HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 126, 28 May 1918, Page 3

HOCKEY.

The first series of matches in connection with the second round of the senior premiership eventuated laat Saturdayafternoon, when University checked Mt. Eden's victorious career by drawing with them, the score being two goals apiece. In the other game between Areta and Edendale. the latter were fortunate enough to obtain their first success of the season, winning by 3 goals to 2. A splendid contest was the outcome of the game between Mt. Eden and University, and proved the most interesting match of the eight played this season. Right from the beginning it was apparent that the contest would be very closely contested, and the result was in the balance until the final whistle sounded. Mt. Eden are usually slow in warming up to their work, and on Saturday University caused them some anxiety very early in the game when Waddingham lost a fine chance. Notwithstanding that Mt. Eden scored twice before the students opened their account, the latter had the better of the first spell. Last year's champions did not attack so frequently, and their goals w»re the result of sudden invasions into University territory. University's goals were the outcome of rapid movements, yet the majority of their attacks werp more prolonged. In the second spell both teams were on their mettle. Mt. Eden played a most dashing game, and at times were extremely dangerous. The University vanguard depended chiefly on their usual short-passing methods, and these operations were carried cut faim , well considering the nature of the turf, although Eden's backs intercepted at timee. The two goalies had a fairly busy time and rendered good service. The hitting of Alexander, at full back, saved Mt. Eden in the second spell- Hunt also wielded the ash in good style, and fairly blocked the students' right attack. Half-back Alexander showed an improvement in the position, intercepting well. Paiee was easily the most prominent forward in the first spell. After the change over A. Alexander played a fine dashing game. Jansen was dangerous on the left. Robinson, of shield fame, turned out for the students, and was a tower of strength, being the only back to hit with precision and power. Ahlers worked well in a rather rough-and-ready manner. Garland played a good defensive game. Although Waddingham lost a couple of capital chances he was the best of the students' van. Clayton shaped well, and Carr did capital work at centre, although inclined to play to the left, probably to keep the ball away from Hunt. Areta and Edendale had a very even struggle, the former winning by the odd goal in five. A goal to Areta from a penalty bully provided a point which caused considerable discussion, and enlarged the knowledge of rules of a number of players. Without the shadow of a doubt Areta supplied the better display of hockey, and did most of the attacking in the first spell. If Edendale did not furnish a scientific display .their rather unorthodox methods caused a lot of trouble to Areta, so much so that in the second spell the blacks were almost robbed of their prospective victory. For Areta Sloman was again the best of the backs, his hitting being a valuable asset. Preston copied with some awkward onslaughts. Baildon shaped better. Forward Fletcher showed his best form of the season. York played a dashing samp with a liking for goal-hunting. Rickette was the star of the Edendale rearguard. Tjineen did some jrood "work. Emery was in evidence at half. Phillips' Ht.iek and his impetuosity were awkward obstacles. Tn the front rank Grayson and Monteith proved the b*>st.