grounds at Kaioii. Already the Rovers have several matches to play at the conclusion ot the Championship fixtures, owing to footballs bursting during the progress of the game, and none otheis being obtainable. I notice by the N.Z. Herald that United have been deprived of the Auckland Senior Championship, Grafton having beaten them in a drawn game on the Domain. For five successive seasons United have won the Championship, and this season they have lost their coveted laurels by 1 point. For their determined win, Grafton deseive every credit. It is a bit disheartening to see one team win the Championship so many consecutive seasons, and their win was a most popular one, as was evinced by the vociferous cheeiing accoided them when they scored their only goal. The game was one of the best played on the Domain this season, and was witnessed by a large number of spectators. Grafton won the toss, and had everything in their favour, but, notwithstanding this, they failed to scoie in the first spell. In the second spell United diew first blood, and would have scoied more, but for the sterling defence of Bellman and Sawbudge, the latter's kicking out ot touch being a noticeable featuie of the game. Within about seven minutes from the close of the game the Graftons set to and lallied a goal thiough. The onset of the Graftons trom this juncture of the game simply pa alysed the Uniteds, but they could not inciease the scoie. At the call of time the figuies stood I—l.1 — 1. Thus, by diawing with United, Giatton win the Championship. The skipper (Wiight), who played with a poisoned hand all through the game, was cairied off shoulder high by his comrades. There were four teams in for this competition. V.M.C.A. (Young Men's Christian Association) and North Shore are the other teams, and finished in the older mentioned. The finances of the Association, towards the " lep " team expenses, ought substantially to benefit from the foitnightly conceits held uudei the auspice^ o. tne Association for that object. It is probable that several moie will be held, and, judging horn previous lesults. they appear to grow in popularity as they move along.

The Petone Club are to be congratulated on moving a-' step up the laddeyn the Senior Championship. The club does not possess the very best material — individuality being very prominent, notably 'Bernsten, H. Benai, and Scott. Bernsten in goal is " one of the best," and his. chances for the " reps " are very -rosy. Benai at back is fairly safe, and many a time has put his side clear of danger. His brother is not the stamp of player that takes my faney — his inclinations wander too much to the rough and tumble style, and there is no science in his play. The third-class team (last year's champions) are not doing so well this season, and seeing that they can sport two teams in that division I would advise them to try an eleven in the junior ranks next season. I wish the same remarks to be applied to Bovers A, who are showing excellent form, and would make things hum in that class.