SOCCER.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXXV, Issue 3952, 7 June 1913, Page 9

SOCCER.

(By “Centre-Half.”)

NOTES' AND COMMENTS

The games set down for decision last Saturday were played under most favorable weather conditions. County continued on their winning way, gaining the verdict over Taruheru on the latter’s ground by the odd goal in seven—a penalty goal scored in the last minute of the game. There was a good deal of discussion over this penalty, • the Taruheru men claiming that the referee extended) the time whilst “County were pressing. Now why should Mr Somerton, who controlled the game, be blamed without just cause ? It is said by some Taruheru players that the referee stated that but one minute was left for play at least two or three minues before the penalty was given. Has it ever occurred to players that a referee can easily make a mistake in taking the time? Mr Somerton may have made such a mistake and rectified it before the game ceased. If two linesmen were appointed, each with a flag and a timepiece, a mistake of that nature could not have happened without a check being made by them. I should like also to point out to the players who brought Mr Somerton to book that the field of play is not the place to contest squabbles with the referee. The P.B. Football Association’s Committee of Management are the men to place any'disturbances before. If captains of teams held their men under control things would always be brought to a successful issue. After all, a captain in any team is the top dog, and any protest of any nature should eminate entirely from him after the match.

Cisborne v. Y.M.A.C. The other, game, between Gisborne and Y.M.A.C., resulted in a draw of two goals each. Y.M.A.C. made a few changes from their previous engagement, a rearrangement of their forward line proving, a wise one; As

Glisborne won the first game by 6 goals to 4 another even go was expected. This proved the case when Y.M. took the lead early in the game. A further goal soon afterwards put them in a< strong-position, but Gisborne reduced this prior to the interval by a goal. Playing in the second half with ten men, Y.M.A.C. were almost entirely on the defensive. Gisborne repeatedly rained in shots, but only succeeded in piercing the red line once more. With a draw looming in the distance, each side made strenuous efforts to score again, but without -avail. On the run of play a draw was considered a fair result.

King's Birthday Matches. ... A record crowd was present at the Reserve last Tuesday, when County met- and defeated Rangers A by three goalk to two, whilst Turanganui overcame the Rangers B team to the extent of five goals to one.

County v. Rangers A. Both teams were strengthened by the inclusion of Saturday players, and consequently the teams were the strongest thqy have yet been this season.

For the Rangers, Dick was excellent at centre-half, whilst Downie shone best at back. Bert Greene was also in good form, and in addition to registering a goal made many fine passes to his wings. For County. Turnbull - brought off many fine saves in goal, and is quickly qualifying for a place in any P.B. rep. team. (Now, “Tiny,” look to your laurels). Holt was good at back, whilst Bignell played well at half. Both King and Bell shone in the forward line, although Bell hangs on to the ball 'too long and often loses it. His left wing was practically starved the second half.

Turanganui u. Rangers B. Turanganui did »ot have such a soft thing on as the score of o to 1 represents. W. Hannah, playing centreforward, got tws nne goals right off the jump, and fully deserved them. Hannah is good anywhere, but lie is of more service at centre-half. All the Turanganui men worked well, Oates, Jim Wallace, and Sumner being the pick. Clark’s first game for Rangers B impressed more than one on the Reserve last Tuesday. He will improve with more training.

Re Cround Marking. The P.B. Association seem very lax in allowing games to be played on the Reserve without the ground being marked out. It would also improve the conditions of play if comer flags were used. How a referee can control a match under the conditions prevailing up to the present is aTpuzzle.

Give the (referees a fair chance, and the players will benefit accordingly.