Yesterday morning witnessed the departure from Shanghai of a football team which local soccer follow would like to have seen in action more often than they did—that of the Royal Ulster Rifles, who will chi rry away with them the best wishes the Shanghai Soccer Fraternity.
In addition, the Loyals have lost the sei es of two players who have been popular with local Socci followers: Harry Naylor, regarded as the best wing half-back in Shanghai, and Julia Johnson, who was regarded as a discovery for the outside right berth, also left.
Thus the Loyals will be weakened by the departure of these players.
The postponed game between the and A.S.F. wil be played on turday providing the Weather Clerk does not decide to take a hand in the matter.
The AS.F. last Saturday would have had to field a nu umber of reserve players due to the tai ct that Collet, Ward and Segalin wi ould not have been able to turn out.
Enquiries made yesterday, did back of the Royal Welch Fusiliers had come to: Shanghai. These two players have been playing for Kowtoon F€., and, according to my informant, the keeper was largely responsible for the defeat of South China "A" in a league game in the Colony. Should these two players be fielded, the Fusiliers, already regarded in some circles as a sound team, will be strengthened, and they might create an upset. Still, without these players I do not think Sokol will cause the Fusiliers much worry, the soldiers should improve their goal average at the expense of these opponents.
On Sunday, the Police will meet a much weakened Loyals side. A new hall-back line will have to be fieldea, znd unless some promising material is found, 1 am inclined to support the Police to hold the Soldiers to a draw, if not win the game outright. The Police side will probably be strengthened by the inclusion of Peasegood, Gibson and Douglas. The game should prove interesting as last season both games ended in a narrow victory for the soldiers.
Text read from the printed page and cleaned; old type leaves the occasional error.