THE LATE SERGT. KAVANAGH

Auckland Star, Volume XLVIII, Issue 210, 3 September 1917, Page 2

THE LATE SERGT. KAVANAGH

HOCKEY PLATER AND CRICKETER. AN APPRECIATION. The great war continues to take toll without discrimination, and amongßt the list of those making the supreme sacrifice appears the name of Lance-Sergeant v. C. Kavanagh, a prominent cricketer and hockeyite. Of a quiet and unassuming nature, he was not conspicuous in public life, but on the field of play he stood out prominently on account of his brilliancy both in cricket and hockey. In the latter game he had probably no equal in stick work in the Dominion in the position of half-back —certainly no superior. To watch him play was almost to know him, and he added many friends and admirers wherever he played. His cricket career commenced in the country, but on coming to Auckland he became a metnbeT of the City District Club. Later he transferred to Eden, and when the boundaries of the districts were altered he was included in Ponsonby. Flaying with varied success in the two former clubs, he struck form the first season with the new club, and the year they won the championship was at his very best. In 1912-13 he performed most consistently with the bat and ball, his best score being 98 against North Shore, while ho exceeded the halfcentury frequently, having bad luck on several occasions in not reaching the coveted century. Unauthodox in his batting, most of his runs came from vigorous leg strokes and a powerful off-drive. One 6troke in particular to fine leg was accomplished by a kind of lunge with the left hand which-frequently sent the ball to the boundary. In bowling he met with a good deal of success, a fast rising ball, with a little turn from round the wicket, doing most da/mage. Fielding was an exceptionally strong point, and at mid-on and cover he did brilliant work, covering a lot of ground. He took part in several cup championship finishes, and also represented Auckland in the interprovincial Shield match against Canterbury in 1912-13. Country cricket claimed in hjm an ardent supporter, and as a member of the Grafton touring team for several years he played against most of the important clubs throughout the. province.

AU hough his cricket career -was such a success it waa on tho hockey field that "Kav," as he was popularly known, proved such a brilliant star. At his best ho was well-nigh invincible, and it was a treat to watch him come from a tight scrimmage with the ball at his stick just as though the opposition was helpless. It was wonderful how he stopped the ball when it seemed beyond reach, but! "Kay" possessed a very long stick, and 6trange to relate the blade was not nearly up to the regulation size. He wielded it equally well at close quarters. He first made his appearance in hockey as a goalkeeper for the famous Auckland team, and with marked success, but his abilities were quickly recognised, and he was soon transferred to the half-line. He accomplished wonders with his stick in this position, executing work that many a seasoned player would not risk undertaking. He was a paatmaster in the scoop stroke, and earned the name of a "juggler" on account of his eccentricities with the ball. In this position he rendered yeoman service to both his club and province, participating in nearly half a score of club championships, and for many seasons in succession repre 6ented Auckland. He participated in both hockey and cricket Shield contests, and shared this honour with F. R Mason and W. Brooke-Smith, both club mates. The present war was not his first experience of the grim struggle, for he was through the Boer war, so that he has served his country well, his life being one that bis sorrowing relatives mid friends may well be proud of. It may also be mentioned that J. Mahoney (University), R. W. Barry (United), and .Captain H. W. King (University) are I other Auckland representative hockey players who have, made the supreme sacrifice,