Association Football.

Free Lance, Volume III, Issue 155, 20 June 1903, Page 25

Association Football.

The defeat of Petone by Diamond was easily forecasted, but the other matches were not so transparent to the prophets. Swifts suffered the loss of their game bv one goal to nil. Queeai s Park and Rovers also had a hard fight, but honours rested w ith the former. The Petone eleven, which comprised some juniors although suffering a crushing defeat of five goals to one, made many endeavours to stave off a defeat, which from, the outset, was very apparent Playing aeraanst the wind in the first spell they did not get many chances, at Diamonds' goal mouth, but their attempts in checking some dangerous rushes headed by Collins, were very creditable. The suburban goal-keeper saved many hot shots, and at times, when the team was pressing, he found himself in tight corners, m fact, he was compelled to concede several corners to <aave his side. The Diamond vanguard was totally disorganised hi the first spell. As the second spell wore on, better play was noticeable but had combination been resorted to. instead of wild kicking and many other faults Diamonds could have had no difficulty in doubling their score Petone could not do much bettei under the circumstances than, to conclude the season with the team as played on Saturday. Some of the youthful players showed signs of timidity but, despite this, they rendered valuable service to their senior comrades. One of them in particular — Martin — stood out very prominently. In the open he always obtained his kick and, for a iuvenile put any amount of force behind the ball when he did kick it. In time with careful coaching, he should make an ideal full-back. M Renai was not up to his usual form. In Hathaway he met a player who proved one too many for him. H. Renai had a big day's work in the back division, and, all things considered, he played a hard game against large odds. Bums took temporary charge of Diamond goal in the absence of Fitzgerald ' Bobbie" was not called upon over much. Goal kicks to him were a raiitv. and no doubt, he relished what chances he did get.

Robeitfe, at, fullback, played a sterling game His chance- toi the "rep " team, is \cr\ 10*13 . Cheshire did yeoman sen ice He does,< his woik (|inetly, is goot at centimg and is a haid graftei He and Hathaway make a fine pan Duffy wa,s in the, pink of condition, a,iul is fast improving m the knowledge of his fonvaid duties. He 14. becoming a fair shot a.nd, with more fence behind his shots he should become a nut foi our soal-keepei s to ciack Pnor to t,he commencement of the Queen's Park-Rogers heat, both teams complained to the referee of tho unfitness of the giound Although Ro^ers won the match, a piotest has been lodged. The ground in. question is No 7, a icsen c ground which the WFA. decide to use m the e% ent of New town Park not being available The ground is totally unsu'ted foi good football, and thei sooner the mattei is lemedied the better Despite this both teams played a good sraine and both weie in earnest o\er the lesult of the- match, a,s though no motest was pending winches pi way the game, went. Flavor and Williams for Rovers, weie ren T nromincnt thioughout the match. Both managed to score. F. Williams equal sed against Naughton's tegistcr for the Parks, and Fraser scoied the winning goal. One of the fastest games \et placed at Miramar w-as that of Swafts v. St. John's Perhaps, the barracking on the line w Inch was overw he,lmingly in favour of the Saints, spurred them on to do great things. The Mow at brothers played a capital game together and as a pair of wingforwards theiv should easily qualify for the "reps ," as they understand each other's play to a nicety. Smith, Anker, and Duff showed gieat dash for Swifts, Duff especially sending in some very stiff shots to Irons. White 1 , as usual, came to the fore. His bad form of the previous Saturday was luekilv absent, and he did passing well for his side. Brodie was successful, from a pass by W. Mow 7 a/t, to notch the only goal secured during the match. Brodie plays with great spirit, but somehow does not manipulate the ball too well. Thei defeat of the redoubtable Kaiwana team, bv Petone on Saturday week came, as a surprise to many, who were very sweet, on their chances. The match was interspersed v ith incidents and "Bice" Gifford, who acted as leferee for the first trmei, has hazy recollections of the melodrama performed by the. contesting teams. Before play started, the captains had to settle a dispute as to the duration of the game. One wanted 35 minutes spells and the other 40 minutes. Both were persistent in. advocating their respective desires. However no agreement could be arrived at, so to settle the difference, a coin was tossed in the air, and the game began. From the kick-off it was evident that both teams were gome to make the game fast and lively, and by passing events and a,lterca,tions, which escaped the referee's attention this pious resolution was faithfully carried out. Towards the close of the game, Kaawarra put on a tremendous spurt The tactics resorted to w ere not conducive to good footbaJl However, the, ra,lly came too late and Petone won by three goals to nil.