HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 166, 13 July 1907, Page 12

HOCKEY.

In my last week's notes 1 drew attention to the poor attempt made in selecting the A and B teams, and when the representative team was made known this week, the adverse criticism that arose over the selectors' efforts was not to be wondered at. Now, of course, the reasons why some men have been selected for strange positions in the fieid is a. question that the selectors seem to have found hard to offer any explanation of. This gives rise to the great questi on — Siioura players -be appointed selectors? I say, No! The position in hockey, I will grant, is somewhat difficult to fill, for we have not been playing long enough to have old players who have retired from active service who could be appointed, bat we could adopt a new system, and if we are not to have a sole selector, then appoint tnree referees. This suggestion, 1 fee: sure, will meet with opposition, but what is any suggestion worth that will not bear discussion. There is much in favour of my suggestion, I hold, for has not the present method this year proved an utter failure, and then think of the opportunity the referee has of seeing the various men.

All the senior matches were postponed on Saturday last owing to the A and B trial match being played in view of the rep. matches to-day. It was not a good exhibition of hockey, owing to the lack of combination, and our players will have to show something different if they are to win to-day. The English system of controlling the game with two referees was tried, and although not a failure, I would advise trying it in cup matches 'before introducing it into rep. fifteens. Some of the players in the B team put in good work last Saturday, and 1 was surprised not to find more included in the team for to-day. The date for the match with the Goldfields has been definitely fixed for July 27, and will most /probably be played at Remuera. In the senior competition for the Wellington championship Karori and United are level at the end of the first round. Canterbury defeated Ashburton last Thursday by four goals to one. The Otago University meet the Auckland University on Monday. The match will be eitaec Elsysd. a& Jae Domain or Remxtera,

The "offside" rule is claiming great attention from the various Referees* Associations throughout the colony, and it is to be Jioped a definite filling will be arrived at. "With the exception of one or two instances we have not had much difficulty with it this year.

Messrs. H. J£. Partridge and Co. are presenting sticks to the best back and forward in the series of rep. matches to be played here this season.

Manawatu defeated Wairarapa by three goals at Palmerston North. Wairarapa were unable to get their strongest team away and had to alter it at the last minute.

In the Juniors Training College keep up their winning record. They had rather an easy -win last Saturday. Epsom have also a clear lead in the third grade. Auckland, the runners-up, were defeated last Saturday by United B.

In the junior matches last Saturday, in which A and B teams from one club were competing, the B team, were playing one man short, and showing signs of distress, sent along to their A's, who were playing on the adjoining ground, and asked for reinforcements. The latter were winning, so they sent a man over. This is not only against the laws of the Association, but I think hardly fair to their opponents, who goodnaturedly allowed him to play, although they were snorthanded themselves. The Moana (ladies') team seem to be taking matters very indifferently, their last few games being played apparently without any interest, and the match against Eawhiti is one of the worst exhibitions I have seen this crack, team give.