HOOKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 127, 29 May 1909, Page 14

HOOKEY.

The members of the Auckland Hockey Club who visited Cambridge last .Saturday speak very highly of the hospitable treatment they received at that town. On arrival of the late train at 11.20 p.m., they were welcomed by Mr. Jsherwood (president), the officials, and a number of players of the Association. An adjournment was made to the Imperial Dining Rooms, where they were the guests of Mr. lsherwood to supper. Sunday morning was put in sight-seeing, under the. guidance of the members of the Cambridge team. In the afternoon, in company with the local representatives and officials, they were taken to the sanatorium. Dr. Roberts, vice-president of the Association, who is in charge, met the team and had them shown over the institution. Before leaving, the visitors entertained the patients to several musical items, which were greatly appreciated. Although the drive back was commenced in a shower of rain, it was most enjoyable. Monday turned out fine, and in the morning all hands were out for a hit. It was the first representative, game in Cambridge, and the match attracted a large number of spectators. During the interval the. Ladies' Hockey Association kindly supplied afternoon tea to the players.

Mainly owing to the energy of the Ladies' Hockey Association nnd Air. lsherwood, a dance was arranged at the last moment. Notwithstanding that the arrangements were hurried, it was a great success, and as midnight approached it was with great regret that the Aucklanders were compelled to take their departure for Frankton, a drive of 17 miles, to catch the express for Auckland. Prior to leaving, a midnight visit was paid to the residence of Mr, lsherwood and several farewell toasts were honoured.

In Mr. lsherwood the Cambridgfi Hockey Association have an ideal president, and much of the success of the game in that place is due to him, while the Auckland team have nothing but praise for the trouble and expense he incurred in making their stay so pleasant.

The play of the Cambridge team was quite a revelation, and only goes to show how great an advantage is gained by new players in games against strong combination. The Aucklandera were very strong, and generally it was recognised that an easy win would be t-«----corded, but such did not prove the case. It was only in the latter portions of the. game that the visitors asserted their superiority, and then the Maroons' defensive abilities were severely tested. In K. Anderson, the goalkeeper, Cambridge possess one of the most promising players in this important position. His stopping and clearing was characteristic of a seasoned player. Cox and Faulkner, right and left full backs respectively, were sound. Both are inclined to overlook obstruction. Of the halves, Roberts, Webber, and Peake, the secondnamed player as centre was the best, but all show a tendency to play too close to the forwards.

Tile forwards, Plesher, Crickett, Simpson, .Stewart. Chalmers, are a willing lot. but lacked the knowledge or tno passing garni , their opponents possessed, being inclined to udopt the hit-hard-aiid-follow tactics.

Of course, the country players freely admitted they wanted instruction, and the points they must now pay most attention lo are, firstly, obstruction. This is the aJI-iniportant rule of hockey, and, played properly, leads to a beautiful game being witnessed. Of course, the players must break themselves from this infringement, but to the referees 1 look to effect the certain cure. When passing, the forwards were inclined to hit too straight, instead of the crosspassing hit, and another failing which applies to most, of the team was the hitting with the left-handed stroke.

This should be abolished, except under extreme circumstances, especially among the backs. The game was controlled by Mr. E. E. Madden, of the Auckland Referees' Association, at the request of the Cambridge Association, and his rulings will, no doubt, prove beneficial.