Football.

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 154, 13 June 1903, Page 24

Football.

By Centre Forward.

The most interesting featuie on Saturday was the heat between Swifts and Queen's Paik. The defeat of Swifts on the previous Saturday bv Rovers gave their supporters a set back, and then- meeting with Queen's Park was eagerly looked forw ard to. Their second defeat at the hands, or, rather, feet, of Queen's Park was not altogether a surprise Anyone who has watched the play of the Parks each Saturday must notice a marked improvement on their old style. If any team deserves to win a game it is the Parks. They have taken matters up seriously, asd every member does his level best to help his side to victory. The training they indulge in is asserting itself all right. Stevenson in goal, had plenty to do, and acquitted himself creditably >n him Swifts have the best keep since Smith vacated the position. Duff has a peculiar habit of being always in the mouth of goal at dangerous periods of the game. It would be just a* well if he located himself elsewhere, as he hampers the work and sight of the goalkeeper, and imperils luis side. White was not so brilliant as -n former games. Queen's Park forwards v ere veiry smart in regaining possession of the leather and blocked many of White's attempts to safeguard his side. Bennett and Dow nes played in dashing style, and the goal obtaised bv the former was too hot for Stevenson to hold. Curtnev's burly figure was in the thick of the fight, and he scattered the invaders repeatedly. Downes and A. Clark were to the fore in runaway rushes. Their play was very prominent, and they contributed largely tow ards aiding Bennett to score the oailv and w inning goal for his team. # The unsatisfactory draw made its reappearance in the Diamond-Rovers, game. For the' third consecutive Saturday, Diamond have managed to avert a defeat yet not gain a win. They had decidedly the better share of the game and were within an ace of scoring several times, and only for the excellent saves of Moss in goal they oould have easily annexed a win. Frank Williams gave Fitzgerald a hot 'un to stop, but beyond this he was unsuccessful Roberts and Burbush chequered his career and were ably assisted by ''Jimmy" Lowe Fra9er w. as given many ohances. on the breezy side of the field in the first half but was rather too slow in disposing of some really good ones. It was pleasing to see "Jimmy" Collins again don the jersey for Diamond, and he made his presence felt. He is an effective dribbler, and does not lose the ball very readily. * -V *

Ifc was thought that Swirts would have a runaway contract with the championship The above table shows that the shield can be won bv any of the clubs excepting Petone Rovers have yet a match to play w ith Petone, and they can safely rely on adding another two points to their credit. For the final, I should select Queen's Park to win the championship. 'Jack" O'Connor, erstwhile of the Diamond team r; the latest addition to the Benedicts' ranks. He has the wishes of his old football chums foi happiness and prosperity m his new siphere of life The passing away of Mr. Charles Bernsten, at his residence, Petone, after a very short illness came as a surprise to his many friends He was a genial 'sort on and off the football field and represented "Wellington against

Auckland in 1901. His lelatives have the deepest sympathy of the Wellington Football Association. The secretary has beien instructed to forward a letter of condolence. There are rumurs in the air of several resignations from the Referees' Association. Caustic remarks by a scribe is alleged to be the reason. The Home mail brings news of the international match, England v Scotland. Scotland won by two goals to one. Honours are now even as to the championship. England Ireland, and Scotland each having two wins to then credit. Owing to the uncertainty of New tow n Park being available from Saturday to Saturday, the Wellington Football Association has decided to reserve a ground a.t Miramax, which shall be used in lieu of the Park when necessity arises. The lules and by-laws of the W.F.A., w hioh w ere put in the hands of a subcommittee last season for revision, have at length come to light. An exhaustive scrutiny was made, and many desirable alterations have been instituted. To Mr. J. J. Roberts is due the lion's share of the work ♦ * • The decision of the Otago Football Association, not to allow its junior representatives to meet Wellington at Christohurch, is somewhat autocratic It seems to devote most of it® energy and time to fostering the game in the senior grade. However, Mr. Shields has come to the rescue of the Wellington juniors He has started "Soccer" in Masterton, and it is Dractically decided that a visit will be madei to Masterton. The expense will be less than to Chnstchnroh, and I am sure the trip will be 711 st as much appreciated.

Games Team played jueen's Park 5 Iwifts . . 5 lovers . . 4 hamond . . 5 it. John's . 5 'etone . 4 No ol Won Lost Diawn points 3 117 3 2 0 6 2 115 113 5 2 2 15 0 4 0 0 * « •