HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXIV, Issue 150, 28 June 1933, Page 15

HOCKEY.

COUNTRY WEEK TOURNEY. REPRESENTATIVE MATCHS. f■■ TOWN" TWICE SUCCESSFUL. The senior matches were c-uspended last Saturday to enable the representative teams to tr.v conclusion witli the coimtrj'' representatives. The intention of the executive was to stage only one contest, but the country officials were anxious to continue the match plflj ou. under junior cup compctilion, so it was again put on the programme. .| The two matches provided a fitting climax to Country Week, and it may be stated that this year's activities furnished one ot the most popular carnivals in the history of Country Week hockey. In the game between Town and Country A the former won by the substantial scorc ot fix goals to two, after a very keen struggle, especially j u the first spell. The Auckland juniors defeated the Country 1) sclcction by three goals to one. TOWN'S ADVANTAGE. . The country representatives have figured in some very close contests with Town in the past, .throughput: the first half and lu the early stages .of the sccond siiell Country put up an excellent fight against their niore scientific "ojiponents last Saturo.'ij. I hey made a splendid recovery and worked themselves into an excellent position, getting on level terms in tile early fit-ages of the second spell. In fact, for a tune they seemed to have gained the upper hand. Then came the reaction. , " on Country were relegated to a more humble position, and in a failing light their fi°al was frequently bombarded. fhu game commenced briskly and it ■nas not long before the Townites were goal-hunting, a couple of goals beiii" obtained early ill tlte proceedings. The setback was not; entirely expected, as the Countryites had been playing all t,!nou"li i*- m "st be remembered that if; was their first opportunity to play together since last year. Notwithstanding that Country was ft couple of goals down they fought so gallantly that the deficit was wiped out and for a. time the exchanges were fairly Ihe quick action 6i 13ie home forwards hampered the work of the visitors, but as they became accustomed to each other's play matters improved and they delighted their supporters-until Town regained the ascendancy. Taking a superficial view of the whole proceedings and under the conditions in which hockey is played in the country, it can only bo expected and it must bo admitted that the majority of the Town players were more skilful in stickwork, which counted for more than the dash and vigour of the opposition. One of the finest pieces of work on the part of the Country forwards led up to the second goal and the players responsible lor the short and long V movement were Kogers, Hewlett- and Grimmer. Apart from the actual tesult of the encounter, there was another objective in view, from a city standpoint, and that was the welding together of a;team to defend the shield next month. Quite a number of players were on their trial, and Mr. Ncwsham's next selection will be awaited with interest. On the play last Saturday it does not seem likely that Country will gain a place in the team, although there is not the least shadow of doubt that there is some promising material in sight, and with the "six months' plan" a great improvement in the liner points would be certain. In goal. Vail did not have a great deal to do. H. Williams bore the burden of defence in the full-back line. F. Clark did not reproduce his club form. In the middle division T. Clark stood out most prominently. N. Broun performed steadily throughout. liobertson wandered early, but improved considerably in the sqcond spell. Among the forwards there was a tendency to concentrate the attack. E. AYatts proved too clever for the Backs and baffled flie'custodian 6n several' occasions. Anthony did not show up as a right winger, tlioußli doing good work at times. Crawley played a sound game. C. Watts gave something of his best when the opposition appeared to be gaining the upper hand. l J hilpott lacked his past brilliancy; still, his work was conducive to combination. Of the country forwards the inner trio were the most conspicuous. Hewlett had plenty of work and was effective. Grimmer opened up the game, and there was an element of danger in Ins play. Woods did well, 'but "was inclined to defensive play. Spiers was not allowed much liberty, ( Rogers clung to the sideline, which?left a big gap uncovered; still, his hitting was accurate. A half-back, Finch gave a -good- display in the first spell, but did not maintain that efficiency under pressure in the second half. Smith proved fairly consistent on the right. Carter was up against a hard proposition. At fullback, Spiers was the better of the pair. Dunning created an excellent impression, and should improve. In goal, J. Spiers was responsible for some spectacular play, using the boot with amazing effect in clearing and also took some hot shots, but the tricky work caused him no end of trouble. WIN TO JUNIOR REPS. In getting the Auckland juniors together the selectors received very little notice, and their main effort was concentrated in choosing players to occupy their accustomed positions. Jbe team was placed on the field without a chance of practice. However, it contained some good material, and upheld ; .the reputation of the grade. The Country-~B team was not finalised until Friday afternoon, so an exhibition of scientific' hoc Key was hardly expected. Although it provided a fairly even encounter playjwas patchy, and there was very .little cohesion, marked by hard hitting. 'especially' on the part of the visitors. In the geegfnd spell play improved somewhat, but/the advantage was with the local team/ altlioiigh they were sorely pressed at times. For the Auckland juniors Clark was the better of the fullbacks. Kcllv shaped well at centre-half, whi'o/Wells did-' good work. Rougliton proved the pick of the forwards and made a good /run in' scoring the second goal, Twigden also gave a good account of himself. The Country goalkeeper, Challenger, from Wliangarei, extricated the side fiom some, awkward 1 situations."' Goodenough did good work at full-back. There was little to choose between • the forwaids. who all played bustling gamcs._ An effort is being made to raise a strong Auckland team to tour in the southern part of the North Island. If the tour eventuates matches will most likely no played at/Wanganui, Palmerston North, Xapier arid Gisbovne. Waipa',/winners of the White Horse Cup have been allotted third match for the Nordcn Cup. , . ~ At the smoke concert tendered to the country visitors, Mr. H. B. Speight. \ icepresident. related some of his experiences in connection with the New Zealand Hockey Association in days gone by. -Now headquarters contains a, very live body, and has put hockey on a very sound tooting in! New. Zealand. WAIPA V. TARANAKI. Intimation has boon received by secretary of the Wn'pa Hockey Association from tlio yew Zealand Association tli.it in the event of Tarannkl (tlie present holder*) retaining possession of the JSorden _Ci p asainst the earlier challengers. Waipa s challenge will be played at Waitara on Thursday, July 20.