HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 108, 10 May 1927, Page 16

HOCKEY.

THE SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIPS. UNIVERSITY AND ST. LUKE'S. LEVEL WITH THREE POINTS. The programme set down for decision last Saturday did not develop as was anticipated by the great majority of the sideline critics, and quite a number of the players were also surprised at the prolific scoring. The runaway victories were not confined to the B section, which is frequently looked upon to furnish results of this nature as in the A seci tion, a similar number of games produced almost as many goals. Still the spectators did not leave Remuera disappointed, for the contest between University, considered' one of ' the strongest elevens in the competition, and St. Luke's, whese strength had not altogether been ascertained, developed into a stubborn struggle, brimful of incident, with the result in the balance throughout. The play, though seldom marked by extreme brilliancy, was full of kaleidoscopic movements, revealing the splendid defensive qualities on both sides, and maintained the interest until the end. The remaining moments, after University equalised the score, were even more tense. The students had slightly the better of the exchanges, and if the goal scored by St. Luke's was lucky, for the ball rebounding off the post enabled Giles to shoot a spice of good fortune, seasoned the effort of Seelens, and so ended a somewhat unexpected draw. After Somerville's display on the first day it was considered that Mount Eden would fully extend last year's champions, but the game was one sided. Somerville winning by five goals to one. Areta also showed much improved form, especially in the forward line, and succeeded in defeating Wesley by six goals to one. In the B section Somerville had an easy victory over University, gaining the verdict by six goals to one, while Training College bustled over Ephiphany to the extent of seven goals.

ST. LUKE'S V. UNIVERSITY.

A hard tense encounter between St. Luke's and University produced a lucky goal apiece that made championship points even for the day. The drawn game by no means indicates the trend of the play, which certainly carried a balance in the students favour. The seventy minutes were crowded with anxious moments, but the most anxious were experienced by the University supporters. A very lucky goal by Giles gave St. Luke's a lead for the greater portion of the second half and with time drawing near and all hopes of at least equalising- seemed gone, the students swept into the circle, and Seelan notched with a lucky shot. It was a hard game throughout, but much below the standard these two teams should have provided. Holding territorial advantage for the greatest portion of the time the blues vanguard failed through too much individual effort, and lack of position. Another weakness was insufficient support by the half-line playing too far back. These failings made the St. Luke's defence—which was very sound —appear much stronger than it really was. The backs had plenty of time to execute their strokes and accepting tlieir rivals mistakes easily removed danger and s-et their own vanguard on the attack. It was not by fine concerted movements that either team advanced, but much ground was covered by the backs big hitting and then an individual dash by a forward. Hanna was seen in one of his best games as goalie for St. Luke's. He exercised good judgment in coming out and clearing, but would find it more advantageous to hit the ball across the line sometimes instead of having a go at everything. A. Williams was the best of the fullbacks, but Mills rendered good support, although inclined to speculate too much. Steele easily gained the half-line honours and proved a big obstacle for the students. Hookham, up to the time of Carston's accident, was in great fettle on the right-wing and held the line well when playing as centre. C. Carston, as inner-right, was indulging in very fine work until an accidental collision caused a broken collarbone. His absence will be severely felt by St. Luke's. Bay proved very dangerous at times, but over indulged in solo efforts. Potter, who replaced Carston, shaped well on the right wing, a position he is not used to. The students goalie, Steen, although not having a strenuous time, seemed to hesitate. This was most noticeable just before St. Luke's goal was scored, but this incident was not responsible for the score. Hume bore the brunt of the fullback's work, but his clearing lacked the direction of his partner's Brown. Dr. Leonard kept the best position of the halves and cleared with well-directed hitting. Both Radcliffe and Barrett did a lot of useful defensive work, but failed to support the forwards. Too much individual effort marked the front line although at times some of Burton's work on the left wing was clever. Seelan was always handy, but

Hamilton, as inner left, worked hard and did not receive support. His efforts deserved a better fate. Greenbank was over anxious and either over ran the ball or closed in too much before centreing. ARETA v. WESLEY. Although Wesley were a depleted side, being without Lucas and Burton and Sparling, three of their most prominent players, the display against Areta was rather disappointing. Still, it must be remembered that Areta played capital hockey, especially in the first spell. Wesley were soon in trouble, and as the interval drew near, became more hopelessly involved, Areta leading at halftime by four goals to one. The Areta forwards removed the reproaches cast upon them on the previous Saturday, playing with fine combination, in fact, in the second spell they were inclined to overdo it, overrunning the ball in the vicinity of the circle. The backs also were seen to better advantage, and seldom failed to support the forwards, while there was not much amiss in defence. Savage undoubtedly strengthened the intermediate line, although his hitting was a trifle hard, and he was well supported on both flanks by Ashley and Small wood. At full-back, Davis accomplished his portion of work in a cool and dextrous manner. The prime movers in the forwards were Anthony and J. Carter, but with the whole line there was every cause for satisfaction on the part of Areta. Naturally Wesley attribute their heavy defeat to a weakened team, but on the day they would have required to have played more than an ordinary game with their best eleven to have overcome Areta. Burton at full-back worked hard to stem the clever advances of the opposing forwards. Flood and Goodwin did well under pressure, while Fitt and Frater were most noticeable in the vanguard.

Mr. S. G. Holland is one of the staunch supporters of Canterbury hockey, well known to the older school of Aucklanders. In his playing days he gained rep. honours, but of recent yeara has turned his attentions to the management, and is now a member of the New Zealand Hockey Association executive. Last year he was one of the selectors for the New Zealand teams. This season he is examiner for the Canterbury Referees' Association. During a visit to Auckland last week he received many old acquaintances, and gave a useful lecture to the local referees' association. On Saturday he was seen.in action controlling the Areta-Wesley match. SOMERVILLE V. MT. EDEN. Varying slightly from the team which suffered defeat by University on the opening day, Somerville pave such a good exhibition against Sit. Kden -that they fully restored the confidences of their supporters. It was not a brilliant game owing to the superiority of the Somerville forwards, nevertheless their work and methods were most interesting to watch. Each attack was of a nippy nature, frequently baffling the Sit. Kdeu backs and then ending in rapid fire in the danger zone. As the result Somerville emerged victorious by five goals to one. The Mt. Eden forwards were keen, but seldom in the picture owing to their inability to obtain the ball, and it was only at rare intervals they managed to break away. However, they succeeded in scoring one goal, and with a little good fortune may have secured another in the closing stages of the game. The Somerville backs shaped better than against University, but occasionally their work was not quite convincing, still it must be remembered that the middle division underwent a change, Haggett being promoted to centre half, it would be unfair to judge him on the one game, a 9 he shaped better towards the end. The two best backs on the Somerville side were Cole and Roberts. The former on the left flank used his stick cleverly. Roberts at full made few mistakes aiid his hitting was more judicious. The spectators were impressed by the plav of E. Watts, C. Watts and Seccombe. £. Watts was invariably much too good for Toovey. C. Watts revealed his old shooting powers, and Seccombe figured prominently in the intricacies of the irrepressible trio. The Mt. Eden goalee, Vail, had a hot time between the uprights. Although nearly half a dozen goals were registered, he stopped some difficult shots. At fullback, Jarman started well but lacked condition. Surnian worked energetically The halves were harassed by the Somerville forwards and did not show out so conspicuously as on the first match, lletcher was the most prominent forward breaking away quickly. Kelly, at centre was frequently in evidence. Jansen made a few openings then centred, but his intentions were too apparent. TRAINING COLLEGE v. EPIPHANY. Training College notched their first win in the senior grade at the expense of Epiphany. The Collegians commenced m a dashing manner, and goals came quickly. The boisterousness of their attack, which was in keeping with the style of hockey credited by Capt. Cowan to many teams in New Zealand, completely upset Epiphany, who never recovered sufficiently to withstand the onslaught launched against them. In taking corners Training College were most succesful, and some of the other teams in both sections would do well to emulate them in this direction, while they intercepted cleverly and stopped well. Naturally Training College defence was not severely tested. North and Wilmott were the best of the backs, while Worthington, Tizard and Weatherspoon showed out prominently in the forwards. There were very few redeeming features about the individual work of Epiphany, they seemed disorganised by the relentless attack of the Collegians. J. Mills (full-back), and Hewitt (forward) were about the pick. SOMERVILLE COLTS v. UNIVERSITY. "Somerville Colts cleaned up University and so did we," was expressed by a third grade player, and on making further inquiries ascertained that the students suffered defeat in this grade by thirteen goals to two. The students were unfortunate in being without

Hamilton, who was the life and soul of the forward line on the previous Saturday. Somerville team also underwent an alteration, but the opposition was not very effective, and throughout the piece held the upper hand. Harris and Gubry were the best of the backs. In the forward division Preston, Lee and Gregson were most prominent. H. Taylor, a member of the Wellington Club and also of the Wellington Hockey Executive, has been transferred to Auckland. At the present time he is unable to take the field owing to injuries. The application for a grant of £f>o to Auckland from the proceeds of the Third Test was referred to a special meeting of delegates of the New Zealand Hockey Association. Auckland applied to the New Zealand Hockey Association for the next Shield Tournament. An invitation was also received from Nelson, while Canterbury made a request for the North and South Island game. The Feilding Hockey Association intend holding a tournament on June 3. Last year 68 teams competed, including teams from most of the associations between Wellington and New Plymouth. The total number of teams in the Commonwealth of Australia has almost reached the ninety mark. The Australians are forming a sinking fund, with the object of sending an invitation to a British team to tour Australia and New Zealand. What is now becoming a regular affair is the motion to transfer the quarters of the New Zealand Hockey Association to Wellington. Auckland supported the motion on geographical position only. Mr. S. G. Holland, of Christchurch. refereed in the game between Areta and Wesley and spoke very highly of the conduct of the players, the tine clean play, and the capable utilisation of the left-hand stroke. The entries for the King's Birthday annual tournament will close on May 23. The carnival will as usual be played at ReTiiuera, commencing at 10 o'clock in the morning. An alteration has been made in the date of the White Horse Cup tournament, which will commence on July 4.