CHAMPIONSHIP HONOURS.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 172, 23 July 1929, Page 13

CHAMPIONSHIP HONOURS.

TOP TEAMS LEVEL

SOMERVILLE AND ST. LUKE'S TIE

Since Somerville and St. Luke's came into the competition there has invariably been great rivalry between the two clubs, but of late years the honours have been captured by bomerville. Throughout the present season no less than five out of the six teams have been bidding strongly for premiership honours, and after two complete rounds only four points separate the five teams. There has been considerable le-shullhng of positions, and it was not until just on the close of the series of matches that Somerville and St. Luke's gained a definite position at the head of affairs. Even then quite a number of enthusiasts anticipated that last year's champions would be fullv extended by North Shore. Now. as the result of last Saturday's play, Somerville and St. Luke's will iinire in a cup-tie final. They are both old winners, and traditional finalists, so the struggle for possession should provide some remarkable hockey, although Somerville's convincing victory of eight goals to three over North Shore indicates that they will prove a very tough proposition. The game, like the other two in the 'senior competition, was played under most unfavourable conditions. Bain fell during the best part of the afternoon, therefore the ground was very treacherous and not conducive to good hockey. St. Luke's did not have much difficulty with Epiphany, while University gained two points at the expense of Mt. Eden. Apart from the club games, considerable interest is attached to the tour of the Australians. They won the first match, but went under to' Wellington on Saturday. Still, it is too soon to judge the strength of the team. It must be remembered that they were without the services of their most capable full-back, and that Wellington is very strong, notwithstanding that Canterbury took the shield from them. In that match Wellington were handicapped by the loss of McLeod. who had to retire, and all who witnessed the ex-Aucklander play against the Indians will recognise what a loss Wellington suffered. The following table shows the positions and records of the senior teams:— Goals. Somerville ... 10 7 : — 3- 10 « St. Luke's .. 10 7 . >>— 32 -0 14 Mount Eden . 10 C 4 1 1£ 10 11 University ..!'»;. 4 l. -•> -- *• North Shore . 10 5 a — 1* ;* 30 Epiphany .. 10 — 10 — *> -"•