HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LVIII, Issue 192, 16 August 1927, Page 16

HOCKEY.

THE DEVONPORT SHIELD. MATCHES UNDExt ABWdRMAL CONDITIONS. COLOURLESS SERIES OF GAMES. With the atmosphere clear of "country week" and the challenge shield tournament further struggles for the possession of the Devonport Shield were of a more settled nature. The three goals victory of Areta over St. Luke lifted them to the top of the list although Sonierville and University are treading closely on their heels two points behind, still, both should, bar accidents, pick up the arrears without trouble from their postponed matches. Strange to relate University and Somcrville not only stand on the same mark but possess exactly the same record, both having obtained four . points, notched fourteen goals apiece and each count a couple of goals against.

The ground showed a little improvement but was still treacherous and difficult to operate upon; therefore,-good hockey was at a discount. Nevertheless, during the afternoon, there were glimpses of good work, although, for the most part, it did not reach a very high standard while competition was a bit one-sided and it was altogether the *\B" element that was responsible for this state of affairs. It happened that the draw, with the exception of the encounter between Somervillc and St. Luke divided, the sections;in fact the contest between Somervillc Colts and University Colts was of a most even nature, only a solitary goal separating the two teams. No doubt the best encounter was between Areta and St. Luke's which, as mentioned previously, went to the former by three goals to nil, but the score hardly denotes the difference between the two teams except in shooting. Somervillc ran into double figures at the expense of Jit. Eden. University added seven goals to their aggregate. Epiphany being the unfortunate victims. Training College defaulted to Wesley, the latter securing their first points in the competition.

ARETA V. ST. LUKE'S.

Two teams that have experienced the rise to fame and to some extent the fall thereof arc Areta and St. Luke's. The vicissitude of fortune played havoc with Areta in the past but they have made good while St. Luke's, although not sufficiently strong enough to challenge the supremacy of the leaders showed that they were capable of making a sound impression. A little bit of ancient history was attached to the contest inasmuch as the only member of the ancients on the Areta side was L. Ellison; while of the original seniors of St. Luke's, H. Duncan and A. Steele were the only players in action. Areta fielded a strong eleven and, with a couple of exceptions, St. Luke's were also well represented. The game underwent several phases and at times so pronounced were the changes that it was difficult to realise that there were three goals between the two teams. Areta <were the more consolidated eleven, but it could not be stated that there was such a big margin between the two; however, Areta seized, the''opportunities. It was during a period in the middle of the second spell that Areta revealed their best form (both backs and forwards), and, capped by excellent shooting which produced a couple of splendid goals, put them in an almost unassailable position. The St. Luke's defence, which had suffered the full force of the fury of the Areta onslaughts, recovered and gave their more sombre-clad opponents a taste of sustained aggressive hockey but, owing to a decided weakness in the circle, the Areta goal did not undergo such a severe bombardment. Apart from one or two miner happenings, it was rather an enjoyable game. No doubt the better team Wrn, but St. Luke's had.bad luck and they were to some extent to blame for not opening their account. J. Carter and Haysou were the pick of' the Areta forwards, although the whole line played their part. Carter's shooting was tip-top. Smallwood performed well in the first half but Ashley 'was most active after the cahnge over. Davis maintained Ids efficiency at full-back and was well supported by. Ellison. If St.; Luke's forwards could shoot better results would be attained; the only forward to do justice was H. Duncan and he served up a "couple" sufficient to shake almost any defence. Bay was always to the fere the Giles centred frequently. The-.halves* were' a trifle erratic. Steele lacking his usual brilliancy; still the trio were up against a stiff proposition. Mills T>ore the brunt of the work at fullback.

UNIVERSITY V. EPIPHANY.

Without, the" least shadow of doubt Epiphany \vere hopelessly outclassed by the students and, although they kept going throughout, were'seldom in the picture. . The whole team was completely upset *by the plav of the student halves who not only ruthlessly smothered most of the ragged movements of Epiphany but took a prominent part in initiating attacks in the opposite direction. "It was disheartening for Epiphany, still it must be remembered that on one occasion in the second spell they had the student's goal at their mercy, no less than four players making futile attempts to pilot the ball into the net. No doubt the best forward on the student's side was Philpott, and whether in field-play or in circle he maintained control of the ball. Greenbank on the opposite wing made good progress, while the inner forwards had plenty of opportunities to shine.

Radcliffe gave a splendid display at centre half, both in attack and defence. Dr. Leonard was also prominent. Hume and Brown had little- to do at fullback. Steen's position in goal was almost a sinecure.

Little can be said about the Epiphany team, certainly they did not play up to the form revealed in previous matches, still it. must be remembered that the opposition had something to do with their indifferent display. Rankin, in goal, deserved some sympathy, but the stopping of shots seemed to increase the supply. Mills at full and another Mills at half were most prominent in the defence while a Mills and Merryweather made a breakaway or so in the forwards. The name of Mills figures prominently in the disaster, still at one time half a-dozeu of them lined out with Epiphany., ,_ -'^___:

SOMERVILLE v. MOUNT EDEN.

Although Somerville's eleven was reinforced with several juniors, Mount Eden found themselves in a worse predicament and fielded only nine players, including juniors.. As a result the worst thrashing of the season was suffered, and no doubt had Soinerville put a little more dash and vim into their work a greater score would have resulted.

The ground was against good hockey, but with duo allowance for all conditions the game was the most crude witnessed this season. Hard indiscriminate hitting and individual efforts were the dominating features. The win gave to Somerville extra points for the cup and increased the g"oal record.

SOMERVILLE COLTS V. UNIVERSITY COLTS.

Although the fixture Iwtwrpn the two teams from the B section was of an even nature, it did not "provide a vcrv good exhibition of hockey, in fact, play was rather disappointing. The game was only fairly interesting, no doubt the ground seriously handicapped the players. Combination in the first spell was conspicuous by its absence, play being mostly of the ragged order. In the second spell play became keener, the students making great efforts to retrieve their position and hockey improved a little. Hard hitting was still a prominent feature throughout, and most of the advances were the outcome of individuality. For the winners both fullbacks adopted hard-hitting tactics. Hunter was easily the best of the halves, while Lee, Peace and Preston claimed forward honours.

On the student's side Leonard, in goal, counted in the defence. Watson 'rendered good service at fullback. .101 l was the most conspicuous in the middle division; Spencer nnd Hay shaped the best of the vanguard.

The Auckland Grammar School, holders of the Bankin Cup won from Canterbury last year, play a challenge match against Hamilton High School at Reinucra, next Saturday. Owing to vacation. Training College find it necessary to default all matches during the next three weeks.