Association Football.

Free Lance, Volume IV, Issue 167, 12 September 1903, Page 23

Association Football.

Mr. J. J. Roberts, selector of the Wellington representative team, announced Ins choice last Saturday evening. As a combination, the team, in my opinion, could not be bettered, although there are, perhaps, a couple of instances where better players could have been selected. Fitzgerald (Diamond), in goal, has no equal in Wellington. He can play anywhere on the field, in case of emergency, but he has always devoted his attention to looking after the uprights. Amies (St. John's) is considered to be the best back in Wellington. During the season the majority of his deliveries have been rendered easy by the tactics of the forwards in passing the baill forw ard. He lias been in some tight corners, and came out of the ordeals successfully. White (Swifts) is not the same White of some two years ago. His play is very shaky at times, but he may strike form on the day of the match, and should give his opponents no chance to enoioach within the penalty area. Bert. Clark (Queen's Park) is a safe centre half. He is decidedly tricky, and as hard as nails. McWhannel (St. John's) is a powerful kick. He places the ball fairly well, hut is inclined to be erratic at times. He must learn to keep his hands down, as a smart, referee will quickly detect "handling." The selector apparently thinks a great deal of E. L. Renai's (Petone) play as right-half. In my opinion, Godber (Rovers) would more ably fill the position. Renai works off some neat things at times, but is unreliable. Philips (Swifts), centre forward, should give a good account of himself. He is a splendid dribbler, and a deadly shot. His inclusion may have been a surprise, as he only assisted his club in the later matches of the season. Mawson (Queen's Park) is undoubtedly the best wing player in Wellington. He should show to advantage in such a good combination. A. Mowatt (St. John's) will assist Mawson to shake things up. They are a rattling pair, and should cause no end of trouble to their opposing backs. He is the trickiest player in Wellington. Williams (Rovers) is at last given a chance in a representative team. His inclusion is questioned and his play will be watched with the keenest interest. W. Mowatt (St. John's) could not be left out. He can play anywhere in the forward division, and will materially assist Frank Williams to keep the ball down the field. The defeat of the newly-formed Carterton Swifts Club at the hands of the junior representative team by nine goals was not altogether expected. It was thought that they would manage aiwin, but not by such a large margin. The visit demonstrated to the Cartertonians that, although the visitors were young blood, their age was no handicap to playing, or, at least, endeavouring to play soccer football. Messrs. R. Davenport and E. A. Anderson are to be congratulated upon their selection, and the eleven would compare very favourably against their senior brothers. A challenge is on the boards from a team of players who consider they should have been picked, but general opinion favours the chosen eleven. Mr. E. A. Anderson managed the trip, and reports an enjoyable time. A social function was held in the evening, over which Dr. Johnson (president of the Carterton Club) presided. * *■ * The hon. treasurer of the Wellington Football Association has been promised a ten-guinea cup for interprovincial

competition, from a fiim in Dunedm. It is to be known as the St. Geoige Cup Western Australia has inaugurated the "chanty" competition this season. The Charity Cup is valued at one Jiundied guineas. The final for the Henderson Memorial Cup (third class) was played at Mi rain ar on Saturday. The two subuiban teams — Kaiwarra and Petone — were left in the final and, as expected, it proved an interesting struggle. Kaiwarra displayed its superiority by annexing the match, and the cup, by three goals to one. Queen's Park lost a golden opportunity in defaulting to Swifts in the junior challenge cup contest on Saturday. The team on paper, would have shaken the Swifts up. They cannot be complimented on their action m leaving; their opponents in the lurch. Was the representative Rugby match the cause? The Swifts Football Club has secured the services of a reputation man m Dysent. As the season is practically over, he will only be allowed & few games in the junior challenge competition. The club plays Palmerston North next Wednesday, when Dyseait will play. The Swifts Club entertain the visiting Association teams at the Insurance Institute on Saturday evening.