ASSOCIATION.

Otago Witness, Issue 4028, 26 May 1931, Page 49

ASSOCIATION.

By

Corner Kick.

“TEN YARDS TANGLES” _ There should be no more of the “ Ten Yards Tangles,” as we described the case that was brought to the notice of the Football Association by the Bury Club and that was recently investigated by the Referees’ Committee (states the Athletic News). Bury complained that in their match at Swansea a free kick against the Swansea goalkeeper for carrying the ball beyond the prescribed two steps was not properly taken and that their captain’s protest was over-ruled by the referee. The protest was on the ground that the Swansea players did not withdraw the necessary distance, and Bury asked whether they could instruct their cap tain to order his team to refuse to take the kick until he was satisfied that the law was complied with. On the latter point they were informed that it was the duty of the captain to obey the referee’s instructions, and the committee supported the referee on the point that the distance of the defenders from the ball was a question of fact. A special sub-committee, however, was appointed to investigate the facts and hear the explanation of the referee, and it has made the following report: — “ After hearing statements and considering diagrams submitted by them, the committee was of opinion that the free kick was not taken in accordance with the laws of the game. It is the duty of opposing players to take up positions either on their goal line or in other places at least ten yards from the ball and they are not permitted to encroach until the ball has been kicked. J-n order to obviate the possibility of unpleasantness referees should see that the law is rigidly enforced and deal with offending players as the laws of the game provide.” That is quite clear, and ought to obviate further trouble, but what if another squabble did arise? Would the captain of the offending side be entitled to protest without being dealt with for showing dissent, for which, of course, the penalty is dismissal from the field?

REPRESENTATIVE MATCHES There is every possibility of Otago ; taking part in interprovincial games this ' season, and on the form at present displayed by many local players worthy of representative honours it should be in the position to field a solid side with every chance of success, and the selectors will have no easy task i n making the final choice. The principal event for “ Soccer ’’ circles throughout the Dominion is the trophy presented for competition amongst the major associations by the English Football Association. This competition, as far as Otago is concerned, has for various reasons been allowed to pass by unchallenged in recent years, but, now that the New Zealand Council is likely to assist financially with the competition, the local committee will shortly consider challenging for the trophy. Wellington has already forwarded its challenge to Auckland, the present holders, and the match will be played at Auckland on June 13. There is every likelihood also of a challenge being issued by Otago for the Peter Dawson Cup, at present held by Westland. This cup is competed for between the South Island associations, and several seasons have passed since an Otago eleven played for the trophy. Otago’s first representative match of the season will be played at Invercargill on June 3, and arrangements are at present under way to get a team together for the trip, Southland •to return the visit to Otago later on in the season. SATURDAY’S MATCHES. DUNEDIN. Excellent weather again prevailed for the Association football matches on Saturday, and some good games were witnessed. Maori Hill, with an unbroken run of five wins, has secured a lead of three points in the Fletcher Cup competition, Seacliff and Mosgiel being next with equal points. In the game between the two fest-named clubs Mosgiel made a poor showing, losing two valuable points, while Northern has also dropped back through its defeat at the hands of Technical. The games resulted as follows:— Seacliff .. .. 4 Mosgiel .. .. 0 Technical .. 2 Northern .. 1 Maori Hill .. 6 Mornington .. 3 H.S .Old Boys .. 6 Port Chalmers 2 The following table gives the relative s positions of the teams engaged in the First Grade:—

SEACLIFF v. MOSGIEL. The match between Seacliff and Mosgiel was played at Mosgiel before a good attendance. There were several changes in the local team, Stenhouse, a second grader, replacing Gorrie at outside-right, whilst Moore filled the left-half position owing to the absence of R. Skinner through a knee injury. In the forwards O’Rorke was played at outside-right, the centre position being given to Westlake, the ex-Northern player. There was no change in the Seacliff side, which, displaying good football throughout, fully deserved its win by 4 goals to nil. Mosgiel kicked off facing the sun, the forwards taking the ball through to Seacliff’s goal, where C. Skinner missed a -good chance. Play immediately swung back to the other end, Rogers sending up to the front men for Hooper to send past M'Dougall in the first minute of the play. Seacliff 1. Mosgiel nil. Keen and exciting play followed, each side attacking in turn. The Seacliff backs were more precise in their clearing than the Mosgiel pair. _ Combined play between Hooper and Baillie had Mosgiel troubled when Warnock shot wide. Dalziel relieved the pressure by sending up to Stenhouse on the right. The winger failed with his shot, and Warnock, getting possession, sent out wide to Baillie, who dropped across a centre for Hooper to surprise M'Dougall with a fine header into the net. Seacliff 2. Mosgiel nil. Seacliff was displaying fine team work, whilst Mosgiel’s movements lacked cohesion. A good run by .O’Rorke and C. Skinner saw the latter’s shot turned over the bar for a resultless corner, and a further attack opened up by Porter failed when Stenhouse was tackled with the ball. The Seacliff halves secured control of the play, and M'Cormack and Baillie gave Mosgiel’s defence a busy time, but they were unable to score until Rogers sent up to M'Laughlan on the right, the winger centring for Hooper to beat M’Dougall for the third time at close range. Seacliff 3. Mosgiel nil. From the restart O’Rorke forced a corner for Mosgiel. M'Cormack cleared with a header, and Hooper took play up field, M’Dougall, in goal, clearing M’Laughlan’s shot. Although the Mosgiel attack still lacked combination, the local team was having the better of the play at this stage. Watson made a great save from Westlake, but Dalziel returned, and White and Skinner were prominent in a great effort which ended in the latter shooting past. Again Mosgiel attacked. Westlake catching Watson with the ball, but Thompson, the Seacliff goalie, cleared, and Gordon transferred the play to Mosgiel’s area, where M'Cormack sent the ball wide. Towards

the end of the spell Seacliff evened up the play, the ball moving from end to end at a fast pace. Dalziel nipped a Seacliff advance, and sent on to White and Sten-

house, a header by the last named being cleared by Watson, but White again got possession and a first-time shot flashed just outside the post. Hooper raced downfield from the goal kick, M'Cloy blocking the way, and the ball went to Warnock, who shot over. Half time was called with Seacliff attacking. Mosgiel opened the second spell strongly, O’Rorke finishing off an attack by centring. Westlake, however, endeavoured to head from too far out, and Thompson had no difficulty in clearing. The Mosgiel backs were playing with more confidence than in the first half, and Steven repulsed a Seacliff advance on the right, but M'Cormack secured and drove in a hot shot which M'Dougall turned over the bar for a resultless corner. The passing of the Mosgiel players was indifferent, and the Seacliff -vanguard held the advantage. Twice the play was sent into Mosgiel’s area, and only the safe play of M'Dougall in goal saved the local side. A corner followed to Mosgiel, the ball hung round Seacliff’s goal, White attempting a header which Thompson cleared with a speculator. O’Rorke got possession and kicked the ball across the goal mouth, C. Skinner just failing to get to the ball before it went over. . Play was of a lively nature, Anderson sending the ball well down field. Mosgiel gave away two unsuccessful corners, whilst M'Dougall saved a further shot from Hooper. For a time Mosgiel held the upper hand, Porter opening up to White, and a promising attack fell through when O’Rorke shot past. Again the Mosgie] right broke through. O’Rorke. beating Anderson, had his shot well cleared, but Dalziel returned, his shot going over. Anderson again relieved at a critical moment when O’Rorke sent across to C. Skinner, play being returned to Mosgiel’s goal, where M'Dougall saved a shot from M'Pherson. M'Cormack opened up another attack by sending on to M'Laughlan, the winger passing in to Warnock, who failed to beat M'Dougall. Seacliff continued to press, Warnock sending on to Baillie to send a beader into goal which M'Cloy gave away a corner to save. From the kick across M'Cormack hooked the ball across to Warnock, who scored with a flying shot which gave M'Dougall no chance of saving. Seacliff 4, Mosgiel nil. The game, controlled by Mr A. Riach, ended shortly afterwards with the score: — Seacliff 4 goals. Mosgiel Nil.

MAORI HILL v. MORNINGTON.

The Maori Hill-Mornington game, which was played at Prospect Park before a large attendance, was 20 minutes late in starting owing to the late arrival of the Referee. Hill won the toss, and elected to defend the southern goal. From the kick-off Hill advanced, and Woodcock was early called upon to save from Carse. However, Johnson relieved, and Connolly raced down and passed on to Scofield, who shot wildly. The ball travelled up and down at a fast rate. Balk received and sent across to Oliver, but this player missed with his shot. A dangerous movement by the Mornington right wing pair was frustrated by Bayne, who cleared strongly, and Vial, the Hill centre, snapped up quickly and finished a fine piece of play by scoring a great goal. Maori Hill 1. Mornington nil. This success enabled the Hill team to settle down

to crafty football, and soon the Morwington team was yi trouble. Vial picked up a nice cross, by Carse and raced in to. score. Maori Hill 2, Mornington nil. Mornington, at this stage, was not in the picture, and Sixton tried Woodcock with a hot one which he saved at the expense of a corner. Balk’s corner was a beauty. Sixton received, and passed back to the winger, who sent in a great shot, Woodcock partly saving, but Vial, lying handy, registered the hat trick for his side. Maori Hill 3, Mornington nil. With the Hill team moving like a machine, the Blues could do little but endeavour to break the combination, but Brown, the centre half, was distributing the ball to his wings judiciously, Carse and Oliver, playing at the top of their form, were always a source of danger to the Blues. Morris endeavoured to get his forwards going, but Connolly was robbed of the ball at the critical moment. However, Mornington forced a corner, Sutcliffe clearing and Brown cleverly drew the defence and sent to Oliver, who made no mistake with his shot. Maori Hill 4, Mornington nil. Mornington adopted the kick-and-rush tactics, and Marshall, right half, sent in a great shot, which hit the crossbar and bounced over. Shortly after, Morris opened up play, and Haldane went close with a hot one. Oliver and Carse were next seen in some neat work, which completely baffled the Mornington backs, and a fine cross was headed past by Vial- Offside play spoilt Hill’s next chance. Connolly was prominent with good play but received little support, and his effort proved fruitless. A corner to Mornington was well cleared by Taylor, and tbe Hill forwards raced down field where a corner followed a hot rally in the Blue area. However, Hill was not to be denied, and Balk received on the -wing and raced infield and scored a really fine goal. Maori Hill 5, Mornington nil. Vial, the Hill centre, was proving very troublesome to the Mornington backs, and went close on a number of occasions. However. Haldane, and Connolly beat the Hill backs and forced a corner, and in a scramble Bayne fouled. Donaldson made no mistake with a good shot. Maori Hill 5, Mornington 1. The Mornington team took a fresh lease of life, and in another hot sortie in front of the Hill goal, the referee awarded the Blues a doubtful penalty. Donaldson once again added to his side’s total. Maori Hill 5, Morningtono 2. The Mornington team was going better now, and Bayne made a great clearance from a Blue rush. Oliver and Carse worked down the wing, and Carse sent in a good shot for Woodcock to make a fine save. Balk next tried a shot, but went a little wide. Connolly, the bright link in the Blue forwards, was seen in a dashing movement, but Taylor was safe on defence. Up till that time Wills was very little troubled in the Hill goal, and just before halftime Carse raced down the wing and shot, but Johnson saved. The second spell opened quietly, but presently Wills was called upon to clear a hot shot from Connolly. Hill pressed, and Vial forced a corner, and there followed a series of five corners. The Mornington goal was subject to a trying time, and eventually Donaldson, who was playing a fine game, cleared to Schofield, but the winger was too slow to accept the opportunity, and Bayne cleared and sent Suttcliffe away. This player crossed to Sixton, who narrowly missed with a snap shot. Mornington was now playing much better and it was only the fine defence of Taylor that kept the Blues out. Hill went away in a great rush, and Oliver finished off by placing over. Schofield, the Blues’ right wing, was not impressive, and missed many opportunities. Vial was injured, but resumed later, and the Hill forwards were in an attacking mood, 'and Balk and Sixton went close with shots. A corner to Hill proved resultless, and a free kick to Mornington brought temporary relief, but Hill was in command now, and the Blue goal had many narrow escapes, but Morris, in attempting to clear, deflected the ball into the net. Maori Hill 6, Mornington 2. Shortly after Balk missed an excellent chance to score, the winger shooting wide. From the kick-off Bayne was caught napping, and Connolly away to beat Wills with a great shot. Maori Hill 6, Mornington 3. Play had slackened off considerably by now. and it was getting hard to see the ball. Both goals had narrow escapes. Wills made a good clearance from Haldane, and at the other end Sixton sent in a beauty for Woodcock to turn behind the post for a corner. This was cleared by Johnson and Connolly, and was all but through when Taylor cleared brilliantly for Balk to snap up and shoot just past the post. Time was called shortly qfter and the game, controlled by Mr F. G. Smith, closed with the score: —

Maori Hill 6 goals Mornington 3 goals HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS v. PORT CHALMERS. Old Boys met Port Chalmers at the Oval, before a fair sprinkling of spectators. Port Chalmers pressed from the kick-off, until Duncan relieved, sending the ball up to Groves, who failed twice. Play swept rapidly from one end of the field to the other, the backs on both sides being superior to the forwards. Hall was at full length to clear a long shot by Holden. Latimer made a pretty opening, but Groves shot past. Both keepers were defending well, but Hall was a trifle lucky on two occasions. At the other end Latimer swung the ball across the goalmouth for Woods to snap it up, and, beating two men, to score with a well-placed drive. Old Boys 1, Port Chalmers nil. Port held Old Boys for a few minutes until Camp came out to clear a long shot weakly, and gave Groves a chance to lift the ball into the open goal. A moment later Holden hit the upright with a good shot, but Old Boys managed to clear. Port Chalmers started the second half with a rattle, and had the defence busy before Chapman relieved. Good shots by Cameron and Chapman went close. From a corner kick by Monti, Holden was left unmarked, and had no trouble in J goaling. Old Boys 2, Port Chalmers 1. I In another rush, Duncan just got back in • time to clear from under the bar. Play . changed to tbe other end, where Groves • hit the post, and Latimer, securing, scored 1 with a hard drive. Old Boys were now , playing better football, and from a long » shot by Boyd, Groves, following up fast. . scored from the rebound off Camp. Old - Boys 4, Port Chalmers 1. Port Chali mers was still making raids, but Latimer,

receiving from Groves, goaled with a beauty. Old Boys attacked again, and from a shot by Cameron, Latimer scored again. Good work by Camp kept the score down. At last, from play on the right, Port worked the ball in close for M Sloy to score. The game, controlled by Mr R. W. Fox, ended shortly afterwards. Result: High School Old Boys 6 goals. Port Chalmers 2 goals. NORTHERN v. TECHNICAL. A fair number of spectators witnessed the game between Technical and Northern at Logan Park. Technical won the toss, and Northern kicked off, Wallace in his opening play being repulsed by Cope. Parsons transferred pjp.y with a pass down the centre, and Coates, beating Witchall for the ball, kicked out. A cross to the centre from Armishaw was cleared by the Northern defence, Wallace taking the ball up field, but Gillies shot wide. Northern came away with a nice piece of play, Smith finishing off with a wellplaced centre, from -which Young headed outside. Parsons put Technical on attack, Batchelor connecting with Witchall, who goaled with a good shot. Technical 1, Northern ml. Give-and-take play followed, M'Hugh on one occasion sending in a fine shot and missing the goal by i? 8 ’ a sustaine d Northern attack Holden was called up twice in quick succession to clear his lines. At this stage Gillies (Northern) received an injury, and he retired from the play. Up-and-down play followed, Witchall having a shot which went wide, whilst Lindsay conceded a corner to Northern, which proved of no avail. Hall, the Northern goalie, brought off a great save from a fine drive by Armisharv. A miskick by Ihomson was taken up by Batchelor, who crossed to Witchall, the latter’s shot going just outside the post. Fol--lowing the goal kick, M'Hugh received the ball from the wing, and in a tricky ■ run passed all the Technical backs to finish off with a fine goal, which evened up the scores. Play had not been long restarted when Parsons, following com-, bined play in midfield, placed high to goal, where the speedy Witchall secured' and scored his second goal. Half time was called shortly afterwards. Gillies was unable to resume play, and* Northern continued with 10 players. The Black and Whites pressed, and’ were awarded a free kick for a foul. M'Hugh received the ball and tricked a back, only to miss with his shot. Up-and-down play followed, the defence on both sides proving sound, although the finishing efforts of both forward lines were weak. Armishaw was prominent in sending across some fine centres for Technical, whilst M Hugh was outstanding in clever footwork for Northern. In the latter half or the spell Northern held the advantage, mainly through the solid play of the half line, but Smith and Young both failed to increase the score. Good work by the technical left-wing relieved the pressure for a time. With the failure of Bartlett to score from the Technical movement Northern returned plav to the other end, loung, Wallace, and M'Hugh making desperate efforts to equalise the score, but they were unsuccessful, and the game, in charge of Mr J. Jeffrey, ended: Technical 2 goals. Northern 1 goal. SECOND GRADE. Leith 7, H. 5.0.8. 1. THIRD GRADE. Roslyn-Wakari 4, Technical Old Boys ’ nil. Leith A 4, Ravensbourne B nil. Ravensbourne A 6, Leith B nil. FOURTH GRADE. High School II 3, Wesley nil. FIFTH GRADE. Technical A 2, Northern nil. Technical B 2, Leith nil. SIXTH GRADE. Leith beat Y.M.C.A. by default. IN OTHER CENTRES AUCKLAND. Y.M.C.A. 3, Tramurewa 2. Ponsonby 3, Thistle 2. North Shore 4, New Lynn 1. Celtic 2, Onehunga 1. WELLINGTON. First Division. Diamond 4, Petone 2. Thistle 4, W.Y.M.I. 1. Seatoun 3, Marist 3. Hospital 3, Waterside 1. CHRISTCHURCH. Western 1, Rangers 1. Brighton 2, Marist nil. Nomads 9, St. Albans 2. Kaiapoi 6, Technical 3.

WELLINGTON TEAM. WELLINGTON, May 24. The following is the Wellington representative team to meet Canterbury, in Wellington, on the King’s Birthday:— Parkin (Seatoun), Abernethy (Waterside), Guest (Diamond). J. M’Leod (Diamond), Campbell (Petone), Hanlon (Petone), R. M’Leod (Diamond), M. Condon (Marist), Leslie (Petone), Smith (Diamond), Lambert (Hospital); reserve, Jeffreys (Hospital). MEETING OF NEW ZEALAND COUNCIL WELLINGTON, May 19. The prizes awarded by the council of the New Zealand Football Association to associations and clubs selling the greatest number of tickets in the recent art union were announced to-night. No major association sold enough tickets to win the £3O prize, but in recognition of the efforts of the Auckland and Canterbury associations, it was decided to remit last year’s affiliation of £2O to each of these associations. The £2O to the club affiliated to the major associations was awarded to Sumner (Canterbury). Wanganui won the £2O offered to the minor associations, and the prize of £ls offered to clubs affiliated to the minor associations was awarded to Greymouth. A challenge by Buller to Westland for , the Peter Dawson Cup was approved to

be played at Greymouth on June 3 if possible. Thirty entries were received for the Chatham Cup. The entrants are: Western. Thistle, Rangers, New Brighton, Nomads, St. Albans, and Technical (Canterbury), Seacliff, Port Chalmers, Maori Hill, Mosgiel, and Northern (Otago), Athletic (Wanganui). Petone, Matenoe, Diamonds, Hospital, Marist,, and Seatoun (Wellington), Renown and Rotowaro (South Auckland), St. Andrews (Manawatu), Ponsonby, Y.M.C.A. and Tramurewa (Auckland), Cobden, Dobson, Greymouth, Taylorville and Rewanui (Westland). The entry constitutes a jecord. PROPOSED TOUR OF RUSSIAN " TEAM. WELLINGTON, May 19. An interesting communication was received to-night by the council of the New Zealand Football Association from Mr R. Carlyle, New Zealand representative in Australia, stating he had met Mr Lukeman, secretary of the Australian Football Association, in Sydney. The letter proceeded: “He (Mr Lukeman) mentioned in the course of conversation that negotiations were in progress between the Queensland breakaway body and Russia regarding the tour, and that the New South 'Wales League was to be brought into the negotiations. He thought it just possible that an attempt might be made to bring your council into it as well, and while I do not think you would either negotiate with the Association League or welcome a team from Russia, I merely pass the information on to you as a matter of possible interest. “ Incidentally Mr Lukeman mentioned that the standard of Soccer in Russia was very poor. The Association Handbook discloses a heavy Russian defeat by Turkey and Turkeys heavy defeat by the Czechs. When in Singapore Mr Lukeman learned that China would not entertain a Russian visit." The chairman (Mr F. Campbell): We can get all the good football we want from people in the Empire. This evidently represented the views of other members of the council present, for there was no other comment.

VISIT TO AUSTRALIA. NEW ZEALAND TEAM PREFERRED TO RUSSIANS. SYDNEY, May 18. The Sun sporting writer discourages the visit of a Russian “ Soccer ’’ team, which may or may not prove a drawcard. He urges another visit from a New Zealand team, about which there is no doubt. The writer recalls that the last New Zealand team was a thorough success in 1923.

P. W. L. D. Goals Cup Pts. F. A. Maori Hill .. 5 5 20 7 10 Mosgiel .. .. 5 3 11 11 8 7 Seacliff . . .. 5 3 11 17 6 7 H.S. Old Boys 5 3 2 — 18 20 6 Technical 5 3 2 — 10 7 6 Northern .. 5 12 2 8 9 4 Mornington .. 5 — 5 — 5 16 — Port Chalmers 5 — 5 — 7 23 —