24 April 1912, Sydney Morning Herald

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.    

APPROACH OF COMPETITIONS!

The granting of a permit to J. P. Grogan to play with Sydney Club this season will greatly strengthen the metropolitan team. Grogan is now living in the Sydney district, but his residence has not been of sufficient duration to enable him to play without permission. His brilliant performances last year with the team from H.M.S. Powerful are still fresh in the memory of soccer adherents; though there are some who declare that his Inside partner, Keating, was of indispensable assistance in Grogan's dashing displays, that Keating practically madethe game for the  outside man; and that Grogan will be "lost" without him. However, Sydney supporters maintain that they have in Gallagher an inside right who should work equally as well with Grogan, and there does not appear any reason for doubt in this respect. Gallagher's methods closely resemble those of Keating; he is tricky in footwork, and, when in form, can shoot with force and precision. As M'Lean, who showed clever football at times last season, is reported to be at his best, Sydney's forward line should be rather formidable.

Balmain will, however, again be very strong, and if the Rawson Cup team maintain their consistently good form of 1911, there are likely to be some interesting games for the late Sir Harry H. Rawson's trophy. Granville are al- ways worthy opponents, never admitting de- feat until the final whistle is heard. The Magpies ran Balmain very close last year. Their scoring capabilities were reflected in the fact that they put through 41 goals in 14 matches, Balmain notching 30 in the same number.

Glebe hope to reproduce their form of 1910, when they won the Rawson Cup. The forward line will be stronger, a fact that should enhance the team's prospects, for the little weakness in that respect last season must have had a disturbing influence on the backs. Storey's presence between the goal posts will give the Glebe supporters a sense of security. Canterbury and Newtown will probably meet stronger teams than themselves; and it is to be hoped that, in the event of applications being received from players in neutral territory for permission to take part in the metropolitan competitions, the weaker clubs will receive consideration.

The Association Cup teams are more or less unknown quantities, though Balmain is certain to have a combination that will test the merit of opponents. A remarkable fact in connection with the second division of the second league is the number of non-district clubs that will engage in the competition. Whether it is wise to admit so many of these clubs is a question on which some light may be thrown as the season advances, and the effect on the district clubs is noted.

Players will have a last opportunity on Saturday next of match practice before the competitions commence. The chance should not be neglected, for there is no practice so valuable as that obtained by playing in an actual match. Special practice in kicking from the penalty mark, and in corner kicks, is all very well for one who is deputed to specialise in such arts, but the average player is more quickly brought into form by having to grasp situations as they might arise in a competition game.