Association Football

Free Lance, Volume I, Issue 14, 6 October 1900, Page 13

Association Football

Both the Otago and Wellington teams appear to have had a good time at Auckland, through the courtesy of the Auckland Association their stay there being made quite pleasant. The Wellington men say it was impossible to enjoy themselves better, and they are looking forward to a visit to Auckland next season. Otago, on their way through, seemed quite satisfied with themselves, and W. Brown, of the team, had sole custody of the Shield. As it is now seven years since Otago has had the honour of holding the Shield, it will be gladly welcomed by all " socker " enthusiasts in Otago. On the way up to Auckland games were played between the two interprovincial teams at Nelson and New Plymouth, which served as practice games for the coming fray, besides giving the inhabitants of the two towns an opportunity of witnessing the games. At New Plymouth there was an attendance of something like 800 people. The game played between Wellington and Auckland on the Thursday was played under most unfavourable circumstances. Within a few minutes from the kick-off sleeting rain began to fall, and fell continuously throughout the match, and our men state if that was Auckland's usual kind of rain, they're "dead off" Auckland. The morning of the match was perfect, and bidded fair to be a lovely afternoon, and it was not till play was just about to start that inclement weather threatened. An attendance of about 800 people were present to witness the game, and considering it was an off day, it must be considered satisfactorySoon after rain had commenced the ground began to get heavy, which was against our men, but of the utmost advantage to Auckland on account of their weight, which was used with effect during the progress of the game. However, the shooting of their forwards with a greasy ball was simply excellent. Burns, in goal, who has been accustomed to soft shooting here, met with a serious reverse in the Northern city, the shots of Heather and Wright especially being too hot to hold. Burns informs me that on several occasions the shots went through like lightning, and he scarcely realised they had gone between the uprights. The combination of our forward division was simply outclassed, and combination was entirely out of the question.

This was a point sorely felt by our representatives, and next season I would urge that the representative team be selected early and play together several times before the tournament comes off. Martin, from whom much was expected, especially in the scoring line, was simply lost, and to use the words of the Auckland paper, he was a " frost." He may be all right, as I always maintained, in the mouth of the goal, but up the field he is useless, and I only awaited developments to confirm my conviction. Jack Macdonald had the honour of scoring the only goal for Wellington, and I am led to believe he played a pretty fair game too. Wells receives special mention for his play. He grafted hard all through, and centred in grand style. Paton, skipper of the team, at centre half, did not come up to expectations. His form as exhibited against Otago here showed great signs of excelling himself at Auckland. I suppose it was too much " business worry " as manager. Clark (in the half division) played the best game of the day for Wellington. Although one of the smallest in the team, he stood the Auckland bumps very well, and his tricky play brought rounds of applause from the onlookers. Benai played a pretty fair game, but nothing startling. He was also very tricky with his head and feet, but has not the staying powers of others who could have filled the position — for instance, by placing Swain, the present full-back, half, and substituting Len. White for Swain at full, a considerable improvement in the team would be made. Swain, at full-back, played a very good game, as did his partner Godber. The latter especially had plenty to do, and did it in capital style. Frequent rushes by the opposing vanguard pressed the back division, but mainly through the efforts of Swain and G-odber they were repulsed. Burns, to whom we look as being responsible for the safety of the goal mouth, played an excellent game, and saved several dangerous looking shots. However, no less than six managed to escape his notice, but it must be considered that the Auckland forwards were blazing away at the goal as though " Bobbie " was a target. The day on which the Otago — Auckland match was played was lovely. Potter's Paddock was in good trim, and in no ways harmed from the previous rain. An attendance of something like 2000 journeyed out to see the match, and apparently were well satisfied with their afternoon's sport, as was evinced by the loud outburst of applause at the close of the game. The game was a lovely one to watch, scientific play being much indulged in, and with advantage. It was a fast and willing go, and play on the field was very even, but Otago had the best of the game from start to finish, especially towards the close of the game, when, within the call of time, they registered their only winning goal. Both forward ranks well, but the combination of the Otago five was perfect. Chadwick was unable to play, and Arlidge filled his place. During the progress of the game Middlemass was incapacitated, and his place was filled by Laing. Middlemass had been playing the best half-back game on the field until hurt and had to leave the field. The Auckland skipper, after a slight hesitation, allowed a substitute — and not a bad one either — to be taken on in his stead. This action, I consider, is open to public opinion. Whilst admitting the generous action of Heather, I think he overdid his duty in this respect. Austin Smith, for Auckland, is a player of no mean type. He can kick hard, dribble, defend between the uprights, and as a full-back he is a marvel. The kicks he managed to get in were simply marvellous. Dodd and Middlemass played great games at half, and the combined defence of these two players left very little to do for their full-backs, save the long kicks beyond their reach. George McMillan played a magnificent game at full-back, and Lothian, who appeared to be a " waster " in goal in the Wellington — Otago match, saved times without number.

New Zealand's athletes at the front In cncket, football, or the hunt; He shines in any sport or game, His prowess has a world-wide fame. ■ But training has its usual ills, • ' As ovei heat that causes chills ; Then don't delay, but health secure. By taking Woods' Great Peppermint Cure. — Advt.