HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 110, 11 May 1926, Page 15

HOCKEY.

THE CLUB COMPETITION.

NOTES ON THE GAME.

The third series of matches provided a much better afternoon's eport than the displays on the two previous occasions, and the games were better contested, the biggest margin being in the contest between Mount Eden and Stanley, and then it was only in the second spell that Mount Eden gained a substantial advantage, winning by six goals to one. The greatest struggle was between Areta and University, on the ground in front of the pavilion, which resulted in a draw with two goals apiece after an exceptionally fast game, containing some excellent movements by both teams.

Soinerville experienced a surprise, for they were almost caught napping by their "colts." and only succeeded in winning by the odd goal in live. St. Luke's showed much improvement and scored a well-earned victory over Wesley by four goals to one. ARETA V. UNIVERSITY. The contest between Areta and University furnished a strenuous struggle of an exhilarating description. Throughout the game the play was fast, and full of incident. On the earlier run of the game it appeared as if Areta would have little difficulty in winning, as they were more often on the attack, and frequently stormed the circle, but the defence of the University backs held at the last moment. Areta commenced their assaults on the students' citadel in a, most determined manner, and it seemed that it would require a set of clever backs to hold them, but, as the movements progressed, the Areta attacKs became slower, and therefore gave the opposition a chance to recover. This was noticeable throughout the game, and it is difficult to understand why the forwards dallied with the ball beyond the edge of the circle, instead of carrying on at full speed. While on the move they were extremely dangerous, and difficult to stop, and they hit hard when in the circle, but the delay m launching their attacks lost them several opportunities.

University operated chiefly from the centre and left flank: but for the most part they were not nearly so dangerous as the opposing forces, except when Burton was at the head of affairs. Although Areta hail the better of the game, the students thoroughly deserved both goals, and it was quite a long time before the scores were evened. A penalty bully gave Areta a golden opportunity, but the University goalie dealt with the situation confidently, and redeemed himself. The backs on both sides were kept busy keeping pace with the ever-chang-ing play, and in this respect the students' backs showed to better advantage than their more sombre clad opponents. The Areta defence was solid, but they did not support their vanguard so consistently as the students. In University, Steen did not have much chance of stopping the two goals. At fullback Leonard wa_ solid. Dobson's quick hitting brought up Areta attacks. In the middle division Dr. Leonard was more aggresive than in the previous match, and used his stick skillfully. Eadcliffe was prominent in both attack and defence until the end. Brook showed plenty of dash in restricting attacks. In the forward line Barton stood out beyond compare* and was at the commencement and finish of both scoring movements. Hamilton was conspicuous »t times, but the whole line grafted hard throughout. In the Areta team, Wilkie used pads and boots in dealing with prespective goals. Davis was reliable and clever with 1113 stick. The halves did not maintain position. Ashley and Savage worked well with their respective methods. The forward line, up to a certain stage, were a dangerous combination. Anthony was consistent, although J. Carter was the most spectacular and he crowned big efforts with a wonderful run. R. Carter has all the qualifications for a left winger, but leaves his centreing too late. SOMkSVILLE V. COLTS.

Somerville, after a couple of big victories, met their colts, and it was anticipated that a good crop of goals would be the outcome, but as matters turned our. it was by no means a nursery affair. In fact, at the finish, last year's champions were fortunate in emerging from the fray with a couple of points to their credit. The colts, with a slightly revised side gave a much better exhibition than was ever expected, and they kept their more seasoned opponents constantly on the move. Towards the end of the game both Preston and Lee rocked in shots that deserved success. It was a most critical time for the champions, but they managed to keep their goal intact, and later took a hand in storming the opposing citadel, where they found the defence just as stubborn as their own. Although it 1_ quite fesibale that Somervilla did not take the game as seriously as the two previous contests in which they ran up a total of a dozen goals, yet they freely admit that the (Jolts gave them anxiety before they had made much progress. The contest was fast and open and in view of the big struggles ahead, it is pleasing to chronicle that the Somerville centre opened up play to certain extent by his wings ac times. Still it was the inner trio that accomplished the great part of the attack. Cole and E. Rogers performed well at halfback. Baildon was steadier of the fullbacks. Throughout the game the Colts endeavoured to carry out their forwards' movem-nt-on a wider scale, and it met wimeasure of success, for which Grec-on Preston and Lee were responsible. At halfback Gntry and Munro shaped best, and while Harris used his stick effectively at fullback, Chiplin in goal, accounted for the climax of many of the opposing forward rushes. STANLEY'S BIG DEFEAT. Stanley suffered heavily at thel hands of Mount Eden, losing by six goals to one, but the score was by no means a true indication of the general trend of play, as until half time Stanley held their more seasoned adversaries at bay. and even did a fair share of the attacking It was after the interval that Mount Eden took a more prominent part in the game and during that time succeeded in notching five goals. Right through the spell Stanley put up a good defensive fight, but were unable to maintain the attack, owing to an apparent weakness in the front line. Mount Eden rearranged the forward line at the interval, A Alexander taking the centre position and Rankin inner left. It made all the difference in the matter of scoring, and also in the play of the

former, who gave glimpses of his old form. Kelly was the best of the halves, and Brown rendered good service at fullback, -t, • i y,--(j In the Stan-ley team Miller and McFarhme -were the pick of the forwards. Jones and White did the bulk of the work in the halves, while both fullbacks had a busy time, more especially in the second spell. ST. LUKE'S V. WESLEY. It was generally considered that the meeting of St. Lake's and Wesley would produce a very even game, but a surprise was in store, for in no uncertain manner St. Luke's had the best of play and secured a sound win by 4 goals to 1. A hot pace and too much individual effort were the outstanding features of the play. Many promising movements were initiated, but broke down at the critical moments. St. Luke's maintained the best position and their attacks were the strongest, giving the Wesley rearguard at times a severe test ins-. The greens' circle work was decidedly below the standard, and cost many good opportunities.

Hookham was St. Luke's outstanding forward, and as right wing was ever in the limelight. His work led to many attacks and he kept his colleagues supplied in a most unselfish manner. A V*> illiams was patchy as centre-forward, and inclined to go too far instead of catering for his winger. Potter was the best of the halves, although at times Williams was prominent with judicious placing. Both Rowe and Mills were somewhat erratic and let much unnecessary work fall on the goalie, Hanna. who ga\e a sound display/ Wiseman, as left wing forward, calls for special mention among the Wesley vanguard. His runs produced good openings. Burton was very sound, but Fitt lost many chances through wandering out of position. Flood and Wattam were a tower of strength in the half line. Sparling was the best of the fullbacks. To \\ oolley's goalkeeping Wesley was saved a crushing defeat, for he* withstood the many onslaughts in line style. He wa_ not to blame for the shots that found the net. FRANKLIN ASSOCIATION. (From Our Own Corrpspondent. ■ WAIL'KU. Saturday. The _rad* competitions were continued to-day in good weather, some good games resulting. The results were as follows :— AVERY CCr COMPETITION fLADIES.) Waiuku v. Cleredon. — This game took place at Cievedon. and provided about the best match seen In ladies' hockey this season. Waiuku dominated play in the tirst half, the score reading Waiuku 3. netted by I. Meiklejohn 2. and N. Flareil 1 : Clevedon 1.. V. Hyde being the scorer. In the second half the home team livened up. and had Waiuku busy defending, goals being scored by D. Hyde and V. Hyde, thus equalising the t»ta! : both sides made determined efforts to score. With two minutes to go the Waiuku forwards came down with a good passing rush, which ended in I. Farrelly netting the winning goal. Referee, Mr. E. Hay. Mauku 7 coals i P. Zinznn 2. E. Malcomson 2. J. Zinzan 1. M. Wright 1. I). Care li. beat Waipipi 0. Referee, ilr. L. Codlin. Whiri Whirl 2 goals ( M. Brown i. beat Patumahoe 0. Referee. Mr. G. Howard Pukekohe H.S. Old Girls 'J (Z. Blake 3, M. Holmes 2. B. Woods 1. R. Stewart 1, B, Johns 21. beat Waiuku 80. Referee. Mr. R. Waiston. GFEST SHIELD COMPETITION* (MEN.) Gienbrook v. Aka Alca. — This match played at Gienbrook provided the best game of hockey seen in this district for several season*. The play was particularly fast. Aka Aka played a fine open game, their forwards showing good combination, whilst their opponents relied too much on individual efforts, and were continually being penalised for breach** of the rules. A feature of the game was the splendid display of the Aka Aka goalie (Bai.eyi. and the full backs, Kendall and Atger. N. Hodgkinson netted for Gienbrook. and Maxwell for Aka Aka. Referee, Rev. C. Kendon. Whiri v. Waiuku. —■ This garna was a runaway win for Whiri Whiri by 0 to 0. the display of Waiuku (although playing one short p. is hard to understand after rheir tights against Aka Aka and Gienbrook. W. MoN'amara 3. L. McN'amara 2. K. Smith 1. Brown 1, Egan 1, L. Wasseii Referee, Mr. ?. Bonnar. DRAW FOR SATURDAY. The following is the draw for next Saturday : — Ladies.—Waiuku A. v. Patumahoe. at Waiuku ; Waipipi v. Clevedon. at Waipipi ; Whiri Whiri v. Waiuku B, at Whirl Whiri; Pukekohe H.S. Old Girla v. Maoku, at Pukekohe. Men. —Whiri Whiri v. Gienbrook, at Whiri Whiri; Waiuku v. Aka Aka, at Waiuku.