· Page 16
THE CHINA MAIL BATURDAY, JUNE 1, 1987.
'NEVER MEASURE WITH A PIECE OF ELASTIC IS THE ANSWER TO THIS QUESTION Why, Oh Why
I. M. MacTavish On The
acTavish Quality Of
Our Best Footballers
Just where does the Hongkong footballer fit into the world wide soccer scale? How does he compare with the professional footballers in the United Kingdom?
These questions were raised by a reader of the China Mail in a letter to the paper the other day. They are by no means new questions, but that does not detract from their worth nor, from my point of view, does it make the answering of them one little bit easier.
I lost count long ago of the closing
WITE. words times I bave discussed the whole "... never try to
playing against the best in the
ONLY BRITISH SIDE
complex question of the merits a plece of viastic!!!.......with United Kingdom.
t
hap-
of the Chinese foolballer with Much the same sost of The only British side to play those who have a wide know- atuation is invoked if one tries here in the immediate past was, ledge of international soccer to mcnauro Hongkong foot of course, Pegasus-twice. 'FA affairs. When I do raise it I am ballers against their counter-Amateur Cup Holders and one always reminded, in most parts in the United Kingdom hesllates to recall what vivid way, of a broadcast I heard but, in response to our render's pened to them, a few years ago......a broadcast request, I shall try to analyso In that bad nothing to do with the relative BCRITS of the football but which gayé a most caso and from these comments interesting reminder of the dan- you can base your own com- goals to one against All-Hong+ for
comparison and form your own Parsons in sport.
opinion.
of hypothetical
The broadcast concerned а make-believe booding match be Joe Louis and Jack tween
Both men Dempsey.
were the undisputed
masters of the pugilistic world during their particular cras and followers of the noble art never tired of speculating as to who was the better man.
BEST FEATURES
The really fascinating feature of this part of the cenancntary was the subtle way the round by round report emphasised the best features of Dempsey's ablity, | To the listener it seemed Im possible that there could be any possible doubt as to who was the
Let us first examine some of
facts of the case.
the
digh
I make no attempt to produce there examples in chronologiesl order; rather stall I present them as they come to mind
ONE GOOD LINE
|
bare story that the Englishinen
the
formances with Lesilo
and
The
SPORTING SAM
By Reg. Wootton
Two
WORLD OF SPORT
Footballers May Soon Be Together Another Battle
In
By DEREK
JOHN
Two professional footballers who have just finished one of their toughest and
This time It will be on Enddest seasons may soon be together in another battle. the cricket field.
+
Skipper and left-half Derek Ufton and inside-forward Stuart Leary of relegated Charlton Athletic are both Kent cricketers, And Kent, with former Test wicketkeeper and England selector Leslie Ames us manager and Colla Cowdrey as captain, are making a bold bid to get back among the top counties.
boxing language they never knew what hit them............... and in the side that lost by four
kong there were eight English Internationalists. Please
don't anyone give me again the thread- were only here for a
holiday. I siderallon the highly organised.
By every commonere con- were
KNOW what look place behind Crash- highly commercialised British the scene after that first professional competitions should, ing defeat....but I ale imow of course, produce the better that two more just as décisive players generally, at least... followed In quick succession and certainly if they were called before
disillusioned upon to play regularly under utterly shaken tourists got back similar climatic conditions the on a plane for hame. Hongkong footballers would The arst half of the broadcast probably not cut much of a
I spoke at length on their per-
Comp was diven over to a mock com-
ton and Dr Thompson who were South African born Leary has [tish featherweight, is receiving end of the season, Compton says incutary which-against a back-
I also started the season in the first regular injections for an injured he may still play in the odd Let us, however, look at this in charge of the team: ground of crowd
and Ivars
In
game "Naturally, that different way. Let us have talked for a long time with four and started well. Frood elbow,
would shouts seemed to prove
internationalists. a look at Hongkong's more of the
and from Royal Air Force duties conclusively
"It has been troubling me for be for Middlesex," says Denis. that Louis could recchi
achievements
of then against everyone
confessed he was demobber during the a year," says Neill, not withstand the
"I treat- tremendous
And he admits that the foreign sides who have also their astonishment ut the winter-cary is able to con- ment doesn't work out, I shall county could hardly be expected punching power of Dempsey and tackled British opposition.
centrate wholly on Kent now, have to think about packing up."to pay him for one or two ap of what they had en- quality was clearly and soundly beaten.
countered in Hongkong.
And his county are mighty glad
Pity, for Nelli was rightly pearances, so Instead of Comp I believe that due to a regular In lack of suitable opposition to Kent's frat match of the season featherweights Britain has ever cards, it might well be D.C.S. the rout of Middlesex regarded as one of the brightest ton (D.C.S.) on the Lord's score-
extend them the Chinese foot--Leary knocked up 60 in produced.
Compton in future. bollers have slipped a bit nerst innings. And although cently, but I am convinced that Kent lost Lancashire, Leary
Compton, I know, would like team's third highest
for his One good line, can be drawn very few British League sides was the
Eleven men who are under 10 play ocensionally through the Israel national side could come out here with « scorer in both innings.
the threat of a death sentence Village team, Chalfont St Peter. which played in the Colony at Justified feeling of absolute faith
one of the most make up the beginning of this season, I
in their ability to win
Ufton, the man they said in formidable teams in Australian
But how many games he plays doubt if any other visiting side possibility of such a thing hap-1953 would never play football soccer. They are Hungurlans,
in future seasons may depend Un tie Cominuhist black-list for Compton says: "I really am not almost entirely on his doctor. AA has arrived with quite the same pening of core is most unlikely or cricket again' boeruse of a
disloented shoulder which hit their part in the October siningst to play at all. The doctors. as the playing seasons here and to be wired up, is normally re amount of ballyhoo, They hud The second half of the broadcome direct from
playing the in the UK virtually coincide. cast and very different talo to
garded as Godfrey Evans' deputy might, of Russia
Nevertheless as far as per- and
The players, six of whom are are afraid that if I go on this behind the stumps. ell.
losing only by two goals to nl,
missible conjecture is concerned
Internationals, have settled Inummer the knee would give This time the commentator
that with the right; They had beaten. Dundee, the believe
But he is also a
Victoria State. Their team has out eatingly in my old age more than entered every competition open assuming I have one." concentrated eleverly on
Opposition Louts' Scoltish First Division side, when preparatory
Hong-useful left-handed batsman. In
to them. Untit they his first match of the season, for Victorian League status they are brilliant boxing and crafty ring the latter visited their country hong's footballers could give a
A BIG PROBLEM account cf best in the previous closed season generalship.
themselves Kent Dempsey's
second string against
the playing in
Metropolitan blows were no longer finding the... and they also had a very against top class British club Middlesex
II. Ufton scored League where so far they have have a big problem on their Talking of cricket, the MCC target....Louis was too clever impressive record against many opposition. provided the games in the first innings.
won their first five games with hands for the old Mauler and by the of the best European sides, were played here in typical
the question of time
Hongkong
a goal average of 41 for and whether playing second commentary Their poor performance against hard dry
That sort of form annot be
or not wives should was finished there was apparent Hongkong side that boasted souson conditions.
ignored. And I'm sure it won't against
stocompany players on oversens a, minimum
of its best
tours: ly no doubt at all that Louis only
be long before both Leary and THE HOME PLAYER players, because many of them
Ufton are playing side by side was the superior pugilist,
were in Taiwan representing
That is only one side of the in the Kent fast eleven. Nationalis China, is all too eastly
The other one con- recalled. They were outplayed. question
Will they be successful in in a Cup competition. cerns the possibility of a Hong- their fight for Kent, where they kong side having to meet a failed for Charlton? That ne British League team in Britain mains to be seen. But it's
the under
Lypical
climate fighting spirit Kent want, Leary playing It made us think seriously plagued
conditions and Uften know all about that. about international standards. which the Home
meets player after week *and season Many of you will also recall week
SHORT EXCURSION the visit of Grasshopper from afler'season. Switzerlant. This was, and
Gordon Pirie, back in England still is, one of the greatest club not cileve that our representa-fer a short excursion to Now sides in the world. When they tives would stand any real Zealand, will have his first race played here they had eight full chance and in saying that London since his return, on Internationalists in their inc- cannot help but recall South Surrey three-mile title at Mot
China's sorry plight when they spur Park. ran into bitterly cold weather during the tour of Australia and New Zealand a year or so ago.
beller man.
the
soccer
and very nearly outclassed for long periods in the game by the local boys,
It was a most interesting sporting lesson because both commertaries were technically outrun sound but the narrator's closing comment is one that many folke should try to remember when they
tempted to Aro
maico hypothetical comparisons. His
The King of Whiskies
Bole Agents: DODWELL & CO., LTD.
» Rayer's se TONIC
up. Two weeks previously with only one team change they had beaten Arsenal by five goala to four at Highbury ... yet they Just managed to scrape through
against All-Hongkong by solitary goal.
In such circumstances I do
June 1. Pirie is to defendi' his
attain
The club is named Melbourne, and on May 28 they play as "Hungary" against "Scotland".
Over
They could follow the Aus tralien line and ban all wives. Or they could fix a mlt on the time they spent on the tour.
Did The Ball Fall My Side'
#
By BRUCE HARRIS
Lenglen? Wills Moody? Marble? Brough? Connolly? As Wimbledon approaches the eternal discussion will be renewed as to the identity of the greatest woman champion.“
A great London woman player of "the" prat," Mre Lambert Chambers. borselt champico seven
times believes tha Suzanne Lenglen stands alone
as supreme an opinion forth- od by playing against her and watching the others' retirement.
NEW ENTERPRISE
Mrs Lambert Chamber contri-
Week-End Lawn Bowls Teams
The followlog players have been" selected to represent their respective clubs in lawn bowls
bules this verdict to on enter-lengte games over the rock-end:
prise new to the Lawn Tennis Association The LTA Book of the Garió", "sponsored by the ruling body.
KBGC
1st Division (Away) y Recreio>--
S. Blcheno, Franck, I. Colgrove,
Sha describes, as a combatant, | Gemon," "E. “Furyi, A., Batman
A. Hervey (5km); Gi - Jefferies 2.
one of the
14_GREENS A: Steven,- Eu greatest hatches kb);
Liadeli, c. nʊunresell (Ski), of all time the final at Wim-
PRO bledon of 1010, watched by lat Divhdon TC "Gold" (Home) v King George y and Queen CCC on Sunday6."Q. Bu, CEO. Moty, in which Lehglen, then Lee, Jalsam. A. Minu [Skip); A. M. Kadr, M. B. Jono, Only 20, beat her 10-8, 40, 5. M. Rumjan, M. X. Mai (skipt $-7, atter the Englishwoman 8. A tahmen, 7. Rhenell, B. had lost two match points at Kitchell, A, II. Abbes (BW. Moliamased; B. An M. But,
3rd Division Llomej v 6–5.
1. Kilche
Samy, K. Here is the loser's description of Hamon . M. Wahab, M. A. Rab- men (Skin): Y. Allndm, 8. A. Kim, those points:
1. A, Wiðið, A. M, Walsh (skip).
Tacrelo
SUCCESS RECIPE
1st Division (Họme) v Kowloon Bowling Grem Grubing, P. Perem (1) I lobbed her, but not quite Jr., C. Roza-Pereira, Pastor deeperbugh; She put her 1, F. V. Ribeiro (5j05); F. R. Minde rocket up and dave ball Silva, E. M.Abroo
Noronha, R. Y. đá Zuz (Skip); J. A touched the tip of the wood da Luz, L. Kavler, C. C. Pereira, and hit the top of the net, A. A. Lopes (Skip). falling on my "alde.
not
eco
La Division (Awnợ? v ic "gold", on Sunday:
E. G. Barros, A. E, Coates (Slap); MQ. Wang, G. A Sour, BL Leonard, o nong cho (HCĐ) 0. X. Bung, W. C. Ogley, C. C. Kə c. R. Roerelet (8ku).
(2) I played a short dipping forehand; the ball hit the top of the bet and fell on my side; why, oh why, could it have dropped the other side? As for the first point Lenglen 2nd Division (Away) "v FC "Red";-- afterwards told her opponens A. 7. Farelo. 3. It. Salta, 7. Pau, that she never even saw the Mad (Skip); L. Boume.
1. K. Favri, R. O. Baker, troll.
Wod (8k). . . Santos; "A" K. Temail, TURA. Leonard, W. Leonard (Skip).
3rd Division (postponed).
KCC
ค
Fred Perry gives his recipe for success, which is to stay in there" and Aght"; Dan Maskell discusses the make-up of a Champion; Mr S. B. Reay, Sunday We Baker. Tong, A
lat Division (Home) v Taikoo on seertiary of the LTA, supplies Awa, w. Hong Sling (Sl) D. ancient history and the pre- Symons, M. J. Divecha, 3. Bullald, sent Aruth tint today there. Kermini (škip))) 5. T Dow are more than 4,000 amlisted. Hequetre, J. Chubb,
Baker (p). clubs and schools.
2nd Division (Away) v PRC:-5 One of the quaintest disclosures Shiraree, La Bones H pentz, 3.2. Wong (dp); E. C. cher. made by Wimbledon's head. P. IL White, G. Lor, R. 8. Capell groundistan,
Edwin 18ktp); W. Q. Dosley, 3. 7. da Silva, Fuller. How is it that the big. Madar, T. Lock 15ktp).- ---
3rd Division (Home) v PRÈ rollers
left on the Centro Sunday C. Kew D. Thomson. от Court?"They were there R. Bomes. A. D. White (GHOUTAR bifone the stands were com- Wood, W. Tummer, W. 8. Edwards, Dleted and the builders for G. Ladd (Skip); C. Evans Of Hebp The prospect of ■ European
"Lacier 16 Division CAWỜI V soccer competition
gut to leave an opening or exit ney, B. Senh; J. A While (skit. with mix-likely.
for them, so now they are KDC-Min C. Moors, My B. Zow, week or floodlit matches ia
Mis M. Phoenix, Mrs G. Begueira there for evermore." For several years, ever since causing concern among leading Ada Hobbs joined her husband,
(SKID),
HKFC referees. With most of them the great Jack, on an overseas
• Max Parrishs, 128, Gd, (Pub». refereeing is a spare-time job,
lished May 201. and it would be difficult for four in fact, wives have re
their husbands them to get away once a week gularly joined
overseas, During the last tour for matches on the Continent.
of West Indies for instance, Len forces should also become dop tuy
One suggestion is that re- Huttori, Trevor Batley and God- Evins were, joined. bý, class conches, with cubs, schools their wives. or county associatiosis to all the time between refereeing op pointments,
EUROPEAN SOCCER
I think the latter is the moto
These three also went to Aus- fralla the winter before last and during the recent tour of South Africa, Mrs Laker "with twb
Looks das though yet another
will retire
from May I summarise these purely boxing hope personal opinions as follows, the gaine. Bobby Neill, bowler-
The Hongkong player care, In hatted and sophisticated Scot-support. But referees tear the young children, Mrs Cowdrey,
Koge Boldklub come to the my humble estimation, tackle Colony as the reigning cham- the best club sides in the world, They had provided they meet them in plans of Denmark.
similar
Sports Diary
an impoeing record against the typical conditions usually very best international opposi-countered in this Colony. tion...but
opposition after a three-game Against series they left Hongkong with playing in the wicked winter their talls between their legs climate in which many of them und without a victory.
normally stage their football Our Colony soccer players would AIK, the brilliant Swedish find the conditions away beyond a side, fared ttle better and it is them and they would be quite
TODAY
Rang
13th Race Meeting at Happy Val
Bowl
easy and pleasant to remember unable to match up to the KCC TC, RDC V IIC "EU"
1st Division: Recreio V Kunc,
(London Express Seroles),
(COPYRIGHT)
SPORTS QUIZ
2nd Divison (Home) v FC "Blue" →→H, Black, "IL T. Okicide, K. SIT- men K. Forrow (5kpr;; TJVC, Reynolde, W. S..Toylor, E. Gauler. K. A Baker (Skip B.-A. Jodes. W. A. -F. Thom, C. Drer. D. J. Bickford (5kip).
3rd Division (Away) v IRC:- Edgciler, G. C. Impel W. 3. Wood- stock, C. Bardhy (Skip): A. Mackie, Revalta, H. H. Hogate, M. N. Flakusen (Skipj: G. Edwards. J. Ribe, A. Bord Cowan Moth (skip).
Reserve: Conn
+
2nd Division. FC "Red" (Home) Four christian names and cccime: 1 kovier Ribeiro, four surnames, which yoès W, J. Costjo, C. A. Coelho "tik|p! with which: mrvey, Hogan, C. M. Razario, A. M. Lu LA Hagen, Neil, Charles, Wal-mart. 3. T. Cotton (Skipy: A
de Remedies, T. ber," Bassey, “John;
tino; 2. Tan taxip);" mand Divielen, FC "Blue" (Away), V the 2. Complete
names of KFCC.
А. Н. Боша, у люто these soccer clubs: Stirling Coelho, (skipt:
Neves, 13. Paper New Soures, M. T. Hunes (skip); ...Workingtờn.. Port Crowe...
A. Machado, A Bachon R. Bada" (skip).
The plan has some official sacrifice would be too great married just before the tour they were to give up their began, Mrs Balley and Mrs present jobs. Many of them Compton joined their husbands, are schoolteachers, and if the rules remained as they are now posts of the West Indian, Aus The MCC, having studied re- fording them to give up re- tereeing at 60, they would standtralian and South Arlon tours, face these major probleme. little chance of getting their old Players might possibly decline jobs back.
invitations to go on tour if their My own view is that referous wives were banned. And some on the whole would not make players might even be threadej!! good couches. Bo tow of them od with divorce if their wivels were enforced ""ericket widows" have had much experience us thead Division: PRC KCC, USRC players, and are not technically for too long
ve licenolo, JIEWC T FC "qualified to teach others how to HKCC v KDC. 'FC "Red" v. CCC.
That is why I think the MCC PTC, Stanley HKP96 inc y
HKCL, KCC play. A better idee would be will reach a compromise oh-4. Who are known 3rd Division: HERC
lo post them to county capolation and allow wives to go on murca
facture Ladies 1st Division: Cec v usne, ions and schools, to KDC Y XOC.
potential referees, and clubs on - Laddley End Diyle!
the rules of the game. USRC, PAC Y HXIC.
dwitaming Inter-School
Denia Compto 20 Aquatic
But it is a problem I gladly meeting Chang Bing Pavilona Middlesex professional, may leave in their fanda Frais at-2 p.m.
become at karafelar fitTË BERRIORS. ba retineri PI. Team v XCC Cox's Path. Adough officially
froth first class cricket at the
how Hongkong's representatives inherent adaptability of turned in a truly magnificent cold winter players. display in beating the Swedes by, These are essentially general- three donis to two at Caroline sallons based on team prospects HUI,
and I make clear that I The same
sort of story
is believe sincerely that players
Ho Ho equally inte about the visit of
Cheung-you Admira from Austria. They Chouk-yin, Mak Chun-with and come with a' tremendous record tough, atrang Lau Yee have it in but they left a very disillusioned) them to be great" players agy- company of footballers.and where...but never mea ineidentally it is important to sure with a piece of olastic remember that they came here in football the only real yarki- aftmost successful tour stick is physical "competiilen,
POP
BUSY
COME
AND
D.M.
Tenta
DONG,
CCC
•
Very cruffy
LICKING
My Lokty
yeare
3. Who is the odd tennis player out of Tony Trabert, Jaroslav Drobny," "Ken Rose- wall, and Mervyn Rase?
tour, but for only a part of the four, say a month, and n that they stay at the same hotel. as the team.
-Lyndon Express Sérvice).
(COPYRIGHT
PRECIOUS
PRECIOUS
HEERING
as the Emperor of Pot, the Wizard of Dribble? Which Jockey holda the renard for winning
PRC
2nd Division (XorTie) Yu. M. Taylor,
Tel. P. Lowe,
skip}; M ̈WWX
F.
T. Poynton, R. O. Tudom |_ 3rd__Division (AWIY)
H. Ivana, H. M. Bwa Lie Chadmantti Pickar%
Walker, 8. I. Maries
RDESTYDE Sun0, 15. Jone Ladies? League (27) New Masykujj
Joe
0. To whom did Jersey
Walcott to the world heavyweight championship
7. In which equntries are, the
Pepe. Mr Payal
following cricket trophies Byd. Division (Home) v FIREC competed for:
Shidid, Shonald Shield, the Bottomley, Day Ranji Trophy and the Pull({ficien}}{ Currie. Cupi"
8: Whom did Maureen Con- molly succeed as Wimbledon ellampion, Lõks. Brough,
•Diets Hart of Margaret Du- Font?
9. What happened to Jphl. L.. when he met Gentleman Jim?
10. With which sports any thoug
and
Gregory