HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 112, 14 May 1929, Page 13

HOCKEY.

SOMERVILLE.S DEFEAT. UNIVERSITY IN THE LEAD. The feature of the programme set down for decision last Saturday afternoon was the defeat of Somerville at the hands of their old rivals by four goals to two in a game that roused the enthusiasm of the spectators. Until the end Somerville fought desperately to retrieve their position. The calculations of the prophets was also upset in the conflict between University and North Shore. The better stickwork of the students proved more effective than the spasmodic attacks of the trans-harbour team, and supplied a victory by the odd goal in five.

ST. LUKE'S MERIT.

St. Luke*s did something towards lifting the shadow, the outcome of their defeat on the previous Saturday at the hands of North Shore, by scoring a surprising but convincing victory over last year's champions. The contest opened, very evenly, but it was not long before it was apparent that the St. Luke's backs would play a prominent part in the struggle. Taking advantage of the blunders of the Somerville forwards, who found great difficulty in operating on the rough ground, the St. Luke backs hit freely, and the forwards lying well ahead took possession of the ball and subjected a. vacillating defence to several sorties. In endeavouring to break down a St. Luke's attack Rogers dropped his stick, and in the excitement bumped one of the St. Luke's forwards. The incident happened in the circle, and Somerville suffered a penalty bully. The first rattle of sticks was incorrect, and after the next bully Rogers hesitated, allowing J. Giles a better opportunity of obtaining the desired result. St. Luke's held the upper hand until towards half-time, then Somervillerallied, and by smart forward play evened up the scores. It was Somerville's best effort during proceedings, and for a while dominated the position. If the defence had not been so sound the score would certainly have been larger. Although St. Luke's owe much to the performances of the rear division, the forwards must be given some credit for removing the reproaches cast upon them ill regard to shooting. Out of half a dozen shots which went in the direction of the enemy's goal, three readied the net, while the fourth goal came from the penalty mentioned previously. For St, Luke's Highrield proved very safe in goal. H. Williams was the sounder of the two full-backs. The halves did good work in holding the famous Somerville trio, and of a very even lot W. Williams appeared to most advantage. Although the display of the forwards lacked the artistic touch of the opposition all contributed in some measure in hampering the work of the Somerville backs. Bay stood out most prominently, and seemingly enjoying a roving commission, attacked strongly regardless of the position of the remainder of the line. After a considerable absence Cooper took up his old position as custodian, but it cannot be stated that he lived up to his reputation. C. Smith, though troubled by the vagaries of the ball, was the more reliable of the backs. The half line was very weak, frequently dallying with the ball too long. Somerville did not experience much in the way of good fortune. Eric Watts was unlucky with a sliot towards the end of the first spell while Seccohibe hit the post a moment later.

UNIVERSITY V. NORTH SHORE.

AltLou-li the students had whispered their nbJlity to win, the defeat of North Shore came as & surprise to the average hockeyito. It was a fast, exciting encounter, in which the blues had the best of matters, but the marine suburbs players could have snatched a victory if they had accepted the chances that offered. The Shoreitea, f rom the initial bully, were a disorganized set, and left the centre of the field too open. 'Varsity playing with more combination, were quiek to accept the mistake, and hurled attack after attack from all parts of tho line. The game developed into combination versus individual effort. Crawley made his debut between the posts for 'Varsity, and acquitted liim•self well. Brown wae best of the fullbacks, while Hay often waited too long instead of going for his man. Radcliffe (centre-half)' niaist have smiled at the liberty he enjoyed. The privileges granted were too great for a player of his calibre. Storry has never been seen to greater advantage; he had Eeid overcome throughout the piece. Don was best of the forwards, although at times the right wing put in some splendid efforts. In charge of Shore's not, Han kin'made some great saves. Some of his speculations surprised, the spectators. He used his pads and feet to greater advantage than usual. Both R. Frator and Parker at full-back put in a lot of solid defence. A. Fratcr was the pick of the half line, but the forward line, although disorganised by the absence of Anthony, failed to get going.

NEWS AND NOTES.

Further news of the visit of the Australian team to New Zealand is awaited with interest, and when the dates are announced the local executive intend going into the ground question for the match. Auckland has challenged for the Shield, and will probably follow Canterbury if Wellington retain the trophy. It has been mentioned that a Test match between the Australians and minor associations may be arranged. The uniformity of rulings by referees came up for discussion at the annual meeting of the New Zealand Hockey Association. Although. much has been done by the Now Zealand Referees' Association there is still plenty of room for adjustment. • The King's Birthday Carnival has been abandoned, A seven a-side tournament and several athletic events will take place on June 1 instead of the usual cup fixture. Snook, the veteran Canterbury goalie, has gone into semi retirement, He may be persuaded to turn out occasionally. That closer attention requires to be paid the obstruction rule .was again marked, and offenders in various games were lucky to get away with the tactics. In some cases it was done unknowingly. Repeatedly, when the backs cleared the forwards turned right around and stood between the ball and the Sainy y'.: yers.