Soccer Knock-Outs

Sun (Auckland), Volume IV, Issue 1071, 8 September 1930, Page 6

Soccer Knock-Outs

SENIOR CUP COMPETITION

Ponsonby’s Lucky Win

FE first round of the Senior Cup competition was played on Saturday with ground conditions all against good Soccer. There were no surprises in the knockouts, though Manurewa came near defeating Ponsonby. The other games were productive of heavy scoring, Trams disposing of the undermanned Celts, B—l, while Y.M. had no worry in outing Corinthians, s—l, and Thistle was too good for Onehunga by four goals to one.

The Young Men’s Airing line against Corinthians impressed more with the appearance of age than youth, the formidable five consisting of Chalmers, Clanachan, Otter, Humphreys and M. Kay. Otter proved his versatility and appreciation of the wet going by helping himself to four goals, through enterprising opportunism in the pivotal position. The veteran Clanachan also showed a liking for the soft stuff, and was responsible for the fifth goal. McGladdery relieved Riddolls at left-half and gave a good display in both defence and attack, while the value of good reserves was seen in the debut of Beckett at full--back. The game

was not. so one-sided as the score would indicate, but thanks to Otter’s dash the Y.M. made the most of its scoring chances, while the White’s lack of finishing effort lost many promising opportunities. YOUNG MEN'S EARLY LEAD Corinthians was most prominent in the early stages, but smart anticipation by Hilliard, and dogged defence by Mowat and Beckett drove the raiders back. Y.M. warmed up a bit, and smart following through gave Otter an opening to gather a rebound and slam home from close up. Play was uninteresting and lacking in cup-tie vigour till Chalmers sent to the centre, where Otter was on the spot again, and just before half-time Clanachan found the net from a long cross by Kay. The Second spell opened quietly till Kay burst away on a solo sprint and Otter connected with the parting centre to complete a hat trick. Corinthians broke through bn Y.M.'s right, and a centre by Ansteed went through the backs for Jamieson to dash in and net. Corinthians kept pressing but failed to reduce the deficit further,* and Otter put the issue beyond all doubt with a run clean through the backs. Mr. L. J. Check kept -smart control of a good-tempered bout. MANUREWA HOLDS PONIES Both 'Rewa and Ponsonby fielded strong sides, and it was thought the wet surface would favour Ponies, who always show a partiality for soft going, but ’Rewa held the upper hand right through the first spell, and had the Ponsonby backs bustled in repelling some lively raids. The play was brigher than in the preliminary knockout, but was much below the usual liveliness associated with both clubs. Corbett was playing a steady game to his forwards, but the muddy ball and sodden surface upset the frontat centre and kept plugging good passes rankers, Pajmer vainly trying to get his head to work at close quarters, and Davis got through twice to fail at point-blank range. With an open goal Davis had his feet taken from under him. Ponies was lucky to escape penalising and to find the score board blank at half-time. PONIES’ LAST LUCKY RAID The second half was very much a repetition of the first, ’Rewa putting more dash Into its play than Ponies, but disappointing the club urgers by failing to click at the critical moment. Innes was carefully blocked, and did not produce his usual dash In muddy surroundings; but just when extra time seemed certain with no score recorded, the Pony flier broke away on a typical burst, driving across the goal mouth when tackled, and Ward raced through to collect and find the net. It was a bright and finished bit of work, which gave Ponies a lucky decision right at the death knock, and 'Rewa was unfortunate in fading out after having far the better of the game. Corporal J. M. Purse was quick in following up the run of the ball, and prompt in his decisions. He kept a firm control over the players and was lenient in minor breaches. TRAMS TROUNCE CELTIC A poorly represented Celtic team was badly trounced on Saturday by Tramways in the first round of the knock-out. Celtic’s goalkeeper, Hall, was injured and could not play. Grant taking his place. Two ex-players were in from the country to help the team out. but even then Celtic could only muster ten men. The Transporters’ van was in fine nick. It displayed a combination that was pleasing to watch and well-nigh invincible. It was a Soccer education to see Mill and Davis working together on the left and between them keeping the centre well supplied. There, Spencer and Bell made full use of the opportunities. On the extreme right Stretton was in truculent mood. His supporters on the side-line roared their approval when on a number of occasions he smashed in surprise shots that were well directed. Christie was as dependable as ever at centre-half. His fellow halfbacks worked hard and further back. Simpson, Hopkins and Batty were sound, although they were not exactly overworked.

By no stretch of the imagination could Celtic’s team work he praised. In fact, combination failed entirely, and it was this absolute lack of coordination that lost Celtic the game so dismally. One or two players deserve credit for their efforts. Hlmmer was outstanding for his hard work Hunter obviously put all he knew into trying to score and Grant. In goal, did surprisingly well, considering his novel position.

But individual play is especiallv remarkable in the Association code for its inadequateness, and it was certainly no exception that proved this rule on Saturday. THISTLE V. ONEHUNGA Weather conditions were favourable for football, when Thistle faced Onehunga at Waikaraka Park in the first round of the Senior Cup on Saturday. Onehunga’s chances of victory were somew'hat lessened owing to the fact that it was still missing Scandle and Moon from the forward line. At the S*?, moment it was decided that Whimster should play centre-forward Sagar, a third grade player, should play in Whimster’s own position. right-wing. This seemed a ruinous policy since Whimster is essentially a right-wing, but there was nothing else to do under the circumstances. Henderson, another junior player, was put at inside-right. Petersen. of the rearguard, was also abnt.an^Ma£l'vas sec ured to subsritfOTlhlT2- The vlsit ors fielded, on the other hand, a full-strength team.

The match opened with Thistle the aggressor. McLeay, Hislop and Cum in g. early, looked dangerous, and Zuill was quickly called upon to show his mettle. The first score was registered about 15 minutes after the start when McLeay caught Zuill out of goal and put the bail past him to Spurred into action the home side was not slow to retaliate. Soon after the kick-off Sagar received the ball and raced up the wing. He centred to Whimster who beat Gerrard. shooting into the corner of the net. This was the last real chance Onehunga had until the latter part of the second spell’ Thistle’s forward line, prominent among whom were McLeay and Hislop from now on dominated the play’ Zuill's powers were taxed to their utmost and had it not been for the remarkable clearances he effected Thistle’s tally would have been larger Near the finish of the match the order of things was changed, «HI the Onehunga forwards, especially Whimster, gave Gerrard a trying time, but all to no avail, and the game with Thistle the victors in a match it well deserved to win.

It was a case of brains beating brawn. No matter how hard Onehunga tried, the superior skill and combination came out on top in the end. McLeay exhibited remarkable

skill in his fotwork. He was ably seconded by Hislop, while Cumming and Stewart played useful games. Thistle's defence, in most cases, was well able to cope with the opposition put up.

Zuill played the brightest game for the losing side. The remainder of the defence stuck hard to its task, but Thistle carried too many guns. the forwards the best displays were given by Whimster and Sagar, although the former is more suited mm a wing than a centre. Gill proved a groat trier, but he is inclined to drlbbla with the ball too long Instead of passing when he is in position, with the rssuh that he is often robbed of the hall before he has had a chance to do something useful.

AUCKLAND SOCCER REPS

TEAM FOR SATURDAY NEXT The sole selector, Mr. A- P. Nee sham, has selected the following to represent Auckland against the South Auckland representatives at “Y.M.C.A. Day." on Blandford Park, next Saturday: J. Gerrard (Thistle), goal. Johnston (Thistle), and Reid (New Accord), backs. Morrison (Ponsonby). Chapman (Y.M.C.A.) and Jones (Shore), halves. Innes (Ponsonby). Williamson (Manurewa), McLeay (Thistle). McMillan (Ponsonby). M. Kay (Y.M.C.A.).

Reserves:—Mowat (Y.M.C.A.). Bad loch (Ponsonby), and Woods (Corinthians).

CHATHAM CUP FINAL

PETONE BEATS WESTERN BY ONE GOAL FINE EXHIBITION Frees Association WELLINGTON, Sunday. The final of the Chatham Cup contest was played at Wellington yesterday. In an exhibition of good football, the best seen in Wellington this season, Petone defeated Weetera (Canterbury), by 2 goals to 1. Western played against the wind is the first spell but Petone had m worm experience in the second spell, haying to play against blinding ooullialy rain. Both sides were extremal? and played sound football under adverse conditions. There was little ta choose between them on merit and tb* winning goal might well have bem scored by either. The Southerners were faster but Petone was steady ant very sound in defence. A high, curling shot by Craig, the Petone left winger, gave Petone the lead in the first half. The game wea fast and hard in the second spwl About half-way .through Falloonadorjt for Western. Later, FaHooh brom through from midfield in another attack on the Petone goal and McVeaß, the Petone goalkeeper, ran out. eral players clashed and* as. the wbisnj went for dangerous play on the pal* of a Western player, Falloon scored, but the shot was disallowed. A free kick to Petone was followed up smartly and Dodds scored with * fast shot, within two minutes of Un»*The final score was: Petone, 2; Western. 1. The cup and medals were presexwa by Sir Charles Statham, president •«* the New Zealand Football Association

BASKETBALL

INTER-CLUB GAMES Following are the results of club championship games played <* Saturday afternoon under the contret of the Auckland Basketball Association:— Senior A Grade. —Varsity WWtMiJJ Kai Toa, 11; Varsity Blues, 25, Kiha roa ’ 5; Edendale, 16, Grammar, 14- . t Senior B Grade. —George Court ■* •» Grammar. 4: Victoria* 13, Killarue. ' Seddon, 14, Varsity. 4; Lynndale, 10. Toa, 2: Greer’s. 8, Rovers, 2; L.yno«ai«* 12, Killarua, 2. . Second Grade.— Kai Toa won by from Rovers: Technical College, 8. Man kau, 7; Greer’s, 5, Y.W.C.A., 0; George Court’s, 1; Kai Toa. 5. J-C.L. *: Th.rd A Grade— Citizens won Wg fault from Waratah; Otahuhu 9. 5; Surrey Hills 15. Technical Conege • Milne and Choyce won by default * J.C.L.; McKenzie s, Ltd., won by deiau* from Waratah. __ Third B Grade.— Suburbs 12, New land Herald” 6: Edendale 5, SeOQCP Suburbs S, Technical College 0; Edena»~ 11. Rovers 4. WhitFourth A Grade.— Akarana 9. combe and Tombs 8; Parisian 1*» . vern s 7: Woolworth’s 8, Papa toetoe • Fourth B Grade.— Turners and won by default from Y.W.C.A-; College won by default from Browne g. and Geddes; Rendell’s 7, f; Smith and Caughey’s 7, Arw* «* r j«i Otahuhu 5, Lynndale 4; Ashley »

5 ' Fifth Grade.—Aloha 10. Woolwort** * Osborne's 14, Arohanui S: Stednw» Seddon 4; Y.W.C.A. 13, Citizens 3, * hanui 13, Bycroft's 7.