HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLVI, Issue 195, 17 August 1915, Page 8

HOCKEY.

Though there is still another eeriea of matches to be played to complete the last round of the senior competition, not one position can be affected by the concluding games next Saturday as a substantial margin exists between all the competitors. 'Notwithstanding that the games were, -keenly contested, University's unassailable position was responsible for the loss of a great deal of interest in the competition, and as each team filed out some familiar faces were missing from the ranks. The morning was by no means promising, hut itwaS expected that the rain would hang off until the afternoon's sport was over. However, it only held out sufficiently long enough to allow the game to be started, and then it was not long before the ground became wet and slippery, and caused a complete change of tactics. University added another win to their sequence of successes in defeating Areta by three goal 6to one. Auckland defeated Mount Eden by 4 goals to 2. It was generally anticipated, owing to many of the students now having their vacation, that University would ■present a very weakened team" against Areta. Such, however, was not the case, although several new faces were seen. Areta underwent two changes, one forward owing to Ingram's absence, and the other at goalkeeper, which position was filled by Maekie, late of the Ponsonbv Club. The heavy rain that set in made the ground very slippery, vet it played remarkably well. In 'fact, the game wat, under the conditions, a big surprise and clearly showed that fine weather is not always required to play the winter stick game. The players' throughout were a very even lot, and do not call for individual comment. It may perhaps seem like trying to underrate 'Varsity's win, hut in justice to Areta it may he said that the blackß were unfortunatein not recording a win. Still the game counts to the team getting the moat goals in, and in Jhia»dixection University led.

Mt. Aden were a sadly depleted team, | and th\'r forward line did not contain one >menlber that represented the club on the first day of the competition, and the only seasoned exponent in tho line was McLeod. The back division also underwent a great change, and was re- i arranged during the progress of the I game. It looked as if an easy victory | 'was at hand for Auckland. They started off at a great pace, and broke down the I I opposing defence twice in succession. , Then down cajno the rain, and the ground became slippery, which interfered ' with the clever movements of the Auck-1 landers. It was not until the second spell that they realised that a change of tactics was necessary. In the. meantime Mt. Eden had reorganised. King, who started at centre-half, changed with Till, | and this helped to steady matters. Mt. i Eden's methods were more suitable for the treacherous nature of the turf, and, making a good recovery, they pressed Auckland so hard that they evened up the score. Mt. Eden again attacked, and from the line it looked as if a goal had been scored, but it was disallowed, and then Auckland once more took a hand, notching two more goals and placing the game bej-ond douht. For Auckland, Baker was the best of the bucks, Sloman was conspicuous, and Steele also did good work. Forward, the inuer trio did some capital work at the start. Osborne was in his element, and scored all four roals. Ilaase is a much-improved player, an.l made some capital openings, while Sncddcil l laycd .vith great judgment.

Owing to the shuffling of the Mt. Eden team, some of the players were quite at a loss in the opening stages, but soon had to settle down. Of the backs. King, Till and Davis (goal keeper) were the beet, while Johns, Hunt and McLeod (half-backs) were the best of the forwards. Tho absentees in the Mt. Eden team included Manning (21, Little, Fletcher and Malcolm. The examination of referees is continuing, and on Saturday, despite the unplensant surroundings, the examiners were busy with their duties. Two members were put through, and next, week two more will receive their tests.