Association Football.

Free Lance, Volume II, Issue 65, 28 September 1901, Page 21

Association Football.

The finals for the Senior Charity Cup and Junior Challenge Cup were played in bad weather, as is usual for any important fixture of the Association. It seems singular that inclement weather almost invariably greets an important Association match.,

The attendance would probably have been much greater if fine weather had prevailed. As we cannot control the elements, we accept Dame Fortune's dispositions cheerfully.

The senior game was a disappointing one. Judging from the training; indulged in since the completion of the Cup fixtures, a good game was expected on all sides, but the exhibition did not justify the hopes entertained.

Diamonds were undoubtedly the better team, but still they did not show that marked excellence of play that should characterise the day's performance, or result in a a score of 4 to 1 over Rovers.

Rovers simply lacked any kind of combination, but individually the players compared very favourably with those of Diamond, but an entire absence of combination was the reason of their downfall.

Williams and Moore were probably the only ones in the team who played the game. They evinced a keen interest in their work, and their condition was

such as fitted them for a good afternoon's work. Their play was nearly faultless, as well as finished and effective.

Mouat was undeniably the brightest star on the ground, his play being admirable and serviceable. He was accountable for one of the most difficult of the four goals.

Burns, m goal, had a good tew saves to attend to, and, altogether, he was not kept idle. One shot in particular which, to the onlookers, was a certainty for scoring, was promptly cleared by him, and brought down the stand for a really clever save.

Swain, who formerly played at fullback, found himself doing duty in the half division, and of the three he was easdy the pick.

Taylor assumed, as usual, an easygoing style, but ted his forwards to immense advantage. He appeals to be getting aged at the game, and his onetime dash and energy is now dead.

Roberts, at fall-back, was safe, and he did his duty on the defence right well. His saves, for Burns too, were many, and he acquitted himself creditably.

The forward rank was not very bright. Collins, who is a changeable player, was decidedly off on Saturday. He should have made more openings, and allowed his wing mates more scope.

Wells did not show his usual form, and his old style of play was absent. He seems to have left all his energy in Auckland.

Lovatt, in goal for Rovers, did well. One save by him fairly surprised all present. His kicking was strong, and he was smart at getting rid of the ball.

"Billy" Auld was sadly out of form. Kerr placed as usual to the gallery.

Where was Godber on Saturday ? His genial presence was much missed.

The query asked about the Rovers' back was. "Did Howie have the hairs from his upper lip wrenched off during the game, or was he clean shaven before the match?"

Wdhams and Moore did good work, and it seems a pity their efforts were not rewarded with better luck. Williams's heading was a feature of the day.

Fraser would have played a much better game than he did had he been fed more.

Pye-Smith was by no means worthy of his place after Saturday's exhibition.

The junior game, Swifts v. Diamonds, was a far better one than that of the senior. The players put more heart into the game, and the earnestness of purpose made a very bright and interesting game.

The game, as might have been expected, from the equal condition of both teams, was a draw. Each side registered one goal.

Salmon, in goal for Swifts, was unquestionably the hero of the day. His saves were many, and his services as a goalkeeper were fully tested by the strong and frequent shots from the Diamonds front rankers. Two saves in particular call for special mention. A wOl d of praise is also due to his vis-a-vis Colpus, who had very little to do, but did it well.

According to the rules governing this competition ii the final is a draw it shall bo le-played on a date to be faxed by the Association. The play-oit will take place on batuiday at Miramar.

I cannot foiecast the result, as both teams aie evenly balanced, and a good game may be expected. whoever does win will certainly do so on their merits.

The annual dinner of the Association is to be held on Saturday evening, when the tiophies won during the season will be presented. By the way, the dinner is provided by Host Pinnock, to the Association gratis, and it is expected all Association players will be present at what is really a wind up to the season.

The photograph of the Association representative team tor 1901, which appears in this issue, is the eleven which played at Auckland on August the 24th. Since that a game has been played with Auckland in Wellington, but it was meiely an exhibition game, and the team was slightly altered. As the game in Auckland is the one which counts for the Brown Shield, it is the recognised representative team of the year that played there.