31 May 1912, Adelaide Advertiser

FOOTBALL.

THE HINDMARSH OVAL.

Members of the West Torrens II. Football Club complain that they have been prevented from using Lindsay-circus Oval, Hindmarsh, and the council has been condemned for giving preference on "off Saturdays" to British Association football. This matter was brought up at the meeting of the Hindmarsh branch of the United Labor Party on Wednesday evening, held in the Temperance Hall, Brompton, when Mr. H. W. Tomkins, secretary of West Torrens II., and a member of the managing committee of the senior club, asked members of the council present why preference was given to the British Association game when senior football matches were not being played.

The Mayor (Mr. J. D. Brown) said he was of opinion that there was room for both games, and personally he did not favor any game, although he preferred the Australian. Reference had been made to Councillor Holiday, a prominent member of the British Association, and be would say that that councillor had not in any way influenced the council in arriving at a decision to allow the use of the oval on off dates for British football. Last year West Torrens II. had the first call on the ground after the South Australian League games had been arranged, and this year the town clerk, who was the secretary of the oval, had given preference to the British Association who offered better terms for the use of the oval. He, as mayor, and other members of the council had not to consider sentiment. Their duty was to do the best they could for the town by making the oval pay. He, however, thought there had been some misunderstanding over the arrangements made.

Councillor Hooper advised that applications for the oval should be sent in early, for if left too late, as was the case under discussion, disappointment could not be avoided. If details were settled earlier both games would be able to have a fair share of the dates.

30 May 1912, Sydney Morning Herald

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

The following players have been chosen to represent the Metropolis against the South Coast in the inter district1 match at Wentworth Park Oval on Monday. June 3 - Storey (Glebe), goal, Woodvine (H.M.S. Drake) and Harrigan (Balmain), backs; Oliphant (Glebe), Milner (Newtown), and Howie (Balmain), halves; Teasel (Glebe), Vandenreiche (Northern Suburbs), Killian (Garden Island), W Carroll (Glebe), and Dawson (Garden Island), forwards. Reserves: R. G. White (Garden Island), back; Mobbs (H.M.S. Drake), forward.

A metropolitan team will also be sent to Granville on June 3 to play an eleven representing the Granville and District Association. The following have been selected - Geering (Canterbury), goal; A. Latta (Balmain) and Dennis (Newtown) backs; Law (Balmain) Sandy (Glebe), and J Haigh (Canterbury), halves; Holcombe (Newtown), Adams (Balmain), Milton (Newtown) Hilton (Canterbury), and Blake (Newtown), forwards. Reserves: Ferner (Balmain), back; Lane (Canterbury), forward. Players will leave by the 1.25 p m. train for Granville.

The teams have been chosen with a view to allowing the selectors to see as many players as possible, in order to guide them when choosing the New South Wales eleven against Queensland. Players who are taking part in competition matches on June 3 were not considered.

29 May 1912, Sydney Morning Herald

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

GARDINER CUP TIES.

The Gardiner Cup matches are now begin- ning to be brought forward to interest supporters of the dribbling code. Four of the first round ties are set down for decision on Saturday next - two at Wentworth Park Oval.

The Corrimal team, which has qualified for the second round by defeating Y.M.C.A, in- cluded Oldfield, who played last year for Helensburgh, and also represented New South Wales against Tasmania. The brothers Jones are still to the fore with their clever footwork, and the veteran player. Drain, who is well versed in most of the tricks of defence, has again been requisitioned to guard the goal. All things considered Corrimal appear to have a chance of carrying off the Gardiner Cup this year - a feat that has, strangely enough, never yet been achieved by a South Coast team, although a high standard of play has been maintained for many years in that district. It is, in fact, asserted that a combined South Coast eleven has yet to be beaten on the home ground at Wollongong. Against the Western Australians in 1903, South Coast played a draw. On June 22 they will have an opportunity of displaying their capabilities against the Queensland team.

The Cup ties to be played at Wentworth Park Oval on Saturday are Sydney v Portland, and Granville v The Navy (Garden Island). A peculiar interest invariably attaches to matches in which one of the participating teams comprises unknown players. As Port- land is in the Western District and will con- sequently supply a team of which little is probably known, followers of the game will be eager to ascertain their merits, and the Sydney team will take the field anxious to sum up the possibilities of their opponents.

The Garden Island team should make the pace warm for Granville. The "Magpies" will indeed need to be at their best to play an even game against the naval men, whose form at present is excellent. Granville won the Cup In 1904, and on only one other occas- ion did they reach the final, viz., in 1890, when they were defeated by Pyrmont Rangers.

PLAY AND PLAYERS.

Good attendances were recorded at all the Rawson Cup matches on Saturday. At Easton Park the Balmain supporters were in force, necessitating a rather over-zealous guarding of the gate leading into the playing area. Hughes, the goalkeeper, was unable, through illness, to occupy his usual post for Bal- main, his place being taken by Rushton, who showed fair form. Ferguson at full-back, relieved splendidly on occasions; at others he appeared over-anxious in kicking, and al- lowed the Canterbury forwards opportunities which, had they infused more dash into their work, would probably have led to more goals. Richards replaced Rose (who is suffering from an injury to the knee) at left-half, and tackled with great determination. He will be remembered as the Helensburgh player who last year was included in the New South Wales team which visited Tasmania. Kelly was placed as outside right, and A. Robertson, a burly brother of W. Robertson, filled the centre-forward position with credit.

Canterbury's forwards were somewhat slow in moving when in possession of the ball, McThuish being also inclined to dally too long in passing. The defence was not consistent. Boyd frequently miss-kicked; though Geering, in goal, was often conspicuous by his saves, many times helping his forwards by long throws down the field.

Sydney's display against H.M.S. Drake was hardly a brilliant one, though many clever movements were brought off in attacks on the right wing, where Grogan and Gallagher operated. Grogan's swift long-range shoot- ing Is always a feature of his play, and on present form he stands alone in the metropolitan competitions as an outside right. Herron also maintains his reputation as a scoring forward, having notched two goals In each of tho last two matches. Meehan was easily the best of the halves. Kirkpatrick and Hughes rendered good service as full-backs. The former Is probably the more solid of the two, whilst Hughes is quicker to recover lost ground.

Newtown continue to show dash in the for- ward line, Milton and Blake being speedy, if not altogether accurate. In shooting. Milner is a great help to the team as centre half.

The greater scoring probabilities of the Granville forwards were exemplified In the match against Newtown. M'Grath, J. Fairweather, and Willisford made an excellent showing on a ground that was scarcely in a fit state through the rain for a display of combination. Small sheets of water lay in parts of tho field where play is, as a rule, most keenly contested.

The draw between West Sydney and Bal- main in the Association Cup still leaves both teams to divide the honour of first place in the competition table. West Sydney played Che more scientific, all-round football. The lengthy kicking by the Balmain backs and halves, however, enabled their forwards to attack more frequently than West Sydney's front rank. Jackson and Newman worked consistently, but there was little of combined effort by the Balmain forward line, and Pryde seemed less aggressive than usual. Latta does not appear as sound at full-back as he was a couple of seasons ago.

Fleming, the outside left for West Sydney, contrived several times to evade Latta, and centred very precisely. The right wing for- wards were, however, not smart enough In diverting the ball into goal, if we except the single instance in which Pinkerton headed into the net.

Half-backs Law (Balmain) and Lambert (West Sydney) were prominent in feeding the forwards, whilst O'Brien's tackling and S. Warrior's stanch kicking assisted a good deal in restricting Balmain's seore.

FIXTURES

GARDINER CUP

SATURDAY, JUNE 1

Sydney v Portland, Wentworth Oval, 2; 

Granville v (Garden Island, Wentworth Oval, 3.30; 

Sydney "B" v Northern Suburbs, Naremburn Park, 3.15; 

South Sydney Methodist v Canterbury, Campsie, 3.15.

28 May 1912, Sydney Morning Herald

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

N.S.W. PRESBYTERIAN FELLOWSHIP FOOTBALL UNION.

Drummoyne beat Chalmers by 5 goals to 1, at Five Dock.
Lcichhardt beat Hurstville-Kogarah by 5 goals to nil, at Leichhardt.
Bexley beat North St. Leonards by 7 goals lo 1, at Queen's Park.
Auburn, a bye.

27 May 1912, Brisbane Courier

BRITISH ASSOCIATION GAME.

The Bulimba Rangers and Toowong teams met on the former's ground at Bulimba, to play off their fixture in the Challenge Cup competition. The opening exchanges were in favour of the Bulimbas, who, through Campbell, early tested Fleming with an easily saved shot. Play for a time was continued to Toowongs' territory, until Johnson relieved the anxiety by passing to Burroughs who shot unsuccessfully for goal. Burns, Tucker, and Philp were next conspicuous in a fine passing dribble which was well checked by Menzies. Persistent efforts by the Toowongs were unltimately rewarded, as hesitancy on the part of the Bulimbas defence gave Tucker an opportunity of notching the first point. The subsequent play was of an end to end nature, M'Gowan, M'Kay and T. Campbell on the one side and Dunlop, Meldrum and Lawrence on the other being most prominent. Good work by Burns, D Campbell, and Burroughs was the next outstanding feature, but danger was averted by M'Gowan and Davidson, the latter trying a shot at long range which Fleming safely negotiated. The succeeding play was of an exciting order, Bulimbas pressing their opponents most determinedly. A brilliant piece of work ended in M'Kay scoring. The Toowongs were practically hemmed in for some time, the Bulimbas sending in some dangerous shots, one from D Campbell being a beauty, which gave Fleming no chance to save. Half time: Bulimbas, 2 goals; Toowongs, 1 goal.

The Bulimbas, displaying great confidence and dash, were early on the move in the second half, but they were very unlucky on several occasions, shots from Bowerman and Dougall just missing the post. A little later Bowerman fastened on the ball, and, eluding the Toowongs' defence, passed nicely to Dougall who was ruled offside. The former player again obtained possession, and putting in a brilliant individual run placed the ball past Fleming. Howie, who was playing a fine game had the best of a tussle with the Toowongs' backs, his parting shot, however, failing to beat the goalkeeper. A combined run by M'Kay, Campbell and Dougall brought the ball well down the field and the latter, with a stinging shot, gave Fleming no chance to save. The game continued in favour of the Bulimbas, Toowongs, to relieve the pressure, being forced to concede a comer which proved unproductive. Smith, Philp, and Tucker aroused their supporters' hopes, but M'Gowan effected a brilliant clearance, and transferred play. Play in the closing stages was of a fairly even nature, the final result being - Bulimba Rangers, 4 goals: Toowong, 1 goal.

Valley and South Brisbane Schools played a drawn game on Saturday at New Farm, neither side scoring.

Sacred Arc v. Wallaby - Played at Milton, and resulted in a draw, neither side scoring.

Rag Tags v. Celtics (first grade) -Won by former bv 3 to nil.

Pineapple Rovers v. Milton Rangers (third grade) -Played at Dunn's Paddock, and won by the former by 5 goals to 1.

Torwood Rangers v. Ellena-street - Played at Herbert's Paddock, and won by Rangers by 3 goals to 2.

Valley v. South Brisbane (School) - An exciting match resulted in a draw. Neither side scored

Emerald v. Rocklea (First Grade) - Played at Bulimba and won by Emerald by 3 goals to 1,

Torwood Rovers v. St. Mary's -Played at Toowong, and resulted in a win for St. Mary's by 6 goals to 1.

Kangaroo v. Rebels (third grade) - A tie. 2 all.

Kangaroo v. Wallaby Rangers (second grade) -Won by Kangaroos by 2 goals to 1.

Bulimba Rangers II v Gregor Rovers - Played at Bulimba, and won by Rangers by 5 to 1.

26 May 1912, Sunday Times (Perth)

INTERNATIONAL CRICKET

AUSTRALIANS' FIFTH VICTORY

Oxford Beaten by Ten Wickets

LONDON, Saturday.

On Thursday last the Australian Eleven commenced their match against Oxford University in dull weather.

Gregory won the toss, and elected to bat, and Jennings and Smith commenced for the visitors. The first two wickets fell cheaply, but that consis- tent pair. Macartney and Bardsley, became associated, and there was a decided improvement in the aspect of affairs. Macartney got to 21 when he was clean bowled by Vidier. Bardsley went on and gave a splendid exhibition of batting, his driving and cutting be- ing particularly attractive. In this connection his batting was different altogether to Gregory, who was patchy.

Gregory got to 42 before being bowled by Naumann, and Bardsley was within 12 of another century when he got his leg in front of one from Crutcbley and had to go. Emery gave an enthusing exhibition for 33, getting 17 off one over, Whitty remained not out with 15 to his credit. Crutchley was the most successful bowler for the home team, his three wickets costing only 24 runs.

The University Eleven could do nothing with the bowling of Whitty and Hazlitt, and were all out for 71. Hazlitt secured four for 14 and Whitty four for 11.

Owing "to being so far behind in their first attempt at the wickets, the University team had to follow on, and in their second attempt they did much better than In their initial try, getting 203 for nine wickets before stumps were drawn, thus saving a one innings defeat. Of this amount the principal scores were contributed by Twining and Knott, who each got 42. whilst Crutchley with 35 and Campbell with 29 were the best of the others.

Whitty and Macartney were the most successful bowlers.

Almost immediately prior to the tea adjournment Carkeek was struck on the head by a fast-rising ball from Whitty, and had to retire. Jennings took the gloves in his place, and Web- ster fielded in place of the newly-in- stalled keeper.

The weather was delightful when the match was continued to-day. but the attendance was meagre. Three sundries were added to the overnight score, and then Lord was bowled by Whitty, an.d the innings closed for 206, leaving the Australians 41 to win.

Jennings and Smith began for the Australians, and soon knocked off the runs, Jennings especially playing bril- liantly all round the wicket. Of 33 runs scored off his bat he hit two fives and five fours. Smith remained not out with 9, and the visitors won by 10 wickets.

AUSTRALIA. First Innings.

C. B. Jennings, l.b.w. b Lister-Kaye 3
D. Smith, c Campbell, b Lister-Kaye 2
C. G. Macartney, b Vidier ...... 21
W. Bardsley; l.b.w., b Crutchley .. 88
R. B. Minnett run out.0
C. Kelleway, c Crutchley, b Lister-Kaye .......... . 3
S. E. Gregory, b Naumann ...... 42
S. E. Emery, c Colman, b Crutchley 33
G. R. Hazlitt, c Naumann, b Vidier 0
W. Carkeek, c Lord, b Crutchley.. 4 ;
W. J. Whitty, not out .. .. .. 15
Sundries. 25

Total.236
Bowling.-Crutchley, three for 24; Lister-Kaye, three for 80; Vidier, two for 51; Naumann, one for 31; Lord, nil for 5.

Second Innings.

Jennings, not out. .. .. 33
Smith, not out. 9

No wickets for. 42

 

OXFORD UNIVERSITY.

First Innings.

F. H. Knott, b Kelleway. 4
W. C. Hands, b Whitty. .. 17
G. R R. Colman, b Macartney .... 4
J. L. S. Vidier, b Whitty. 0
J. P. F. Campbell, b Hazlitt. 10
R. H. Twining, b Whitty.4
Gaekwar of Baroda, c Bardsley, b Whitty. 17
G. C. V. Crutchley, b Hazlitt .... 1
Naumann, c Gregory, b Whitty .. 3
Lister-Kaye. b Hazlitt. 0
W. F. Lord, not out. 0
Sundries. 11

Total. 71
Bowling.-Macartney, one for 16; Kelleway, one for 9; Emery, nil for 1«; Whitty, four for ll; Hazlitt, four for 14.

Second Innings.

R. H. Twining, c Hazlitt, b Whitty 42
F. H. Knott, c and b Macartney.. 42
G. R. R. Colman; b Whitty. 3
H. H. the Gaekwar of Baroda, c Hazlitt, b Kelleway. 12
W. C. Hands, lbw, b Whitty .... 2
J. P. F. Campbell, b Macartney .. 29
J. H. Naumann, b Macartney .... 0
G. C. V. Crutchley, b Macartney .. 35
J. L. S. Vidier, b Macartney .... 3
K. A. Lister-Kaye, not out ... 12
W. F. Lord, b Whitty. 2
Sundries. 24

Total. 206
Bowling. - Macartney, 5 for 44 ; Whitty, 4 for 78; Kelleway, 1 for 17; Hazlitt, 0 for 28; Minnett, 0 for 15.

The Australians won by 10 wickets.

25 May 1912, Hobart Mercury

Curious piece on the attempts to promote Australian rules football in America, following the lead of Australian Rugby honchos in supplanting the American game on the West Coast. An interesting consciousness of the way the Americans tend to respond to the names of things in nationalistic (ie, anti-British) ways.

Interesting letters have been received by Mr.C. M. Hickey, secretary of the Australasian Football Council, from Master Eric Cullen-Ward and Lieut. J.J. Simons. During the visit of the American boys to these shores a few years ago Mr R. A. Munro King, of Sydney, an enthusiastic supporter of the national game, gave a prize of £A100 under the terms of a travelling scholarship, among the public schools of Sydney, young Cullen-Ward being the successful competitor. The idea was to lecture in all the schools and colleges possible in California, as well as to coach the boys. His duties were faithfully and earnestly carried out . The American game was banned from the universities in California in 1905, and the Rugby code substituted, Rugby being now the universal football game all along the Pacific Coast. So brutal had become the American game that the parents of the boys would not allow them to engage in any pastime with the word football attached thereto. And, that is how Rugby crept in, the parents being absolutely unaware that it was a game of football at all. For the same reason our game has been designated field ball. From the letters (says the "Australasian") it has been gleaned that Rugby has captured the universities and many of the high schools. And, strange as it may appear, this condition of affairs has been chiefly brought about through the energies of Australians hailing from Sydney. A great amount of diplomacy was used, the Americans calling it Australian Rugby, under the impression that it was the national game oi the Commonwealth. If it had been called British or English Rugby, the game would not have been adopted, as "soccer" collapsed after being introduced as British Association. Lieut. Simons suggests that an official invitation be sent to Captain Davy, of the Vancouver High School, either by the Australasian Football Council or by the military authorities. This organisation is known as the 101st Cadet Corps, has 800 studcnts, the boys being of a fine type. The corps is highly thought of by the citizens, and was only prevented by circumstances over which they had no control from attending the Coronation. In the event of an invitation being sent, no money guarantee is required All that would be looked for would be housing the boys. The corps would give military exhibitions in the open air, as well as play football. It is to be sincerely trusted that either the Football Council or the military authorities, or both, can see their way clear in forwarding the official invitation necessary. The visiting party would number 60 youths and officers, the youngest of whom would be 15 and the eldest 19 years of age. But both Messrs. Simons and Ward, while very enthusiastic regarding the progress made, emphatically aver that unless coaches are appointed by the Australasian Football Council to maintain the interest and to instruct the American lads, the game must ultimately die out.

24 May 1912, Hobart Mercury

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

The first round of the Dormer Cup competition will be completed to-morrow with the following matches -

Hobart v St George, at Cornelian Bay. Hobart: Jephson (capt ), Glen, Smith Mortimer, Harrison, Lighten, McMillan (2) Bradd, Mitchell, Marshall, Blair, Collier, Leverton. St. George: Jones (capt.), Garde, Parkinson, Almond (2), Pratt, Hogben, Reid, Gould, Wise, Benson, Denny, and Hood Referee, Mr. A. Shorter.

Y.M.C.A. v. South Hobart, at Lindis- farne. -Y.M.C.A. Dawkes (capt.), Lockington, Perry, Nicholson, Hudson, Gates, Walton, Lovett, Cato, Wilkins, Gudgin, Bond, South Hobart: Honeysett (capt.), Terry, Cracknell, Smith, Fletcher, Fry, Roberts. Kirby, Frier, Evans, Moon. Referee, Mr. A. C. Thurstans. Y.M.C.A. "B" team v. South Hobart "B" team, at South Hobart, to-morrow; kick off at 8 p.m. Referee, Mr. J. J. Honeysett.

23 May 1912, Hobart Mercury

SOUTH HOBART FOOTBALL CLUB

(SOCCER)

EUCHRE TOURNAMENT and DANCE,

VICTORIA-HALL TO-NIGHT (Thurs.), 

at 8 o'clock Tickets, 1/- and 1/6.

22 May 1912, Sydney Morning Herald

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

BOOM IN STATE MATCHES.

THE DURATION OF A GAME.

Players and adherents of the game generally are now looking forward to next month, when the Queensland team is due in Sydney. The programme of inter-district matches arranged for June 3 will enable the selectors to judge whether any players from the South Coast and Newcastle districts are worthy of consideration for the New South Wales team. It appears certain that the South Coast can supply a few players of the right calibre, though this season's form is at present unknown. In and around the metropolis the members of the committee are carefully watching the teams in competition. We are apparently rich in half-backs, and each match seems to bring out some new player who attracts particular attention in the half-back line. In the Balmain-Glebe (Rawson Cup) match on Saturday, Oliphant was very conspicuous by the manner in which he checked the movements of the two forwards on Balmain's left wing, whom it was his special duty, as right-half, to watch.

Forrest, at left-half, tackled ably for Sydney against Newtown, and otherwise performed creditably. The Balmain trio, Moore, Byers, and Rose, are in good form, and Hllder (Granville), Meehan (Sydney), and Milner (Newtown) are also showing out prominently, so that the selection of the half-back line is already a serious problem. The task of choosing a satisfactory New South Wales eleven will undoubtedly be a difficult one altogether.

There is undoubted evidence of a boom in interstate matches, for the Tasmanians, who are enthusiastically endeavouring to attain prominence in Association football, are sending a team in July.

The movement for the formation of an association at Lithgow also furnishes proof of the growth of the "soccer" code into general favour.

COMMENTS ON GAMES.

Balmain were unfortunate in having to replace Ross in the second half against Glebe, though, as it happened, Glebe's scores were mainly the result of dashing play on their left wing. Christie and Carroll proved a fine pair in attack. It was certainly a wise move to bring Christie up from the back line, for at least two of the goals scored by Glebe could be traced to his left foot.

Chalmers also played well, and Teasel, as outside right, was quite equal to fending off Ferguson, who tackled the Glebe forward several times, only to meet with solid rebuffs. M'Donald was steady, yet sound, at fullback, while Storey guarded the Glebe goal as only a capable keeper can.

There can be no doubt Balmain's present weakness, when the team is compared with last year's, lies in the forward line. There are only two changes in the personnel, viz., Kelly and Charlton for J. Ferguson and Pryde, and it cannot be said that the alteration, have had other than a weakening effect in the attack. The reason for omitting Pryde from the Rawson Cup team in the first match of the season, and playing him in the Association Cup team, appears inexplicable, unless it was intended to make the two teams more even, or there was a possibility of the latter team being weaker than last year. Whatever the reason, the change was made at the expense of the Rawson Cup eleven, and Balmain must now realise that Pryde's dashing propensities as centre-forward would be of great assistance in taking the ball more frequently up to the opposing backs than is possible, judging from present appearances, with the player who has displaced him. Under the rules, however, Pryde cannot now play with the Rawson Cup team.

M'Donald and Robertson are as keen and nippy as ever. The former's fine centre kicks make trouble for opposing defenders, who would be still further harassed if Balmain had retained Pryde in the Rawson Cup team.

Sydney appeared to have the match against Newtown well in hand when the unfortunate stoppage occurred. They played with only four forwards for the first half-hour Nicholls (outside left) being the absentee, and Jenkins was then requisitioned. Herron, however, did some fine work as the single left-wing forward. His first goal came from a long, well-judged kick that drove the ball so accurately and suddenly that Mitchell the Newtown keeper, had not the slightest chance of getting to it.

Grogan was in his best form, shooting from the wing in great style. He was unselfishly assisted by Gallagher who, however, failed at times to pass with precision. With a little more match practice together Sydney's right wing pair should prove attractive and successful in passing movements. Hughes and Kirkpatrick shone in stopping the Newtown forwards' rushes, several of which, with Blake and Milton in the van, looked almost certain to end in a score.

Milner and Dennis were very sound and active in defence. The former also backed up well behind the forwards, and made dashes into likely openings for a score; tactics which are quite within the province of a centre half.

H.M.S. Drake's stock has gone up a little by reason of the draw with Granville-there was a slu**** ****r the Newtown match-but the naval team was still far from repeating the performances of the renowned eleven from H.M.S. Powerful. Both Granville and H.M.S. Drake have yet to win their first match. Granville forwards are likely to break out in a series of scoring expeditions at any time; they are well looked after by a fine half-back in Hilder, and a little more combination in passing should make them more effective.

The police team have apparently adopted 10 as the limit (maximum and minimum) for the number of goals to be scored against them. They play the game well, so far as footwork is concerned, but do not hustle enough, and dashing forwards like Dawson and Killian had no difficulty in manipulating the ball with telling effect in Saturday's match. The police have a fine ground, on which it must be a treat to play.

West Sydney were hard pressed by Northern Suburbs, Vandenreiche playing a great game in the forward line for the Shoremen. The match between Balmain and West Sydney, the leading teams in the Association Cup, will be played at Epping on Saturday next. It should prove a most exciting contest. Y.M.C.A. are still close to the leaders. They have a good scoring forward in Tolmie.

 

THE PERIOD OF PLAY.

A matter of interest to players, supporters, and administrators alike is the lateness of the termination of the second match on grounds where two games are played during an afternoon. If it were not a common occurrence there would be no need to refer to it. The reason is usually traced to delay in starting the first match, which is generally set down for 2 o'clock, and two years ago the management committee decided that the second match should commence at 3.30, irrespective of the time at which the kick-off took place in the first match. That is, the period of delay in starting should be deducted from the ordinary duration (three-quarters of an hour) of the first half. If the first match did not start until, say, 2.30, the first half would last only a quarter of an hour.

This instruction has been honoured mostly in the breach, and it has been urged, even by referees, that the duration of any game must be 90 minutes, in accordance with law 2, unless the captains consent to a reduction; and it they object to short time, full time must be played. This, however, is apparently a mistaken view of the accepted reading of the law.

Law 2 reads: "The duration of the game shall be 90 minutes, unless otherwise mutually agreed upon. There are official instructions to referees laid down in connection with this law, on one of which the referees evidently rely tor their guidance. It is as follows: "Unless a referee is notified to the contrary by the two captains he must under ordinary circumstances continue the game for 90 minutes." It is well to remember the words "under ordinary circumstances," for the following instruction to referees surely settles this point:-"There is no power to set aside the rules of cup and other competitions where the time to be played is specified." This evidently infers that bodies which govern competitions may fix the duration of games to suit their own convenience. This view is supported by Mr. W. Pickford, the well-known international referee, whose explanatory comments on law 2 may be of interest. He says: "In regard to playing short time, there are varying regulations in varying competitions. Circumstances do occur in the lesser important circles that render it advisable to play a Cup or League game of an hour's duration. 'If you wish to play short time,' say the authorities, 'the referee must be notified. This may only be done by mutual agreement of both captains'-and, of course, with the permission of the Cup or League rules that the match is played under."

21 May 1912, Townsville Daily Bulletin

BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL.

RAILWAYS V. Y.M.C.A. 

These two teams met last Saturday for the first time this season. From the sound of the whistle the Railways had their opponents working hard trying to keep them away from the goal, but the Railways were out to win and the ball was in the Y.M.C.A. territory nearly all through the game. When the half time whistle sounded the Railways had scored 5 goals to the Y.M.C.A. nil. and when play ceased the Railways had 8 goals, Y.M.C.A. nil. For the winners goals were scored by Ross (3), Foley, Finlayson, Robertson, and Taylor. The Railways showed much better play than on the previous Saturday, having improved considerably.

20 May 1912, Barrier Miner

FOOTBALL AND BROKEN LEGS.

TWO CASES IN SYDNEY.

Sydney, Monday.

Whilst playing in the Newtown-Sydney match at Soccer football on Saturday, Charles Worboys collided with another player and had one of his legs broken. In the Newtown-Annnndale match, third grade, William Reid, living at Leichhardt, also sustained a broken leg.

20 May 1912, The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

LAUNCESTON Sunday. — The British Football Association opened its season yesterday, when a team from the steamer Loongana met Launceston. The latter won easily by six points to one.

19 May 1012, Sunday Times (Perth)

BRITISH ASSOCIATION    

Appended are the results of yesterday's matches:

 

First Grade.

City United (1 goal) beat Australs (nil).
Fremantle (2 goals) heat Training College (nil).
Claremont Glebe (2 goals) beat Y.M.C.A. (nil).
Subiaco (3 goals) beat Thistle (2 goals).
Perth (2 goals) beat Fremantle Rovers (nil).

 

Second Grade.

Rangers (4 goals) beat Claremont (1 goal).
Ascension (3 goals) lost to Y.M.C.A. (4 goals).
Training College No. 1 (1 goal) beat Training College No. 2 (nil).
Fremantle (2 goals) beat Swans (nil).

 

Third Grade.

Rangers ( 2 goals) drew with Claremont (2 goals).
Modern School (5 goals) beat Magpies (2 goals).

18 May 1912, Hobart Mercury

NOTES BY "HALF-BACK."

A close contest should eventuate at Cornelian Bay to-day, it being the first meeting of St. George and South Hobart in the Dormer Cup competition. Both teams secured substantial victories last Saturday, and, as a win for either team will put them at the head of affairs, onlookers should be provided with a strenuous game. Judging by the result of the practice matches, Y.M.C.A. and Hobart are well-matched combinations.

One noticeable feature of last Saturday's matches was the very small number of long shots attempted by the different teams. Why some present-day forwards have the tendency to work the ball to within a few yards of the uprights before letting drive at the goal seems to me a mystery.

Even among some of the leading clubs at Home, it is admitted that the "pattern-weaving" system of combination is overdone in front of goal. Perhaps some of my readers have witnessed the shots which emanate from the feet of such players as Whittingham (Chelsea's crack marksman), Harold Fleming, of Swindon, or Freeman (England's centre-forward), and many others too numerous to mention. These players often net the ball from a distance of 30 or 40 yards. Of course, we do not possess men of this calibre in local soccer ranks, but even then it is very seldom that local players attempt shots at this range.

It is pleasing to record that the refereeing of last Saturday's matches was of a very high standard, both at Lindisfarne and Cornelian Bay. One erroneous decision, however, was noticed during the progress of the Hobart-South Hobart match at Cornelian Bay. The Hobart goalie was penalised for running with the ball, and from the resultant free kick South scored. This goal should not have been allowed, for under law 11 of the F.A. a goal may only be scored from a free kick which is awarded because of any infringement of law 9, but not from any other free kick. As carrying of the ball by the goalkeeper does not come under the category of law 9, a goal kick should have been awarded.

Just a word about appealing. This subject comes under several headings, but the one I would like to refer to is that of players appealing to the referee for every little so-called infringement of the game. There is certainly too much of this done, and the sooner that players recognise the fact that the referee is in charge of the game, and will award penalties for intentional breaches of the laws, it will be all the better for the game. How often do we see a full-back standing appealing for a man offside, and then he has the mortification of seeing the player put the ball under the bar, and the full-back's side is one goal down. I hardly know how to drive this matter home to players, unless it is by having a big sign stuck up at the back of each goal -"Play on until the whistle goes." Players don't forget this, as it is one of the most important points of the game.

17 May 1912, Launceston Examiner

BRITISH ASSOCIATION. 

Followers of the British Association game in Launceston have at last secured a ground, and to-morrow a match will be played between a team from the Loongana and a local eleven. The ground is situated on the Elphin-road, and should be the means of stimulating interest in the game in Launceston. The team to represent the ship will be chosen from the following: Morrison, King, Kelly, Brown, Kelly, Webb, Gallagher, Hayes, Finch, Smith, and Menderson. Launceston team from Campbell, Coombes, Beard, Armytage, Rose, Read, Tishaw, Vincent (2), Robson, Higham, Harris, Fairthorne, Newton. Play will start at 3 p.m. sharp.

The result was reported three days later.

20 May 1912, The North Western Advocate and the Emu Bay Times

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

LAUNCESTON Sunday. - The British Football Association opened its season yesterday, when a team from the steamer Loongana met Launceston. The latter won easily by six points to one.

16 May 1912, Barrier Miner

 

PREFERENCE TO UNIONISTS.

 

MR. FLOWERS AND THE MUSICIANS' UNION.

ALLEGED BREACH BY THE CHIEF SECRETARY.

PROPOSED LEG AL PROCEEDINGS.    

Sydney. Thursday.

The Chief Secretary (Mr. Flowers), who is an honorary official of the New South Wales Rugby League, is alleged to have been implicated in a breach of one of the clauses of the wages board award. It is stated that a non-union brass band was engaged by the league. This is regarded by the Musicians' Union as a breach of the preference to unionists clause of the award. The matter will be brought before the Labor Council meeting tonight, when delegates from the Musicians' Union will ask members of affiliated unions not to patronise football matches unless the bandsmen engaged are unionists. It is the further intention of the Musicians' Union to take legal proceedings against' the Chief Secretary and Mr. J. Joynton Smith, M.L.C., who is also an officer of the league, in order to enforce the preference provision.

15 May 1912, Sydney Morning Herald

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

CLUB FORM.

POINTS OF THE GAME.

The competition for the Rawson Cup should on present appearances prove extremely interesting. The defeated teams, with the exception of Canterbury in the match against Glebe, have scored within two goals of the winners, and In half the victories the margin has been only one goal. Glebe and Balmain are the only unbeaten teams, while the naval eleven from H.M.S. Drake have so far failed to strike successful form.

McLean's presence In the Sydney forward line against Granville evidently had the effect of concentrating the attack successfully. If the team can maintain the even balance that marked their display on Saturday, it will not be surprising to see further victories chronicled in their favour, even against the sides which are now undefeated. Glebe have started the season In the Rawson Cup with such success that their match against Balmain on Saturday next at Epping will probably be one of the most exciting of the season. Carroll is a tower of strength among the forwards. His shooting Is executed with a certainty that is all the more conspicuous by reason of the many faulty attempts made by reputedly first-class players that are witnessed time and again. Of what avail are the accurate feeding by the halves and the combination of the forwards if the final kick be misdirected? An occasional fault in this respect is, of course, only in keeping with the general imperfection of human nature, but the percentage or shots that fall to trouble the goalkeeper is, in the majority of matches, out of all proportion. Laird is in his right place as outside left for Glebe, and opposing backs will need to be continually on the alert for forward movements on that particular wing.

The defeat of the team from H.M.S. Drake will give Newtown a stimulus that should make them formidable opponents. The forwards are full of dash, Holcombe's return to the game being a pleasing item to record. He played splendidly against the navy men. Mitchell is one of our best goalkeepers, and the evergreen Dennis always puts up a keen game at full back.

By scoring two goals to one against Granville, Sydney avenged a similar defeat inflicted by the "Magpies" at the first meeting of the clubs last year on the same ground. Granville have a good, solid eleven, and should play with better success as the effect of match practice asserts itself.

The number of matches In the various "soccer" competitions has increased to such an extent that the Referees' Association finds it difficult to supply sufficient men to officiate. The hon. secretary, Mr. J. F. Black, c/o. Sports Club, would be pleased to hear from anyone desirous of taking up the duties of referee.

The police team in the Association Cup are apparently easy marks. The severe defeats already sustained may be the means of acquainting them somewhat with the science of the game, but it would appear as though they required some special tuition.

The matches between West Sydney and Balmain are again likely to provide the most attractive displays In the Association Cup fixtures. They will be awaited with eager expectancy by the regular followers of the code. Northern Suburbs, T.M.C.A., and The Navy (Garden Island) are giving commendable displays, so that interest in both first league competitions should be maintained.

INTERSTATE.

The management committee of the New South Wales Football Association will meet at the Sports Club to-morrow night to consider details in connection with the visit of the Queensland team.

The various State associations are affiliating with the recently-formed Commonwealth Football Association, Western Australia being particularly enthusiastic. The game is rapidly developing in and around Perth, where there are 12 senior teams, and the competition is run in two divisions. At the conclusion of the season the winning team in the second division is promoted to the first division, the lowest team in which falls into the second division.

The States will probably be asked to consider the proposal emanating from Mr. H. N. Holmes, now in California, in which it is suggested that Home arrangement might be made whereby the English team, which is expected to visit San Francisco during the fair of 1915, could continue their trip to Australia and New Zealand. It Is a far cry to 1915, but in matters such as international visits a grood deal of time should be allowed for preliminary inquiries, especially as the English Football Association appears to be so lethargic on the question.

THE ONE-BACK GAME.

One of the most effective methods of defence is known as the one-back game. It is played frequently by skilful backs, one of whom works up amongst the opposing forwards, leaving only two of his own side, viz., the other back and goal-keeper, behind him. The object is, of course, to render the attacking forwards more liable to off-side, for it is not possible for any of them to receive a forward pass. They must remain behind the ball If they wish to keep on-side, because there will be only two of their opponents between them and the goal-line, and the law states that there must be three. A clever forward line, by working the passes accurately and keeping on-side, should, however, soon bring both backs into their orthodox positions for defending purposes, although the move is made so suddenly at times that eager forwards are often pulled up for off-side.

The one-back game can also be worked in the case of a free kick, and it has been pointed out that many free kicks are thus rendered useless. The offending side can, if it so desires, reduce its punishment in this manner by forcing its opponents to keep behind the ball, should the kicker wish to pass to a comrade, for, if in front of the ball when it is kicked, such comrade must refrain from kicking it until it has been played by one of the defending side.

A suggestion has been made in England to overcome this method of foiling the free kick by altering law 10 with a view to making it permissible for the recipient of a pass from a free kick to play the ball irrespective of the position of his opponents. That is to say, there should be no off-side direct from a free kick, just as there is none at present from a corner kick.

NEW OFFICIAL DECISIONS.

Some of the later decisions in connection with the interpretation of the laws of the game may not he generally known. Two that should be interesting to referees and players are, therefore, given. In reference to the off-side rule; It has been noticed that some referees award a free kick when a player is simply in an off-side position. The official decision is that "this must not be done." It has been a long-standing instruction, however, that a player standing off-side must not interfere with the game or an opponent in the slightest way; and that obstructing an opponent's sight of the ball is regarded as an interference.

It is quite a common occurrence for opponents to approach within six yards of the ball in the case of a free-kick, thereby contravening law 10. It has now been laid down that players neglecting this instruction are liable to be ordered off the field. Presumably it is considered that the offence comes under the heading of "ungentlemanly behaviour" referred to in law 13.

A FINE POINT.

It is a time-honoured saying that "the looker-on sees most of the game," but there are occasions when a smart referee can place himself in a better position to give a decision than nine-tenths of the spectators. One of these is the case of a goal-keeper handling or touching the ball in close proximity to the goal-line, and the question arises whether, in clearing from between the posts, he draws his hand (with the ball in it) back over the goal line. If he does, it counts, of course, as a goal to the opposing side, but only a person standing on the goal-line or in continuation of it could judge. In another case, the decision by the referee in a match played this season was loudly hooted by the majority of the onlookers. A shot at goal sent the ball a little too wide; and as it was sailing over the line, the goal-keeper, who is rather a tall player, jumped and touched it in its flight. A corner-kick should apparently have been awarded the attacking side. The referee, who happened to be standing on the goal-line, observed, however, that the ball had just crossed the line before the goalkeeper touched it and consequently ordered a goal-kick. This was something the spectators did not see, and thus the referee was unjustly blamed.

14 May 1912, Morning Bulletin (Rockhampton)

LAKE'S CREEK BRITISH ASSOCIATION FOOTBALL CLUB.

A MEETING will be held in the Class Room TO-NIGHT; at a-quarter to Eight. Business important. All old and intending Members are cordially invited. 

G. Bennett
Hon. Sec. pro.tem.

13 may 1912, Barrier Miner

FOOTBALL.

In the Old Country the professional footballer is recognising the importance of being a trades unionist. The membership of the Players' Union now numbers 1050. This includes the representatives of the Scottish clubs. The Union publishes a magazine of its own.

There are no less than 16 teams competing in British Association football around about Adelaide. That is not counting outside clubs either, but solely those affiliated with the Association first grade lot. Of course, with this number of teams competing, clubs can only play each other twice in a reason. The brand of football this association plays is "Soccer," claimed to be the only genuine type of football in vogue, for in it players are not allowed to handle the ball.

The arrival of so many immigrants has got the English styles of football going great guns in cities where the Australian game was practically the only one played. Still followers of the locally made rules are, not disturbed at the mild boom amongst the other fellows, pointing out that there is room for all. Still it must be a bit disquieting to them, to learn that the admirers of soccer were endeavoring to get their game introduced into the public schools, on the ground that there is less risk of accident in it than in any other style of football. If this attempt meets with the approval of the Education Department, I am prepared to see the South Australian League raise a noise loud enough to be heard all over the Wheat State, and we may expect to see the South Australian Parliament prevailed upon to protect the home industry. It is at the schools that the footballers learn the rudiments of the Australian game. Therefore be prepared to hear the cry of "Australia for the Australians" shouted aloud from the housetops if an attempt is made to make soccer the national brand of football.

12 May 1912, Sunday Times (Perth)

We read that in a Rugby football game played in Sydney, yesterday week two of the players had their legs broken, one sustained a fractured ankle and another concussion of the brain. And the police authorities in Sydney approve of this gentle pastime - and bar in-fighting and the kidney punch!

11 May 1912, The West Australian

Australian rules is conscious of the extent to which soccer has gained a strong foothold in the Technical schools in Perth. This is a common theme across states and across history, though it is particularly applicable to Perth at this stage.

The League [Australian Rules] are to be congratulated on the determined effort they are making to place schools football on a firm basis. In past years the boys have felt the want of a capable coach. but henceforth this will be a thing of the past. The League have secured an efficient man in Mr. W. Orr to act as coach, organiser, umpire, and secretary to the Young Australia League, and he will be required to confer with the League delegates from time to time as to the progress of his work. There are 20 schools playing the Australian game in the metropolitan area, and as it will be impossible for Mr. Orr to keep in touch with all schools, it has been decided to circularise League clubs asking for the assistance of their players in the matter of coaching and umpiring. The W.A. Football Association have also signified their intention of helping in this direction. A great drawback to the success of the game in the schools is that nearly all teachers are "soccer" advocates. The Training College at Claremont, from which the Education Department derive their teachers, has adopted the British Association code, and the result is that when the pupils of that college are drafted to the various schools--they do not display much enthusiasm for our national game, and there is therefore a tendency for the game to languish among the boys. The necessity for a coach and organiser is apparent, and League delegates deserve every credit for the manner in which they are dealing with the matter.

The following from the Western Mail on the same day gives a sense in which soccer is expanding. It should be noted that while the footy authorities are in battle mode, Australian rules is still played in more schools in the Perth region than is soccer. However, this battle has never been about finding your space and allowing the other game to make its way; it has tended to be about market domination.

The Junior Association is in a healthy condition. Its numbers have also been augmented since last year. The first grade contains eight teams, namely. Claremont, Fremantle, Training College No. 1 and No. 2,   Swans, Rangers, Y.M.C.A., and Ascension. The new teams are Swans, Training College No. 2, and the Ascension. The latter is from the Church of that name in Midland Junction. There are seven teams in the second   grade, viz., Fremantle, Modem School, Magpies, St. Andrews; Rangers, Claremont, and High School. The Magpies are the latest acquisition to this division. 

The Schools Association give promise of a prosperous season. For some time past the game has been confined to Fremantle, Claremont, and James-street schools, but I am informed that other schools have signified their intention of adopting the "soccer" code. From this, and the fact that the above association have 27 teams under their control, it will be seen that the future prospects of the game are exceedingly bright and that it is gaining favour with the public.

10 May 1912, The West Australian

FOOTBALL. 

BRITISH ASSOCIATION GAME. 

The fortnightly meeting of the British Football Association was held at the Amateur Sports Club on Wednesday night, the vice-chairman (Mr. T. Nesbit) presiding over a large attendance. 

Included amongst the correspondence was a letter from Mr. J. Moss, hon. secretary of the Western Australian Rowing Association, calling attention to the interstate rowing carnival on May 11 and requesting that the date be left open. It was decided to comply with the request and postpone all fixtures. It was also decided that a district test match, Fremantle v. Perth, be played on June 3 on the Claremont Show ground. Messrs. Nesbit, Smith, and Brennand were appointed as a selection committee. 

 The Junior Association should note that all second and third division matches are suspended tomorrow.

9 May 1912, Sydney Morning Herald

An advertisement for this week's Sydney Mail which includes the following feature (must track down).

IN THE WORLD OF SPORT.-An article (with portraits of prominent players) on the pronpects of Association Football, or "Soccer." "The prospects of increased support for the dribbling game," says the writer, "were never brighter." Saturday's football matches are brightly described.

8 May 1912, The Hobart Mercury

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

The first meeting of this season's executive committee of the T.B.F.A. was held on Monday evening, there being a good attendance of delegates. Mr. C. Falkinder was unanimously elected chairman for the year. The chairman welcomed the delegates of the newly-formed Y.M.C.A. Club (Messrs. T. Lovett. Davies, and E. Bond). The following subcommittees were appointed: - Roster and permit committee, Messrs. T. Lovett, W. Jones, A. Jephson and J. H. Honeysett; grounds committee, Messrs. E. Bond, E. Mortimer, H. Gould, and J. H. Honeysett; selection committee for North v. South matches, the captains of the four senior clubs.

It was resolved to inaugurate the North v. South matches at Launceston on June 15, subject to the approval of the Northern Association, and a return match in Hobart in July, the exact date to be decided later. It was resolved to accept the invitation of the New South Wales Football Association with reference to a tour in New South Wales at the beginning of August, under the terms provided by the New South Wales Association. It was resolved that applications be invited to clubs desirous of joining a "B" grade competition. The roster committee afterwards met and drew the first round of Cup matches as follows:

May 11. Y.M.C.A. v. St. George, at Lindisfarne. South Hobart v. Hobart, at Cornelian Bay.

May l8. South Hobart v. St. George, at Cornelian Bay. Y.M.C.A. v. Hobart, at Lindisfarne.

May 25. St. George v. Hobart, at Cornelian Bay. Y.M.C.A. v. South Hobart, at Lindisfarne.

7 May 1912, Sydney Morning Herald

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

The weekly meeting of the management committee of the New South Wales Football Association was held at the Sports Club last night. It was decided that, despite counter attractions, the original programme in connection with the visit of the Queensland team would be adhered to. Matches will be played by the visitors on June 22, June 24 (against New South Wales), and June 29. The committee will meet on Thursday, May 10, to arrange all details regarding the trip. The return visit by a New South Wales team will be made about the beginning of August.

Inter-district matches will probably be played on June 3, and the Granville and District Association will be considered when the fixtures are being arranged. Hitherto these matches have been restricted to teams representing the metropolitan, northern, and south coast associations.

The following entries have been received for the Gardiner Cup competition -Auburn, Balmain A, Balmain B, Balmain C, Burns Anniversary, Canterbury, Cessnock, Glebe, Granville, Northern Suburbs, Portland, South Sydney Methodist, Sydney A, Sydney B, The Navy (H M S Drake), The Navy (Garden Island), West Wallsend, Y M C A

Mr W Lincoln, president of the Referees' Association, has arranged to deliver afternoon lectures on the laws of the game at the Public schools where "soccer'' is being played.

6 May 1912, The Argus

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

Birmingham Victoria beat Sunshine by 3 goals to nil. Scorers-Allen, Robertson and Hyde.
After a hard game, Melbourne Thistle beat Footscray by 1 goal to nil.

5 May 1912, Sunday Times (Perth)

BRITISH ASSOCIATION

Appended are the results of yesterday's matches:

 

SENIOR GRADE

City United 4 goals defeated Training College nil.

Australs 4 goals defeated Rangers 1 goal.

Fremantle 2 goals lost to Claremont 3 goals.

Perth 4 goals defeated Y.M.C.A 1 goal.

Claremont Glebe 6 goals beat Thistle nil.

Fremantle Rovers 3 goals beat Subiaco 2 goals.

 

DIVISION II.   

Swans 2 goals defeated Training College No. 2 nil.

Rangers 3 goals defeated Ascension nil.

Fremantle 5 goals defeated Y.M.C.A. 2 goals.

Claremont 2 goals defeated Training College nil.

 

DIVISION III.

Rangers 2 goals beat SC Andrews nil.

Fremantle 1 goal beat Magpies nil.

Claremont 4 goals beat Modern School 1 goal.

4 May 1912, Sydney Morning Herald

While appearing to be a report on the state of football in Sydney, this longish article really is a passionate defence of Rugby Union and an attack on Rugby League. The writer is deeply concerned about newly arrived professionalism and its 'distortion' of the fortunes of the different codes. He sees participation as being a much better indicator than attendance when it comes to judging the health of a game and the culture it nourishes. Soccer comes off well in the report because it too has retained its amateur status. The author seems to be of the opinion that had soccer gone the 'professional' route then it might have been the top dog in Sydney. Australian rules, "the Australian variant of the Rugby game" is passed over with a brief mention but is acknowledged as making headway towards becoming a "national sport".

 

THE FOOTBALL SEASON. 

With the month of May upon us, the fancy of our young men lightly turns to thoughts of football. The fancy of a good many older, men, too, for that matter. For it is one of the glories of the great winter game that it retains the interest and the affection of all who have over been actively in touch, with its thrill of contest. Of football, as of most games, it is true that as the years go by its patrons whose memories are long find themselves less and less companionable spectators of it. They are more and more for the players that have been. Their present ringside mood is apt to be coloured by their remembrance of the past. There were football giants in the earth in their day, and they loom ever larger through their halos. But, though that be so, the game has vitality enough to hold them loyal to itself, however it may be as to its exponents. As for the younger generation of football patrons, they increase and multiply with every winter, and their enthusiasm grows with them.

Football interest nowadays offers a far more divided appeal than was once the case. With four codes in operation, indeed, it is probable that the game has a more varied allegiance in this State than anywhere. The inevitable result of divided patronage, however, is to diminish the following avail- able to each, and some forms of the game suffer in consequence. They suffer, that is, In respect of the numerical strength of that passive support which takes shape in Saturday attendances. But a game is still justifying itself, even though it be played to empty benches, if it commands a vigorous following of actual participants. The great weakness of modern sport, indeed, Is In its tendency to throw the bulk of its patronage into inaction. Thus it is a matter of spectacle rather than of exercise, while the sportsmanship of healthy contest becomes a pale reflection of itself in the crowd of onlookers, who, shout they never so wildly, are none the less out of the game.

So, as to "Soccer," though it attracts no great crowds here, and is still far from the dignity of international fixtures, it is not to be forgotten that it is played enthusiastically by those who believe it to be the only football. It comes to us, moreover, with a great history thick upon it, and with unquestioned reputation as the most popular football code in existence.

So, too, the Australian variant of the Rugby game deserves its place, in that it also has many players, and, further, is by way of being an attempt towards a national sport.

The Rugby League game, which in recent years has revolutionised our football outlook, is in no need of help towards popularity. Examination of the phenomenon of its so sudden appearance, and its so complete triumph, however, suggests that other things than the worth of the game itself came vitally into the matter. For one thing, it offered the attractions of professionalism to a number of players who desired professionalism. It secured to them not only immediate cash payment tor their skill, but also the pleasant prospect of trips to England, where the, little coterie of league clubs in Lancashire and Yorkshire would be glad to welcome them for the sake of their bearing upon their own "gates," and their own professional prosperity. In that way were lifted bodily from the old Rugby game its foremost exponents, upon whom it depended for its international contests and its record crowds. The League game has Its virtues, no doubt, but its great popularity just now is due less to them than to the calibre and the reputation of the men engaged in it, and the careful organisation which has secured to it the attraction of big matches. If a similar movement had been initiated in favour of the "Soccer" code, for example, and all these leading and popular players had gone over to professional "Soccer," and International "Soccer" games had been set up, then undoubtedly "Soccer" would have triumphed just as the League game has triumphed, and "Soccer" would now be drawing the great football public.

Perhaps the time had come for professional football here, as it came in England. And though there need be no complaint against professionalism as such, it is well to remember that the history, past and present, of professional football is not reassuring to those who love sport as sport. For that reason it is to be hoped that the old Rugby game will always have its public. In England, though it does not command the mammoth crowds available to professional "Soccer," it has a great following. There, of course, and despite the fictitious importance attached on this side to the recent tour of the League players, the Northern Union game is non-existent outside its own corner. Rugby, on the contrary, is played by thousands of clubs in England, Scotland, Ireland, and Wales, and its spectators number hundreds of thousands. The county competitions, the Public school competitions, the Oxford and Cambridge contests, and the great international games between the four countries, establish Rugby safely enough, the season just ended, in fact, having revealed it as enjoying a splendid revival. For various reasons it has its own brand of public, and one of those reasons is that the Rugby game stands for amateurism as against professionalism.

That will become its function here. It will suffer for some time under the disintegration of the League movement, and it will suffer most because it has to produce afresh the brilliant representative side it has lost. But the Rugby game being what it is, there can be no doubt of its place among us. It will evolve its players and its public. Its ultimate object - being the game, and not the gate, it will develop well enough on the careful lines now imperative, upon its governing authority.

That section of the public which values the sport for which Rugby is to stand will have been especially glad ' to hear of the invitation from the California Union. That should give the amateur code a very valuable fillip of interest. It should make its season attractive to the public, and inspiring to the players. The League game will once again be strong in interest, and no doubt the other codes will develop their customary following. It is satisfactory to know that the schools are already active in preparation for the coming season. A very valuable work is in progress in that connection among the older boys, and a great deal of whole-hearted football enthusiasm is at its service. The football field could hardly be bettered as a training ground for healthful hardiness of mettle. The game is a strenuous one, and it demands a high order of physical fitness. The boy who qualifies for his school side gives earnest, therefore, of condition and stamina, and thousands of boys will presently be engaged in profitable effort after those good qualities.

The coming football season promises well, thus, in all respects. It certainly has the advantage here of wonderful weather surroundings. Those who know the days of misty cold, in which football has to thrive as best it may in England, when the field is soft with rain or hard under frost, and the spectators shiver In the bleakness of the winter air, will best appreciate the clear and, sunny crispness of our football days. But the game's the thing, here as there, and under such conditions as ours there is no wonder that we make it a big thing.

3 May 1912, Hobart Mercury

BRITISH ASSOCIATION.

Owing to the delay caused by the re-drafting of the competition rules theBritish Association League roster will not commence to-morrow, as previously intimated, but on Saturday, May 11. Two practice games have been arranged for to-morrow. As the association's, new ground at Lindisfarne is not available to-morrow, the St. George v. Hobart match will take place at South Hobart.The cement, wicket will be covered with a couple of loads of tan. The following are the teams for to-morrow's matches; -

South Hobart v. Y.M.C.A., at Cornelian Bay; kick-off at 3 p.m. Players travel by the 2.25 p.m. train from town. South Hobart: J. H. Honeysett (capt.),W. Swinton. J. Mirrlees, A. Fry, H.Smith, A. Crawson, A. Cracknell, J;Fletcher, F. Roberts, L. Fry. and A.Ringrose. Y.M C.A.: Perry, Nicholson, Hubbard, Wilkins. Gudgeon, Dawkes, Higgins, Wilson, Hudson, Bond, Gates, Cato, Kitto, and Lockington.

Hobart v. St. George, at South Hobart ; kick-off at 3.15 .p.m. St. George: W. Jones (capt.), Pratt, Almond. Benson, Hogben, Reid, Gould, Garde, Parkinson,Wise, and Schultz. Hobart: A. Jephson (capt.), J. McMillan, Mortimer, Collier, Glen Mitchell. Brad, Leverton, Lewis, J. P. Smith, Lighten, and J. Long.

2 May 1912, Sydney Morning Herald

CRICKET.

FIRST GRADE FINAL.

Arrangements have been made to play the first grade final match, between University and Redfern, at the Sydney Cricket Ground, No. 1. Play will commence at 2 p.m. The British Association footballers, who had engaged the ground for Saturday, will play their match on the No. 2 area, which has been given up by the Lacrosse' Association. The match is creating great interest. Messrs. W. Curran and J. Laing have been appointed umpires.

1 May 1912, Adelaide Advertiser

BRITISH ASSOCIATION  

On Saturday the "Soccer" season begins. The Jubilee Oval has been secured for a number of dates and the premiership and Cambridge Cup will be contested there during the season. In view of the expected visit of an English team the game is making rapid strides throughout the Commonwealth, and in South Australia there are eighteen teams preparing for the fray. Of these eight are of A grade and good football is anticipated. Hindmarsh and Tandanya open on Saturday with carefully chosen teams and an interesting game is expected. Rules of the game, with other  particulars will be distributed to patrons, so that the uninitiated will soon comprehend the various points of interest in the play. On the holiday (Monday) what is known as a six-a-side tournament commences at 11 o clock and will be continued through the day. Sixteen separate sixes will compete in matches of 20 minutes, 10  minutes each way. This provides opportunity for individual powers and display, and the games are sure to be fast and exciting. Each week our advertising column will contain names of contesting teams at  the oval and further particulars are provided in the sports Edition of "The Express" on Thursdays.