HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 110, 12 May 1930, Page 5

HOCKEY.

UNDER NEW CONDITIONS

SOMERVILLE AND ST. LUKE'S AGAIN. The decision of the executive to play the senior fixtures at Walker Park came as a great surprise to followers of hockey. Still, the executive cannot be blamed for making the entirely unexpected change. To play first-class hockey, good grounds are necessary, and as the Hockey Association could not obtain them at Remuera they had to go elsewhere. Therefore at Walker Park, under ideal weather conditions, the second series of matches in connection with the season competition eventuated, and on the two' grounds the three matches were played.

Most interest was centred in the struggle between those two very old rivals, Somerville and St. Luke's. The former, without Eric Watts and Hunter, were sadly depleted, and naturally St. Luke's were favourite. However after a very close and interesting struggle, in which Somerville held the lead for most of the journey, the game was drawn. Not only was the main Somerville and St. Luke's game keenly contested, but the two others also furnished even struggles.

Contrary to expectations UniversityWhippets fully extended University, losing by the narrow margin of one goal after having all th e best of the first spell. Mount Eden only defeated Wesley by two goals, and in this match the new team to the grade put up a game fight. Although the play throughout the afternoon was fast and open, it was frequently disjointed on account of the peculiar nature of the turf, it being just sufficiently uneven to make the ball bump, and of course interfered with skilful stick play considerably. However, with the wet weather approaching 'and some rolling this should be overcome, and then play should be even faster and more scientific.