1952-04-17 — Page 6

THE CHINA MAIL, THURSDAY, APRIL 17, 1952.

ARSENAL AWAIT THE GREAT DAY

THE FOOTBALL GENTLEMAN -A PEN PORTRAIT OF ARSENAL'S JOE MERCER

By JOHN WATERMAN

To the 60,000 or so who crush into the Arsenal. Stadium every other week 38-year-old captain, with hair there is no one quite like Joc Mercer. He is their slightly silver at the temples, with twiddle-toes and a Palace of Varieties grin. And to soccer followers all over Britain his name, after 22 years at the game, has gained the lustre of a vintage champagne label,

Ilo is Joe the jaunty one, Joe the imperturbable, playing a captain's game, but above all he is Joe the Most Likeable Soccer. Personality, Joe the Football- Gentleman.

Tallest Ever U.S. Olympic Cage Team

WOS

who

He says: "When you are in This is the man capped for England five times your twenties it's not so bad; before the war, who played in you can look forward to a rea- war-time internationals, sonable life playing football 22 who hea two League cham-full-time. But when you get pionship and one Cup-winner's to your thirties, you should be-

to gin to look around

what medal.

comes after-begin to look for football another job, because won't last for ever."

MOTHER'S ADVICE What was it like climbing to this Parnassus of honoure? For Jee Mercer it was a cautions

His mother saw scent,

This part of his creed Mercer oul. He is now has carried

10

it grocer.

New York, Apr. 16.

World's Olympic that. She taught him caution

Не lives pt Hoylake, The

On the Wirral he athletes in London gaped in even as a small boy when he Cheshire.

in the four amazement when America's played for Cheshire Boys team has an interest

His father was a professional wholesale and

retail grocery basketballers footballer

his' Nottingham stores run by far skyscraping

father-in- low. stepped out on the court at Forest before the 1811-18 war. what the Wembley Stadium in 1948. His mother reuilsed

Five days, a week he puts o! soccer

that job Wait until they get a load quicksilver appeal

as he would into playing tool- of Uncle Sam's 1962 giants was to a young boy yet how as much verve into

ball. at Helsinki this summer.

the stat- Four years ago Spangled, kang averaged awesomrie FIX"

AA

dangerous its carcer

could be.

Before ever she allowed him

IT'S MARVELLOUS'

to be committed to a long-term rer,tract for Everton, who had "Grocery,"

he says, his

the four metroulangerindsted ballintry, oval-Baptivating

seve he should play six games in

"I think grocery's enthusiasm, This year's crew, with

only Kurland the

You've he reserve team to prove him- marvellous.

110 Idea foot Bob

After that he signed how interesting it can be. But repenter from 1948, averages seit.

it's a business almost an inch taller exactly amaitur forms.

you've got six feet 4 11/14 inches.

be on top of. There's always something needs doing."

Way

from

Champlon

Kingpins,

squad

sqleader of the Cater-

cer

But

HE SAVED

was

the

B some

counter,

10

that

new

an- customers

After a quick bath and a rub down, some of the Arsenal team pose for a cheerful picture as they now await the great day of the final match against New- castle at Wembley,

Left to right: Don Roper, Doug Lishman, Joe Mercer, Fred Cox and Roy

Daniel.

Visiting Manila Soccer

Team

eam Loses Third Match

Combined

Το

By “SPIV”

Chinese

The visiting Manila Soccer XI lost their third and last match in Hongkong yesterday to the Combined Chinese by five goals to one,

The result turned out to be a happy one for both teams, the Manila team being thankful that the score did not reach the double figuro mark and that they managed. to get one goal for themselves.

the time-the Manile goalmouth.

It was another three years In 1948, the 14-man

composed of five players in 1933-before he signed as

He does collegiate professional. His first pay pac Kentucky's

any work champions, five from the AAU ket was £5 for the week. Mer-

comes to hand, serving behind considers Phillips Oilers, and

he did well.

provision

in- the dinys,"

he four other players. The Intes: "Those were

voicing, making up orders, tak- seven saya, "when you could sign up ing stock, standing in for one edition is made up of

University for as little as 30s. the

a week of the travellers, getting Kansas from

Ave five from the AAU And

pounds

reat

orders. With the excitement of Caterpillars money." Champion Peoria

collected a boy who has just and

from the Phillips two

-coveted-glass-alleys---into Oilers.

his marble pocket, he Head coach of the 14-man

he appreciated even nounces: "Five new is Warren Womble, 32-

might this morning." then that this fortune

He knew that injury.

The Chinese were satisfied that ing into consideration the corn- pillars, not last.

critics, might The of form,

grandstand

But for a number of missed whether last year's result, when they just titment to send

and about an equal 67-year-uid Forest Allen, Kansas or even loss mentor, Peoria won the Amateur put him out of the game. He nevertheless, wonder

ted munaged to save quite easily: all this grocery is good for an managed to win by 1-0, was not team over to Manila next year chances

Javellana, Championship of the United

whether repeated and that they equalled at their own expense. Yester number of good saves by the

yesterday the 5-1 victory of the day, the attendance was not too visiting goalkeeper,

have, easily States by whipping Kansas 42- he was, and sill is, thrifty, a Arsenal captain, and

light it prevents him training.

bad, being about 50 per cent.

score might ideas. Mercer refutes these

Hongkong Selection. 60 in a thrilling angle of the non-smoker,

run of yesterbeen doubled: The general drinker.

perhaps, A little less happy, "I train

without

On the Olympic trials in Madison Square

day

whole the visitors every Garden here.-Associated Press.

"Sometimes were the Committee of the Hong-day's play brought with it a stam- Today he earns about £1,000 fail," he says.

across the gave a better display than da match, for filed at half-time, a year from football. This in- do it on the Royal Liverpool kong Football Association at the pede of spectators

They wanted to be at the end with their centre-halt, Eduque, Vicente, and centre-forward particularly conspicuous.

Vicente scored his side's only goal and had, bad luck in not adding another goal when he missed the ball with an open goal just a few feet in front of him.

#nd

A

Team-of-Four cludes his £14 a week during Golf Course; if I'm in Walla- end of yesterday's

Bridge Tourney

This Evening

summer, plus a £2 bonus for ground; if I'm up here in Hoy-

The

57 Teams In This Season's Tennis Leagues

Fifty-seven teams, as compared to 69 last year, will participate in the various divisions of the 1952 Colony Tennis League, organised by the Hongkong Lawn Tennis Association.

Ag-

Chinese Recreation Club, holders of all the four titles In the Men's Division, head the list with 11 entries and appear to be the pre-season favourites to Letain all these titles again.

South Chino

Athletic soclution, who won the Mixed "A", Mixed "B" and Ladles "A" titles last year, have en- tered six teams, but will have a harder task this season in hold ing on to their top positions.

In the Mixed "A" they already lost Mr and Mrs Gordon Lum

and will

be losing 1p Koen-hung who

who is likely to be and Mra away at Wimbledon, and Mary Chow

who will be away in

have!

for a six months' holiday Europe from next month.

Incidentally it is learnt that Mrs Chow

Men's "C" Division: Chinese Recreation Club (holders) two teams), Soulli Chine, Hongkong University. Kowloon TODE, Club do Recreio, Ladies Ro creation Club, Kowloon Cricket Club, Hongkong

Cricket Club, Kowloon Dock Club, Craigen- gower Cricket Club, Post Office, Kowloon Indian Tennis Club, Indian Recreation Club,

Men's "D": Chinese Recies- tion Club (holders) {two teams), Ladies' Recreation Club,

may compete in the RobinsonKnocks French Championships and is

Out Graziano

now being persuaded to try and take part at Wimbledon. The theso experience of playing in Championships will certainly be of immense benefit.

So for the only club missing. among the entries is United Services Recreation Club, and it is hoped that their entries would bo eaming before the Longus Commitico dfasting

which is scheduled to take place

at 5.15, p.m. at the Hongkong' Cricket Club today.

by

however have

Chicago, Apr. 16, The Middleweight Champion; Sugar Ray Robinson, knocked out the challenger, Rocky „Graziano......in the third. round tonight to retain his Championship. United Press.

Club de Recreio have again entered for the Mon's "A" Division, even with very littla Kowloon Cricket Club, Hong- prospect of winning it, and their kong Cricket Club, Urban good example has been followed Council (two teams), Indian

Craigengower Cricket Cluv. Recreation. Club. Three teams,

out from this division Mixed "A" Division: South dropped

UnDersity, Hongkong Cricket China (holder), Chinese Re- Club and Urban Council, and creation Club, Kowloon Cricket South China have cut down to Club, Hongkong Cricket Club. one team, leaving a total entry Mixed "B" Division: South of only four teams.

(holders), Kowloon China Cricket Club, Club de Recreio, Ladies' Recreation Club (two teams), Craigengower Cricket

FULL ENTRIES

Men's "A" :Division: Chinese cut" "A" Division: South

China, Kowloon Cricket Club,

Cricket Club.

Recreation Club (holders), South a Hongkong

Club de Recreto, Craigéngower China (holders), Chinese Re creation Club, Craigengower Men's "B" Division:: South Cricket Club, Ladies' Recrea- China, Chinese Recreation Club tion Club. (holders) (two

Ladies".""B" Divialón: Craigen- teams), Hong- keng University, Club de Repower Cricket Club (holders). creio, Ladies' Recreation Chib, Ladies' Recreation Club" (two Kowloon Tong, Kowloon teams), Club de Recreio, Kow- Cricket Club, Hongkong Cricket foon Cricket Club, Hongkong Club, Urban Council.

University.

the season, £10 a week in the sey. I nip down to Liverpool's more likely than not the series

leave them in the red, tak where the ball was for most of win, and £1 for a draw Iake I like to run over the Also includet! is the £750 wands.

benellt money to which he

entitled every five years.

is

RELAXATION

Success in the Cup brings! "And you kaw It's nat bigger bonuses and talent really. a strain combining money up to £70 a player for grocery and football or having The first qualifying round the winning side.

to travel down every week to

Training serves as of the Hongkong. Open Mereer 1s not much-play.

A

Не player.

break from grocery, and when hus Team-of-Four Bridge Cham-transferred pionship tournament for the changed clubs only once, from 5.30 comes on Friday, I regard Journey down to Arsenal in 1046. the train

relaxo-

ut

International Films.Cup will Everton to

The fee was £8,000. Out of London as a wonderful be played this evening that Mercer himself received tion." the Club Lusitano, 16 Ice only the statutory £10 signing House Street, commencing fee.

ut 7 p.m.

The following teams have entered:

Y. C. Chu, Clement Y. Yeh, Y. T. Fong, S. C. Sun;

Charles Pan, T. Y. Chang,

F. L. Ip. Max H. H. Chen;

Victor Zirinsky,

Tsiang;

E

Heury

4. R. Poljak, Mrs S. Bard, B. Godkin, S, M, Bard;

G. Strickland, P C Ip, Horace Lo, Francis Zimmern;

м. D..

Rodrigues, A. Osmund, H. A. Barros, J. E. Noronha, A. J. Motta;

A

The Pygmies Are

To Wembley

Going To

By PETER LOVEGROVE,

Thirteen thousand people live in Featherstone, the little Yorkshire mining town near Pontefract, and for Apart from that relaxation,

the past month their main subject of conversation has Joe takes few others. Grocery. in his single-minded determina- heen the Rovers -winning the Rugby League Challenge entertain For men who

success off the Cup at Wembley. The final only takes place on April 19, million people a week, Ogures tion to be

eals into football field,

his but there is not a soul within miles of the pitheads and bear like this certainly

amounts spare time. As I talked to him

ungainly slag-heaps who is not convinced beyond all there was an invoice book comparison with the

doubt that it will happen, and stage ontertainers. But Mercer does open on his lounge table.

по In the winter he plays not consider his pay too bad-

paid to film stirs

come

В

ΠΟ

A

F. A, B. A. M. Ozorlo, J. A. I would play for a win, wheth Mercer, "in the car in the sum-

Remedins, A. F. Noronha;

W. Y. Hsieh, Dr Ed Chow, T.

their

elght-year-

In 1951. Did they not the odds at Rochdale in

"UP ROVERS"

their p previous two matches

in

Greatest weakness of the visi- tore appeared to be their in-

positioning, experience in which time and again they were covered and squeezed to off-side. Their passes were too high and too straight to the man.

THE GOALS

Hongkong set the pace from the opening whistle and Javer lana was called upon to hold a hard long drive by Szeto Man.

оп

Saints Too Good For

The Macao All-Stars

By "GRANDSTAND”

Playing ot Macao

pre-

П

Saints: Art Ozorla (Mana- Showboot ger), Benny Omar,

George Souza, Jindoo Hus-

sair.

Sherry Bucks, S. H. "Modest" Khan. Bim Ablong, Harry Kwok, Stan Leonard.

Coach: Hel Wingice)...

Guest-Stars:

Vie

Pedruco. Ingmar Eriksení, Steven Kavier, P. C. Wong.

· during ['tion, Padre Faushingbour, Joe the holidays, the barnstorming Britio, Pat Gonsalves, J. Hynd- Saints proved to be too much man, P. Cunha and Bill Rud- for the Macao All-Stars. when

dan,

(Manager-coach Marip they breezed through to a 12-3 "Red" Pereira), victory in triumphant culmina- tion of a successful sensON,

The sudden' cold anap vented both teams from put up their best

Per formances, but in spite of the adverse weather conditions goodly crowd turned out to ex- hart the local side against the Hongkong Champions,

There was no doubt that the

Judging from the keenness Macao side

somewhat displayed and the high stan- awed with the renowned Saints dard, achieved, the recently when they took, the field, and formed. Macno Softball Asso- did not display the same. fans ciation have made sicady pro- as

they previously,

two gress during the past humbled

local several

con-years, and further advancement tingents who toured their port. is expected as the organisation Joe Britto started on the slab has now received strong back- influential against the visitors hut, suffer in Ho Ing from an attack of the lit supporters,

yanked from tera, he lost control of his pitches and was

was

when

several

Manila got through with thetr first breakaway, but Arrastia's long shot was easily taken by Leung Tin-tong.

In the sixth minute, Hopgung True, the Rovers have never 101 coaches, 2 special trains, in

their scoring. A S, though he fully approves the other game but football. When been to Wembley before. That cara and on motor-cycles, And kong opened Kwai, K. Y. Ho, George Y. C. recent proposals for d £20 a the light nights come he plays they are not a good side. That even before Leigh had gone the strong drive by Hau Ching-to

week wage. "That would be golf. His handicap is 9..

they occupy an undistinguished way of the others, Wembley was stopped by Javellana, but selling well, and the ball went to Kwok Ying-loit table tickets were Chu, an added incentive to top-class Murchotti, Y. M.

last Urban Counell members were who tipped the ball across the Ilis wife, 32-year-old Norah Desilion in the League

and finished fourth from players," he says.

Mercer, has tried to get him to Dodge Chen, L. C. Tsu;

upset considering unofficially the best goalmouth with the right outstep the way of arranging a civle recep- for Szeto Man to follow up will Mrs. O'Grady, Mrs J. G.

If pay is not, the handsome play tennis. But after excuses Downe, A. V. White, Mrs A: V.

prize for professional foot-and a feigned injury she gave

first round of the competition;tion when the team returns from a crushing drive. White:

at Butley in the second; against Wembley with the Cup.

Hongkong went further ahead ballers, what are the real re-up. The subject is treated with wards? Says Mercer: "Of gentle badinage, on which the Wigan, hop favourites to retain

Most into Mercer home-life thrives, bub-

of the side, which is in the 19th minute as a result the Cup in the third; and now

movement.' A course, men must

foremost bling atong like light comedy. and

in the semi-captained by their 37-year-old of a beautiful the game first

against Leigh Anul?

player-coach Eric Batten (who low long pass from the Hong- because they like playing. The

CAR TRIPS into 瞎 does enter

recently scored his 400th try). Kong right-half got through to money

are locat men, and several work Kwok Ying-lok with his hack for naturally-but I know

"Our main relaxation," says

in the collieries. They put in to the goalmouth. Kwok tipped Lact that most footballers

Loçat enthusiasm tios to be hard training

nights the ball forward to the two mer." With

Among those who havO seen to be believed. For a fort-1 week, and have also been doing coming Las Tai-fai, who complied old son, David, they usually go night before the Wigan game, extra there was a bonus or not."

with one of his pile-driving on Sunday training

shots to the corner of the goal- the mound in favour of Padre given their whole-hearted sup Into the Welsh hills, which can supporters spent £250 on im mornings.

mouth.

who Faushingbaur,

managed port are Mr Gallion of MELCO theprovements be seen distantly through

-to their modest

to stem the flood of runs.

for the use of their ground, Mr little ground, and 10 of them

The next minute saw Hong- The Saints scored in

every Antonio Concecas for publicity. In the evening Joe and his work every night building new

bring the score Icong noteb up another goal to inming except the fifth, when in the Noticias Macau, Mr Jous to 8-0 at the they could only manage a trio Loper, Directon of the Seceno casionally they, watch TV.

Interval, A low centre

Politica, from of

And Comandante the right touchline by Szelo

of pop-files.

In the absence of Dave Paletti and Tenante Costa of Man was first-timed by Kwok Leonard at shortstop, playing the Macau Police

but the Ving-lok,

latter Both Wigan and Leigh largely mistimed it and the ball just up the windy

manager Artur Ozorio plugged

In the evening, the Hong- alley while kong contingent were guests at fact smtic: "Yes, he'll go on; but sports an "UP ROVERS" placard, beat themselves by, trying to grazed his

boots and slipped George Souza guarded the key a dance held at the LCO keep the ball away from him and

slong sick. A collection

honour, nitor Wigan's neglecting their superior speed into the net.

Club given in their fall brought. each and skill. He Was thus oble

The Macon runs were regis where the Banda Esperança and On the resumption, Hongkong to member of the side 29. 10,000 to Tove 13 he

inning several muest-alars all over the Manila tored in the second of the inhabitants went

to rainst Wigan, and-dropped two were again and trend her when Padre Faushinghaur lift- videt, melodie, cufertainment to Headingley for the semi-final in superb goals. It was his three ahead when Hau Ching-to nicely ed a towering, fly which art the large gathering Mr An-

penalty goals which accounted

gardener Showboat Au muffed gathered a long cross by Leo

It is understood from

Soft for Leigh-with the aid of a Tai-fai, took the ball inwards in the wind, and again in the drow Souza of the Macao strong wind.

Afth when the and clushed it into the not,

Pudra ball Association that prepara- versatile emashed out a clothes-line lens are in hand for the or An error of Judgment] by

centre-flelder Bimganisation of a six-team league drive, dean centre-half

which will be run in the very Soong Ling-sing | Ablong for a 1Wdern Nomor gave the visitors their only goal.

C. Woo, T. S. Wang, Gregory Sun;

.

NO ILLUSIONS

E. M. Remedlos, n, M. G. da So that then is the reward-lounge window. Silva, A. D. Reis, A. C. Sequeira, the game-school-motio-ish

enthusiastic, *3 L. J. D'Almada Remedios, J. It may seem. And, for a success wife usually stay at home. Oc" terracing. L. Sequeira; M. J. Remedios, man like Mercer, the honours. T. E. Rodrigues, A. B. da Rozu

David

foot-

At 36 Joc Mercer hag

He considers the And his with

says with

Every Sunday morning, hordes of youngsters clear the ground of cigarette packets and orange house peel. Practically every

For all that, Mercer has no thoughts of retiring from/foot-" Tony Liang, Charles Chen,

isions about the difcuties ball. Hoffman, Howard D.

of being a professional Mussay

Paul O'B, Hove, Mrs L. O'B. baller. Hove, Ken Johnston, S. V. Glt-greatest drawback is the

time he's and suppose by the that they have to live C. K. Ma, Y... Tang, T.think football for seven days a hundred he'll be a bit past It.surprising

ho has seen the He'll probably And

bo down C. Chang, D. C. Lou;

Mra Ch. Godkin, Mrs Wilson, more, obvious dangers from the blow-football by then."

-London Express Service) beginning of his career.

tins

Mr & Mr W. J. Cilein.

week.

THE GAMBOLS

(OUGH? I've cur MY HAND.

a

Barry Appleby

SIT THERE AND RELAX, DAQUING | OWL /! My finger! — LOOK

-I'LL GET THE FIRST AID BOX,

DON'T WORRY - JUGT, KEEP CALM

BLOOD!! DOOK! I'VE PRICKED.

MY FINGER ON THE LID OF THES

Bax

They are mostly young, very determined and superbly fit, and they possess in the long-kicking, deadly 45 curate full-back Miller a match winning asset.

pleased

A long through pass was let Hyndman and Consalves

During the same outfielder near future,

.rau

The other Analisis arc Workington Town, also new comers to the final, but who are in the frst half-dozen in the League. They knocked out lost alone by Soong, judging that the smack into each other and year's finalists Barrow 6-2 in a ball would have safely gone to were knocked out cold; as they fight, relentless struggle in the After all thesc hesitates to state

|

|

semi-final.... upicts, che

י,

to

IL took keverni

the

Hyndman

Rugger Results

tho. goalkeeper.

collided. The Manila centre-forward, te undertood that Got

minutes that, outside the boundaries of Vicente, however, shat forwant, uni

London, Apr. 10, Featherstone, they will start beat Leung Tin-tong to the ball malves suffered in arm injury. favourites, Within the confines and walked it into the not who toured Macao ab guest-

selected. Hangkang Mile The following are the resis who. of the mining town, of courzo, }; Almost immediately. Hong-

of Rugby Union and Rugby be charitably kong increased their lead to 6-1, will.

stars with

Sainta! found League matches played today: sympathetic with the Cumber Hau Ching-to

got through on little difficulty in battering a

Union Teignmouth D. St Thomas Hospital. 0 Plymouth land club who, it is theitly the left-wing, and, nearing the mixed Macao side understood, have not the re-con-line, dipped the ball across hibition attraction.

bion 14, Metropolitan Polica motest hopes of succeeding to Kwok Ying-lok who had, no. The players were:

Micros against the giunt-killing ygnales dificulty in topping it past

Al Carrion, Bid Leagus Liverpool City: 0, of the Rugby League,

Shaw Chacha Leigh Pot-Cir- Rochadala Hornets 17.-leuter. Javalların

S