Close Soccer Finishes

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 975, 19 May 1930, Page 6

Close Soccer Finishes

CELTS ONE UP ON THISTLE Onehunga’s Lucky Draw THE break-up of tlie weather gave players their first taste of a greasy ball and slippery surface on Saturday, and the quality of the Soccer displays suffered in consequence. His Excellency the Governor-General, with Lady Bledisloe and party, attended at Blandford Park, where two close finishes were witnessed. Onehunga divided eight goals with Ponsonby, while an exciting finish saw Celtic win from Thistle by the odd goal in three. Y.M.C.A. kept up its unbroken sequence of wins with a 4—o victory oyer Maniirewa, and Trams proved too strong for Corinthians by 5 goals to 2.

The soaking rains had taken all the sting out of the ground at headquarters, but left the surface somewhat treacherous, although there was a pleasing absence of mud. The Dali was also on the slippery side, and there was frequent faulting in control. In the preliminary game Onehunga read the valuable assistance of two of the Dunedin men, Marr at fullback, and Clark at centre-forward, each making a big difference to the defence and attack, and Ponsonby had secured Surtees again in goal. PONIES EARLY IN THE LEAD The game looked to be a good thing for Ponsonby when clever play on the right wing by Innes and Forrester put them two goals up in the first quarter, and the snap shots of Clark with a wet ball lacked their usual accuracy when Onehunga attempted to even matters. Play was quiet for a time, but toward the close of the opening spell Onehunga took a hand, and from a forward rush Clark nipped through to crash a swift one to the net. Just before the interval be made a good opening for Gill to beat Surtees from close up, and the teams were two all at half-time. PENALTY GIFTS FOR ONEHUNGA Goals from free-kicks were the feature of the second spell, and doubtful decisions marred a promising finish Ponsonby gained the first advantage in securing a free-kick, which Innes placed accurately for Forrester to head past Zuill. On top of this bit of luck, a good combined movement by Ponies right found Stewart in position for the final centre, and Ponsonby was again two up. The Manukau men replied vigorously, and when hardpressed the ball caught McCosh’s arm in his own 18, and the extreme penalty was awarded for a sure goal. Almost immediately another rally in tlie Ponies’ danger zone found another., penalty ordered, and again Clark made no mistake. Ponsonby made a great effort to regain the lead, but had to be satisfied with sharing the points with the score at four all. Zuill gave his usual finished display in goal for Onehunga, and opposite him Surtees was not to blame for what passed him. Marr was the best of the four backs, Alexander finding Ponies’ right a lively pair. McCosh lacked control and is not yet used to the fullback position, but Peterson played a sound game. None of the half-line was very impressive, but Balloch worked hard, and retrieved mistakes of his rear men by cutting back to the rescue. In the forward line Innes and Forrester shone out for Ponies, but the left was rarely sighted. Whimster got ip some neat runs on Onehunga’s right, while Clark and Gill shone out at intervals. Corporal Purse kept a strict control of the play, but his penalty decisions appeared unduly harsh. CELTIC SETTLES THISTLE As in the curtain-raiser, the CelticThistle match was marred by the uncertain surface and slippery ball, which conduced to miskicking, and play was very desultory for the first half, while liarsli applications of the penalty law had a paralysing effect on the players and put a damper on a lot of lively play. The attack on both sides was lacking in combined work. The goalies were not called upon to handle much in the first spell, but Hall was tested oftener than Gerrard, and disposed of some feeble assaults in a business-like style. The principal incident was the awarding of a penalty to Thistle for Peter Kay jumping to clear. The spot shot from N. Cumming came right to Hall, who promptly fisted clear, and Thistle rallied strongly in an attempt to notch a goal before the interval, but half-time found the score board blank. LORD BLEDISLOE'S KEEN INTEREST The Vice-Regal party arrived during the interval and was received by the chairman of the Control Board, Mr. Andrew Menzies, and Mr. H. S. W. King, vice-president. His Excellency and Lady Bledisloe were accompanied by the Mayor, Mr. G. Baildon. and took a very keen interest in the play. Before the restart the teams lined up and gave three cheers for his Excellency. and set to work with far more ginger and enterprise than they had displayed in the opening spell. The Celts got the better of the opening exchanges, when a srhart forward rush saw Jerry Hunter apply the finishing touch and net the first goal, but in a lively reprisal Grant was thought to have offended in liis own 18, and McLeay took tlie penalty kick for Thistle. Again Hall’s scarlet jersey attracted the ball, and he cleared promptly; but the referee ruled he had moved a foot before the kick was' taken, and amid a hostile demonstration a second kick was tried by Kennedy. He, too, saw red and sent straight to Hall, who cleared his third penalty shot amid a hurricane of cheers. A LIVELY FINISH Thistle persisted in its strong battle to equalise, and the reward came when a corner kick started up a scramble in the Celts’ goal mouth and Kennedy made the score level. A sharp shower drove tlie crowd to the stand for shelter, and somewhat cooled the players ardour. Celtic rallied strongly, and in attacking was awarded a free, which only missed the penalty decision by an Inch or two, but Hunter drove a curly one to the corner of the net, which Gerrard failed to field, and Celtic was pressing to the end to gain a creditable victory by the odd goal in three. . The standard of play was well below what Thistle used to show, and in team work the Celts showed more cohesion. Hall’s display in goal was easily the best this season, and while he was fortunate in three penalty shots coming straight at him, his speed in clearing was brilliant. Peter Kay was the best of the backs, and improves with every appearance, though his robust clearances are likely to be frowned on by over-strict referees. Grant was not so effective as previously, but Gavan and Hunter showed up well on Celtic’s right wing. Gerrard was safe in the Thistle goal, but the backs in front of him were uncertain, and the intermediate line was weak. McLeay showed some neat flashes at centre, and Cumming worked hard on the wing, but Hislop seems lost without Kay, and wandered around a lot to very little effect, and was repeatedly despoiled through hanging too long to the ball. Mr. Kyi© held a

firm hold on the players, but lagged too far behind the play, and, ordered penalty kicks when too remote to see really what had happened. TRAMWAYS EASILY Tramways’ victory on Saturday was not altogether unexpected. Nevertheless the win was thoroughly deserved. The Tramway forward line combined, at times, with almost clocklike precision. Corinthians, however, is only a young team and more may be expected from it in the future. .At present the forward line lacks combination and the halves are not feeding the forwards as much as they should do. The players themselves, too, often rely on fancy movements when they might play straight-out football to better advantage. There is one outstanding man in the team, namely, the outside-left, Wood. Ho is only a youngster, but his passing and dribbling would put many older players to shame. If he keeps on in the way he is going he should be destined to do big things in the future. Looking at the Tramways, it is hard to pick out any special name. Every man knew his job and he did it to the best of his ability. The forwards worked well together and they were ably supported by their halves, Christie especially playing a good game. Both the backs defended well, though their aid was not needed very often. The wintry weather during the latter part of last week had not affected the ground, save to make it somewhat slippery on the surface, and the game was well fought out and interesting to watch in all its stages. Y.M.C.A. SCORES AGAIN Despite willing play from both teams, Saturday’s game was marred by. the slippery conditions underfoot. On the whole, however, team work was quite good and if individual play was restricted to a great extent, the influence was certainly not for the bad. Attacks were made early in the game in both directions, but the defences were equal to their tasks. However, Y.M.’s first goal was not to be denied; good work by Jay saw Chalmers receive and net from a good 25 yards out with a shot that had Parks beaten all the way. Munurewa’s veteran centre-half, Corbett, playing as he did a very solid game, helped to steady up the younger members of the team. Y.M.’s defence was also strong in the first half, each set of forwards was hard put to to penetrate into the opposite goal area. The Young Men’s superiority was clear in the second spell. Time and again Parks was called upon and he responded well on most occasions. The Manurewa attack was disorganised by the steady plodding of the older team, and apart from spasmodic bursts into the Y.M. zone, play was centred round and about the 'Rewa goal area. In fact, but for Parks's herculean efforts, Y.M, would have been a much larger number of goals to the good. The Manurewa custodian eclipsed all his previous efforts when he stopped three stinging shots which followed In lightning succession. The actual scoring shots were well out of his range. Manurewa's failure to score was due to lack of sting in the. shooting and when, in the closing stages, the forwards got under way only on rare occasions, it was the same fault which helped to keep Y.M.’s goal intact. SENIOR B GAMES In the senior B division, Philomel downed Belmont at the Dock by the odd goal in three, and is now the only club which has not missed a poim Sliore and Bon Accord divided the’ points at New Lynn with three goals each. Rangers (4) beat Metro College Cl), and Northcote (2) defeated Newmarket (0).

SENIOR B GRADE

NORTHCOTE’S FIRST WIN Northcote, by defeating Newmarket on the home Municipal Reserve, by two goals to nil, recorded its first win of the season. Both teams kept up strong attacks upon each other’s goals, but inaccurate shooting, combined with good saving on the part of both goalkeepers, prevented any score during the first half. On resuming in the second spell, Holman changed over from right-back to centre-forward, the Northcote forward line being weak. The change soon had good effect. Cross, inside right, centred, and Holman drew first blood, shooting a magnificent goal.—Northcote 1, Newmarket 6 Shortly after Munro, for Northcote, accepted a pass from his outside left, Sandford, and successfully scored.— Northcote 2, Newmarket 0. Newmarket attacked but Craxton, in goal, was effective in protecting his territory. The game ended without further score. C. Neads, left back for Northcote, was a tower of strength, his sure kicking and effective tackling being a feature of the. game. For Newmarket Blockley, rightback, was outstanding, while Lloyd, the goalkeeper, was successful in repelling several hot attacks. Corporal of Marines A. F. Burnett, of M.M.S. Philomel, made an efficient referee.

CHATHAM CUP DRAW

FIRST ROUND ON WEDNESDAY Entries for the Chatham Cup -competition closed on Saturday, when four nominations were received. The draw resulted: — • Thistle v. Manurewa. Trams v Y.M.C.A. It was decided to play the first knockout, Manurewa v. Thistle, as the night game by electric floodlight on Wednesday evening, if weather conditions are suitable.

CLUB CHAMPIONSHIP

SENIOR A POSITIONS

AMATEUR ATHLETICS

CONDITIONS UNFAVOURABLE ELLIOTT IMPROVES IN FORM Conditions were unfavourable at the Outer Domain on Saturday afternoon for the meeting of the Auckland Amateur Athletic and Cycle Club. However, A. J. Elliott equalled his previous week’s time for the 75 yards handicap. He ran, as usual, from the scratch mark, and had to contend with roughness and softness of turf and a strong head breeze in the sprint. If the going had been better, times generally should have been somewhat faster. The mile handicap, won again by A. B. Browne, took 6min 31sec to run, the wind slowing the runners up considerably on the first 250 yards of each lap. The order at the end of the first lap was McNeil, Clark and Hall, but Browne drew up shortly afterward, and won under severe steeplechasing conditions. S. Thomas moved up one notch in the placings in this event. Elliott managed to lead this week in the shot-putting handicap, and last week’s winner, A. Hogg, came second, his actual throw being llin less than the winner’s. In the discus-throwing event, the results showed good handicapping, the corrected distances of the placed men being within 2ft 2in. E. C. Wooller’s throw was creditable. Intermittent showers made the ground a little difficult for foot work. Results: - 75 YARDS HANDICAP, First Heat.—A. J. Elliott (scr.), 1; R 9‘ llle y (Siyds), 2; H. W. Neil (15yds), o. Time, 7 4-5 sec. Also started: Hall. J. Green (Diyds). Second Heat.—J. W. Turnbull (10yds), J: T - E. Henry (4*yds), 2; J. C. Tipping (13yds), o. Time, 7- 4-ssec. Also started: A. H. Eyre (10yds), A. B. Browne (Byds). Thir.d Heat.—H. S. Roper (S.tyds). 1; C. Sontgen (syds), 2; F. C. Adams (13 yds), 3. Time, 7 9-10 sec. Also started: T. Montgomery (4£yds), A. Clark (14yds). Final.—A. J. Elliott. 1; C. Sontgen. 2: H. S. Roper, 3. One Mile Steeplechase Handicap.—A. B. Browne. (7sec), 1; H. McNeil (46sec), 2; S. Thomas (22sec), 3. Hall, Henry, Clark, and Montgomery finished in that order, behind the placed men. The time fox - the race was 6min Slsec. Times of the first three men were i - espectively: smin 2Ssec; 6min 2Ssec; 6min lOsec. Putting the Shot (handicap).—A. J. Elliott (3ft Bin). 34ft KBin, 1; A. TlOfeg (3ft 9in), 34ft 2iSin ( and G. T. Mitchell (7ft Din), 34ft 2.7 in, dead-heat, 2. Throwing the Discus (handicap).—E. C. Wooller (4Sft), 114 ft lin, 1; A. Clark (GO ft), 113 ft s£in, 2; F. L. Whitten (46ft), 111 ft llin, 3.

INDOOR BOWLING

OUTDOOR PLAYERS’ NIGHT The Orange Bowling Association’s tourney for outdoor players was such a success that its own members had to be accommodated on a separate night. The president, Bro. Harris, in welcoming the visitors, expressed the appreciation of the indoor players of the kindness of the Dominion Road Bowling Club, which had entertained them last year on their winter green. That had been a memorable day for the indoor players, who hoped it would be an annual fixture. The president, Mr. C. E. Chappell, replying on behalf of the Dominion Road Bowling Club, thanked the Orange Bowling Association for a most enjoyable evening. When their winter green was ready, they certainly hoped to have a special indoor bowlers’ afternoon, and they would be welcome any afternoon. Following are the results of games: First Round.—B. Chappell. H. Fishei', Robertson, J. Benson, 3, v. Misses Cambridge and Williamson, H. Boles, and Mrs. Boles, 10; Mrs. Lilly, Mrs. Hoy. P. Hoy, A. Gear, 6, v. W. Skinner, R. G. Cox, G. Ivirkham, S. Adeane, 9: GoldAvater, G. W. Clark, Cartwright, F. Anderson, S, v. S. H. Wellei - , J. Bray. J. W. White, F. Whitley, 6; A. Beer, W. H. Tongue, W. Loram, A. Jenkin, 5, v. D. M. A. Bodley, J. Daniels, L. Francis, Geo Clark, 3; Ferguson, Roberts. Goodall, Campbell, 5, v. Stevens, W. H. Clark. Ramsey, S. E. Chappell, 8; Kasper, Lucas, Mrs. Waugh, McPherson, 8, v. J. Conway, A. Hill, Griffiths, Mrs. Rout, 4; West, Wilson, Clews, W. D. Kelly, 11, v. Mesdames Kingdon, Gelding, McMahon, J. Rattray, 3; Farrington, Mrs. Kayes, Mrs. Miller, H. Bolton, 13, v. Richardson, Davis, Bryden, Goldsmith. 6. Second Round.—Anderson, 7, v. Chappell, 6; G. Clark, 6, v. Mrs. Boles, 7; Kelly, 8, v. Goldsmith, 4; Bolton, 8, v. Benson, 6; Campbell, 14, v. McPherson, 3; Gear, 9, v. Whitley, 8; Jenkin, 4, v. Adeane, 9; Mrs. Rout, 4, v. Rattray, 6. Third Round.—Jenkin, G, v. McPherson, 5; Bolton, 11, v. Adeane, 4; Kelly, 6, v. Benson, 7; Mrs. Boles; S, \ T . Chappell, 2; Campbell, 6, v. Rattray, 14; Mrs. Rout, 8. V* Whitley, 4; Gear, 6, v. Clark, 7; Goldsmith, 7, v. Anderson, 4. Fourth Round.—Mrs. Boles, 4, v. Adeane, 7; Gear, 2, v. Chappell, 4; Bolton, 4, v. Whitley, 3; Anderson, 3, v. McPherson, 2; Jenkin, 3, A’. Rattray, 2; Campbell, 4, v. Goldsmith, 5; Clark. 7, v. Kelly, 0; Benson v. Mrs. Rout. Winners. —H. Farrington, Mrs. Kayes, Mrs. Miller, H. Bolton, 4 AA-ins, 34 points. Four teams tied for second place. Mrs. Boles, S. Adeane, F. Anderson, and Tony Jenkin had three wins each.

NATIONS AT TENNIS

ENGLAND PLAYS FRANCE PARIS, Saturday. The International Tennis Club’s match between England and France was commenced today. H. W. Austin (England) beat Brugnon, B—6, 6—2; Gentien (France) beat Collins, B—6, G-—3; de Buzelet (France) beat Gregory, 6 —3, B—6;8 —6; Blanchy (France) beat Kingscote. 6—3, 4—6, 6—l; Borotra (France) beat Lee, 3—6, 6 —l. 6—4; Sharpe (England) beat Landry. 6 —4. 6 —3; Guillaumat beat Ritchie. 12—10, 6—4.

P. W. D. L_. F. A. Pts Y.M.C.A 4 4 0 0 18 7 8 Celtic 4301 866 Tramways .... 430 1 14 7 6 Ponsonby .... 4 2 1 1 11 8 5 Onehunga .... 4 1 1 2 9 12 3 Thistle ..... 4103 792 Corinthians ..4 1 0 3 8 14 2 Manurewa ..... 4 0 0 4 3 15 0