SOCCER PROSPECTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 157, 23 September 1927, Page 11

SOCCER PROSPECTS

Championship Games To-Morrow

CHATHAM CUP FINAL AT WELLINGTON THE closing stages of the senior championship continue tomorrow, the absence of Ponsonby in Wellington preventing a start being made on the Falcon Cup knockouts. The principal attraction will be the meeting of Thistle and Y.M.C.A. at Blandford Park, preceded by the third intermediate final between Onehunga and Rangers. Both games should be full of interest. Tramways journey to Onehunga for a championship match, while Shore and Diomede meet in a friendly game at the dock.

rpHISTLE v. Y.M.C.A. This match will be the star attraction at headquarters, and as Y.M.C.A. has been undefeated in the second round of the series, after meeting such strong clubs as Shore and Ponsonby, the Young Men can be relied on to give the Scots a good run for their money. The “harlequins” are a greatly improved team. Hoban and Bridges having developed into a fine right-wing, while Percy Humphreys is easily the most effective goad-notcher in ths game this season, and the Thistle defence will be kept busy keeping the lively Y.M. line at a distance. In \ iew of the uncertain position of Ponsonby on the championship ladder, owing to the gaine with Trams being abandoned before time, there seems a possibility of the “Ponies” finishing equal, with Thistle, unless the Scots score full points in the final two games, and the Black and "Whites will be fielding their strongest side, ard are taking no risks in maintaining their position. On a dry surface the Young Men are; hopeful of winning, but if the going is at all heavy it will favour the more experienced Scots. Onehunga v. Tramways.—The Manukausiders are anxious to secure full points at Onehunga to-morrow, and make certain of avoiding the wooden spoon position. The home team will be at full strength, and with the local recreation ground in fine order a fast game is certain. Tramways have had a very disappointing season and repeatedly failed to produce their best form. Tinkler has returned after a long spell through an injury at the Shore, but the Trammies went down to Y.M. on Wednesday by two goals to nil, and they will need to show improved form at Onehunga to-morrow to beat the home team, which is always a tough proposition in front of the local barrackers.

H.M.S. Diomede v. Shore. —The Diomede rnen will play their farewell game in Auckland this season when they meet Shore in a friendly match at the naval depot.

Reg Baxter has recovered from his eye injury and will turn out against his old club. Tho Shore has serious designs o n the Falcon Cup after its disappointments in the championship, and fields the same eleven as at Blandford Park on Saturday last.

Keg. Baxter. The game ‘should be an even and lively one. Chatham Cup Final. Keen local interest is being taken in the final for the Chatham Cup at Newtown Park, Wellington, between Ponsonby and Northern (Otago). The “Ponies” full team wus given a rousing send-off last evening, and is very hopeful of returning with the coveted cup. Northern is a powerful combination which defeated the strong local team, Seacliffe, with great ease, and made no race of it with Nomads, the Canterbury finalists. The Northern fire in the forward line are McDowall, McHugh, McTavish, McCormack and McLean, while the hefty goalkeeper is one of the McQuarr e clan. With six “Macs” in the eleven the Scottish Otagans should know something of the Soccer code, and n number of the Northern team have reached rc;p. honours. If the ground is any way muddy, the “Ponies” would be strong favourites, but an unaccustomed hard surface and lively ball may dash their hopes of victory.