Chatham Cup Soccer

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 147, 12 September 1927, Page 11

Chatham Cup Soccer

PONSONBY FOR FINAL Wellington Marist Outed After a Strenuous Struggle CONTINUOUS rain and a muddy surface spoilt the splendid Soccer programme arranged for Saturday, the Navy championship match being postponed, and the North Island Chatham Cup final between Ponsonby and Wellington Marist was played under adverse conditions which favoured the local team, who scored a meritorious victory after a hard struggle, and now meet Northern (Otago) in the Cup final at Wellington. The stand was well filled with spectators who gave the winners a rousing reception. At Christchurch the Auckland team drew with Canterbury, and now hold a very strong chance for the provincial championship and possession of the English Football Association Trophy.

Ponsonby v. Marist (Wellington).— Heavy rain during the night and a steady downpour throughout the game made the ground very heavy, and the surface churned up badly as the game progressed. The weather also affected the attendance, but a good crowd filled the stand, and both sides were represented by enthusiastic barrackers, a number of the Marist supporters having journeyed from Wellington to cheer the Green and Whites on, while the “Ponies” had a solid phalanx of “fans” who relied on cowbells, megaphones and rattles to their enthusiasm. “PONIES” BETTER MUDLARKS The ground conditions were In favour of the Ponsonby eleven, which had a whole season’s experience of similar surfaces, and the Blue and Black brigade fairly revelled in the muddy arena. It took Marist some time to settle down on the slippery surface and judge the run or sudden halt of the ball, but when the ‘Tykes” abandoned short passing tactics and started to keep the ball out of the mud with long passing raids, they played attractive Soccer, and thtdr narrow defeat by the odd goal in three about represented the run of the game. The visitors took their defeat in fine sporting spirit and agreed that on the run of play the “Ponies” well deserved to win. SOLID DEFENSIVE WORK The defence forces on both sides were very sound, both goalies giving a good display in dealing with a greasy ball, while the opposing backs were both clever pairs and made very few mistakes. The halves had a strenuous time in both defence and attack, while the forwards found ball control and accurate shooting a trying task, frequent forward movements being baffled by the ball dropping dead while the van ran on. The home team showed greater adaptability in coping with these drawbacks, ancT. kept the ball flying about in fine style, staying out the strenuous game in better condition than the visitors. PLENTY OF THRILLS The game was full of thrills from the outset, and although the scoreboard was blank at half-time both goals had had some narrow escapes. Innes elected to play at centre-forward in preference to his usual pla.ee on the wing, and although not so spectacular he rallied his line splendidly, and was soon conspicuous in testing the “Tykes’ ” defence. Marist started off with some early raids, which had Watts watchful to save, but “Ponies” counter-attacked fiercely, but missed in the mud at critical moments, The ball travelled from goal to goal at an astonishing pace, and the spectators were kept on tip-toe as attacks were repelled and followed by fruitless counter-offensives. The game was hard and willing, blit clean on both sides. Marshment being the only temporary casualty through accident in the first half, and Cudby was “out” for a little while in the second spell. In repelling raiders both sides conceded corner kicks, but the sodden ball made accurate placements difficult, and an even first half was indicated by no score. FIRST BLOOD TO TWES Ponsonby opened the second spell by forcing a corner, but the kick came m wide, and Thomas sent the “Tykes” away on a sweeping attack, which culminated in a bombardment of the Ponsonby citadel, and Burke drove the greasy ball high and hard through Watts's gloves, the opening score being loudly cheered. The Marist lead only lasted a minute, for from the kick-off Wright sent to Bell and the ball came between the backs to equalise from in for Innes to gather neatly and slip close up. and the din from the ' Ponies’ ” orchestra was deafening. A DING-DONG STRUGGLE

hard in spite of the pelting rain and increasing depth of mud. The “Ponies” were showing superior staying power in the heavy going, which was causing one or two of the visitors to slow down a bit as time ran on, but Watts was repeatedly called on to clear. Soon after scoring the “Ponies” seemed certain to be through for another goal, but were halted by the whistle and awarded a penalty for “hands” by a defender. Ponsonby was disappointed to see Hickey tip the spot shot to the bar and clear the rebound brilliantly, and it was not until just on time, when extra spells seemed inevitable, that Mooney sent Adshead away on a final raid, and the left wing put a fine centre into Innes, who drew the ; defence and slipped a “sitter” to Tom- ! ilty, the colt dashing in to crash the I ball past Hickey and knockout Marist’s aspirations for the national club championship. A hurricane of applause greeted this electric play, and the whistle went for no side with Ponsonby victorious by the odd goal in three. THE PLAYERS’ FORM The play of the winners right through the eleven was even and consistent, the result of solid training and sound coaching being apparent by the dashing display right to the close c-f a gruelling game, and a word of praise is due to Mr. James Curtice, the “Ponies’ ” popular trainer-coach. Each man played his part well, and there was little to choose between them; Innes, Wright and Pickett were Conspicuous in the three lines, while Watts brought off some great saves in goal. For Marist. the goalie, Hickey, had a hard day and repeatedly saved. the situation in fine style. The backs found the Ponsonby van a lively line to hold in check, but both Burke and Thomas gave sterling performances at half, the latter working like a Trojan ir both defence and attack. The forwards showed several flashes of fast and clever play, but failed to appreciate the unaccustomed surface. A general regret was expressed that the visitors could not have been seen in action under better conditions, for tney have a splendid quintet in the front line who failed to do themselves justice on Saturday. INTERPROVINCIAL. MATCH Auckland v. Canterbury. —Although Auckland could only share the points With Canterbury at Christchurch on Saturday, and failed to make an absolute certainty of retaining the English Football Association trophy, the local representatives have placed themselves in a very strong position with two wins and a draw to their credit. If Canterbury beat Otago in the final match they will be level on points, when possession of the trophy will depend on goal average. In this respect Auckland holds a big advantage and Canterbury must win by three goals to nil, or better, to draw level.

SOCCER POSTPONEMENTWHY NOT POSTED? The Soccer match between the Dunedin and Diomede teams for the naval championship was announced as a curtain-raiser for Blandford Park on Saturday, but was transferred Devonport on account of the state of the ground. The change was not notified through the Press or other public medium. At Devonport the referee and club officials with* a number of spectators, were awaiting the naval game, but only one solitary player arrived, and the game did not eventuate. The muddled arrangements and lack of information was the cause of much disappointment to followers of the game.

Like the Ponsonby cowbells the game was now of a lively ding-dong nature, and both sides were loudly urged on for the winning point. The players were ail out, and kept going

Goals. P. W. P. L. F. A. Pts. Auckland .... 3 2 1 0 6 3 5 Canterbury 2 1 1 0-5 4 3 Otago 2 1 0 1 5 3 2 Wellington 3 0 0 3 5 11 0