THE HOCKEY FIELD

Ashburton Guardian, Volume 55, Issue 271, 29 August 1935, Page 7

THE HOCKEY FIELD

PLAYERS AND MATCHES.

ASHBURTON MEN IN THE CITY.

(By “Stick?.”) For the first time for some years, three Mid-Canterbury men’s representative teams visited Christchurch last Saturday to do battle with the Ked and Blacks. The weather was not altogether kind, a cold southerly wind making things unpleasant for players and spectators alike. Although beaten in all three games, the scores indicated that the Ashburton men at least put up some solid opposition. Penetrating Ability. The issue in the match with the Canterbury juniors was left in doubt right until the final whistle, hut there was no question as to which was the superior team. The Rod and Blacks were better in every department, but what was most noticeable was their speed on attack and their ability to penetrate right into the circle. Only the exceptionally fine goal-keeping of E. Tinker kept the score so low. Time and again when the defence had been drawn it was left to Tinker to save his side, and every credit must be given to him for the way lie did his job. The Mid-Canterbury forwards did not put any real sting into their work, hut they were up against particularly solid halves and full-backs, who were adepts at intercepting. Gowa.n played better than on the previous Saturday, but again took too long to get his hit in. However, his passing was cleaner and more snappy. Lees occasionally played right up his best form, but there were times when lie should have at least given the goalie some work to do. but generally found the angles too difficult. Harper received very little of the* ball, especially in the second spell, blit his play was an improvement on that of the week before, in that lie combined better with Gown ns in short, quick passes.

Tough Opposition. A good deal of hard hitting by the Blacks’ halves marie the work of their forwards more difficult, as often the ball went right to the opposing fullbacks before it could he stopped. Altogether Ashburton was up against a tougher team than any it had previously met, and was only able to play as well as its opponents would permit.

However, it should as a team gain something in experience from the match, and as there is a prospect of a return game this season, it is quite possible that the Blacks will be able to turn the tables on its opponents.

Hard Tussle in View. Two teams will visit Tiniaru next Saturday to play South Canterbury A and B, and taking a line through the southern team’s display against a Canterbury senior representative team, Ashburton will again have a particularly hard tussle.

Unfortunately Pearce will not be available, and he will be sadly missed, but if the rest of the team make up their minds to play a little better, there is no reason why they should not give the Greens something to think about. . / The Junior Final. Baring Square managed to defeat Timvald on Saturday, and this was virtually the end of the junior competition. It is the sub-Association’s intention to run a fivc-Vside tournament early! in September, and it is hoped to have a number of junior entries, as one or two of the country schools may send in teams. Rules of the Game. A recent alteration to the r-ules of hockey provides that it is permissible for manufacturers to insert in the upper edge of sticks an edging of some material other than metal with the object of producing a stick of greater endurance. Advice to this effect was received by the New Zealand Hockey Association recently from the International Hockey Board. The hoard’s letter set out that it was essential that in any of the new type of stick the edging should he securely attached to the head of the stick. The alteration also legalised insets in the extremity. It had been decided that tho type of stick with the extremity cut back was not legal and that certain other makes with the extremity cut square were also contrary to the rules. The extremity had to he sufficiently rounded off to have rounded edges.

Right-Wing Position. A right wing must be a very last umncr and realise that it is fallacy to hold on to the ball too long What is actually meant by this 'is that tho wing player will persist in taking the ball within about ten yards of the goal line and then think about passing. The best results are achieved by passing when the 25 yards lino is reached, or has just been passed over. The value of keeping near to the side-line should be well kept in mincl for the following reasons: (1J by doing so the half-back whose work it is to mark, is drawn over also, leaving an opening for the inner right; (2) it makes the loft-half’s work considerably: harder for the tackle must come from the left; should you find that the left-half hears in-field take full advantage of this and push tho ball past her on the off-side; (3) the left Dill-hack is drawn out of position by the inner-left who, being in possession of the ball, is hearing in slightly to the centre. A right-wing player is in the natural position to he able to use to lull advantage any little tricks that will confuse her opponents. A wing player’s work is not merely to attack; occasions demand that tackling back is leqitiied also. In talking the corner bits she must disc: i min ato between when it is necessary .Jo hit hard and when a sharp hit will suffice. Invariably from a long cornier the former hit must he employed, but from a penalty coinei the sharp snappy hit fulfils' .requirements, When the corner hit has been taken, take care to get on-side, do not

stand and watch the outcome, A fuh understanding between herself and the inner always bears fruit.

Dhyar> Chana’s Address. Several, hockey enthusiasts were anxious to correspond with the I anions Dhyau Cliand, who has again made himself extremely popular both as a plaver and a gentleman right through New Zealand, and they have been astounded and incredulous when he lias replied that “Dhyau Chand, India” will he sufficient address.