Examiner (Launceston, Tas. : 1900 - 1954), Friday 27 June 1941, page 5


FOOTBALL IN MALAYA "The Examiner" football writer has received a letter from L. A. Johnson, former coach of Longford, who is in Malaya with the A.I.F. It contains, among other news, some references to football as played by the army in the Far East. Johnson is captain of a side which, he says, contains quite a number of good players. This team has been beaten only once, and that was in its first match against a team captained by Ball, former Melbourne ruck man. Smallhorn, the Brownlow medallist, is also there. but owing to a bad knee has not been able to play. "He is doing a good job umpiring, which means a big thing here," adds Len Johnson. "Football Saturday and cricket Sunday and a shower every time we get a chance is our programme. The cricket team is either waiting to go on or come off the ground while we are waiting to play football. I am not any Bradman, but am holding my own. "Imagine the hottest day in Australia and add a little, and you have some idea of the conditions. A man is damper with perspiration after a game than he would be in Tasmania on the wettest day at Longford." Johnson also mentions having seen Cyril Brookes, former North Launceston player, in Malaya.