HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 138, 13 June 1934, Page 17

HOCKEY.

THE SECOND ROUND. ÜBADBRS CHECKED. SOMERVILLE EXTENDED. i j^ e beginning it was generally regarded that the struggle for premiership honours would be limited to a couple of important matches in each round, owing to the considered weakness of some of the teams. However, a different tale has been unfolded and quite a number of matches have provided excellent contests, in which the leading teams, St. Luke's and Somerville, although not actually subjected to submission, have been sorely tried and c.iecked by opponents ocoopying positions in the lower half of the competition. It 1S ° I ®* lnetl y to the credit of both Wesley and Papatoetoe for their achievements in arresting the progress of the older teams. So it happened again. In the series of matches just completed St. Luke's, after a rousing game, were compelled to share honours with Wesley, the score of four all, strange to relate, being exactly 'the same as in the contest between St. Luke's and Papatoetoe three weeks prviously. On the adjoining ground Somerville had to struggle desperately to overcome Papatoetoe, and it was only in the second spell that they gained the ascendancy. University experienced very little difficulty in adding two points at the expense of North Shore. _ Following are the positions of the teams m the championship ladder:— Goals. Ch. P. W. L. D. P. A. Pts. Somerville ... 7 5 1 1 36 13 11 St Luke's ... 6 4 — 2 23 13 10 university 6 4 1 1 22 7 0 Wesley 5 3 1 1 28 20 7 North Shore .710 — 11 20 2 Papatoetoe ... 0 — 5 1 12 CO 1

SOMERVILLE RECOVERY.

Papatoetoe have yet to win a match, but they made such a good start, against Somerville, that they raised the hopes of their supporters to thoughts of victory just when they expected a severe thrashing, for it _ will be remembered that Somerville inflicted an overwhelming defeat in the first round. The performance of Papatoetoe was all the more creditable as their ranks was depleted by the absence of Laurence, who materially assisted them against St. Luke's, while they expected to have the assistance of Cohen, but he was unable to play owing to an injured wrist. To complete the eleven Somerville gave them permission to field Moore, who had already played in the earlier game. It was not exactly a brilliant game, but at no time did play lack incident. During a portion of the first half Papatoetoe held the upper hand and had a certain amount of bad luck in their attacks, still it would have required fairly clever forwards to have obtained the desired result from some of those dashing onslaughts in which the ball seemed to get beyond control just at the crucial time. The boisterousness of the visiting attack may have put Somerville off their usual game for a while; it certainly shook their defence and prevented the Somerville forwards, wherein their great strength lay, from getting the ball. It also protected their own rearguard, which, collectively, did not appear too confident in operating on the Kemuera turf early in the game. When the Somerville forwards did get the opportunities they gave Papatoetoe a taste of their attacking qualities, eventually gaining the upper hand and saving the game, for it cannot be stated that there was much assistance forthcoming from the halves, notwithstanding some rearrangement in that line. It was the same trio that was really responsible for Somerville's victory, although the right lent a little more assistance and Glanville notched an excellent goal. At full-back Smith and Parker had some swift work at times to contend against, and the former was the safer though not under so much pressure. The forward line lost no time in their advances, and V. Smytheman, though lacking the artistic touches of E. Watts, was a source of danger. L. Smytheman, an i inner left, was also effective in the speedy thrusts. Middleton put some good "ones" across in the first spell, but found difficulty in connecting when on the other side of the ground. McNaughton was a more subdued worker. Kerr was the best half-back on the ground, and was prominent both in attack and defence. He was not quite master of play to his left hand. As full-back, Lusby got through much good work. In speculating freely he took risks, and also paid the penalty.

EASY CONQUEST.

After their return from Wellington the students' first engagement against North Shore, but the game revealed little in the way of brilliancy; in fact, it was not of a very interesting nature, play tor the most part being scrappy and ragged, especially in the first spell. University improved matters to some extent in the second spell, and thanks to erratic hitting by Shore and their own movements had an easy victory. In the first half University made most progress on the right flank, where Don and. Fraser operated successfully, the former scoring excellent goals. On the opposite flank the honours went to Lawry, who executed some fine runs. After the interval Floyd and Brown, the latter was included in the New Zealand 'Varsity representatives, came more into the picture and performed well. Pickens claimed most distinction m the middle division, while Robinson was the better of the full-backs. North Shore were without Jones, which weakened them considerably; still, the "collection" was capable of a tetter performance. The forward line lacked cohesion and there was no method in their work. Anthony showed ability with the stick, but invariably hung on to the ball too long. Williamson made headway on the right. At half-back, Savage did some heavy work. Moore made some dice openings. There was little to choose between the full-backs, Carter and Thornton, although the latter was prone to attacks too much from the left.

A GREAT EFFORT

The game between Wesley and St. Luke's provided an exhilarating display, in which the fortunes of both teams fluctuated greatly. There were times when the supporters of either eleven felt victory was assured for their fancy, but on the run of the match a draw with four goals apiece was a satisfactory finish. It was early apparent that the championship leaders would not have things all their own way, and when Wesley netted the first goal the red's supporters were uneasy. Could the pace set by the greens last; many felt it could not, but to the delight of everybody it did, and the excitement created in the closing stages, when Wcdey equalised, will long, be remembered It was a fitting reward to the new team, and displayed their fighting strength. The great weakness of St. Luke's wan the back division. The forwards worked well but lacked support, and no more striking evidence of it is required that during some of the onslaughts in the second spell. The backs' hitting was badly directed, and too hard, often going through to the opposing rearguard, who made good use of it. ~..,,,,, Wesley's attacks, especially in the latter stages, were better launched. The in and out passing had the backs well on the move, while the forwards were well supported by the backs. Ireland, the Wesley goalie, made some fine saves, but must clear quicker after meeting the ball on the pads. He displayed fine judgement in coming out and kicking the ball. Burton and Surman were safe, and at times Burton's work was of a high standard. The half trio performed well, and it is difficult to individualise. Neate was the outstanding forward, and Kiff has never been seen to "such advantage. Chapman, right wing, rose to a high standard, and was always a source of trouble to the opposing defence. F. Clark was the best of St. Luke's full-backs. His reach proved an advantage, but much of his hitting was too hard. Robertson worked hard at centre half. He was, however, out of posii tion too frequently.- yrins half,,

has the line honours. Yipond proved the best of a hard-working set of forwards'. His first goal was a neat effort. Corin was not so consistent as usual, while Torbett deserved a better fate with many efforts. Grace, left wing, opened many fine attacks that did not materialise, through the lack of support as previously mentioned.

LADIES' COMPETITIONS.

POINTS AT END OF FIRST ROUND. The championship tables in the ladies' hockey competitions at the end of the first round:— SENIOR (completed May 20). Goals. Ch. P. W. D. L. F. A. Pts. Kiwi 4 3 1 — 17 3 7 Wesley 42 11 0 10 5 Clevedon 4 2 — 2 5 7 4 Ngaro 4 1 — 3 9 0 2 Technical 4 1 — 3 G 17 2 INTERMEDIATE (May 19). Goals. Ch. I , P. W. D. L. F. A. Pts. I Liwi 4 4— — 29 6 8 Mount Eden ..4211 4 3 r> St. David's .. 4 2 1 1 13 8 5 Technical .... 4 — 13 1 23 1 Wesley 4 — 1 3 1 8 1 JUNIOR (May 19). Goals. Ch. P. W. D. L. F. A. Pts. Papakura .... 2 2 12 4 Ngaro 2 1 — 1 5 3 2 Mount Eden .. 2 2 — 14

COUNTRY WEEK,

AUCKLAND REPRESENTATIVES. Sides chosen to represent the Auckland Ladies' Hockey Association in the Couutiy Week tournament which commences next Monday :— A Team.—Misses I. Grace, M. Graham, V. Isaacs, M. Waters, G. Jones, M, Francis, E. Ma.vall (Kiwi), Euke, N. Munro, Gow, H. Smith (Clevedon), P. Smith, M. Kossiter (Wesley). B Team. —Misses P. Canning, C. Barclay, I. Douglas, M. Young, N. Douglas, L. Barda.- (St. David's), J. Graham, A. Graham, E. G.-alium, O. Aden (Kiwi), E. Smytheman (Moui.t M. Speakman (Technical), Mrs. Martin (Papakura).

KODNEX'S TOUKNEY ELEVENS. Rodney hockey teams for the Country Week tournament at Kemuera next week :— Men.—A team: S. Cave (Port Albert), L. Beresford (Dome Valley), Arnold Langridge (Warkworth), E. Dunning (Omaha), AL Langridge (Warkworth), E. Rogers (Kaipara Flats), A. Toovey (Warkworth), H. Kelly (Kaipara Flats), C. Matthew (Matakana), J. Grimmer and T. Gilmour (Dome Valley), D. Jones (Matakana), E. D. Phillips, F. 0. Civil, captain (Dome Valley). B team : A. Henderson (Kaipara Flats), A. Torkington (Omaha), W. Edwards (Warkworth), J. Bccroft (Port Albert), I. Watson (Wellsford), E. Ashton (Omaha), K. Moore (Port Albert), T. Dawson (Warkworth), J. Davies (Wellsford), G. Katavich (Warkworth), P. Kntavich (Dome Valley), S. Hood, captain (Kaipara Flats), L. Wyatt (Omaha), K. Sharp (Mati.kana), P. Casey (Warkworth). Mr. F. O. Civil has been appointed manager to the tonms, which will leave for Auckland on Sunday. Ladies.—Goal, Mrs. E. Oame (Matakana), Miss J. Bccroft (Port Albert); full-backs, Misses M. Nohilo (Wellsford) and E. Matthew (Matakana); halves, Misses G. Becroft (Port Albert), E. Dunning (Matakana), Mrs. S. Cowan (Port Albert), Miss M. Dibble (Wellsford) : forwards. Misses J. Melville (Mfltnkana), Y. Tones (Matakana), Mrs. S. Moore (Matakana), Misses E. Gubb (Port Albert), G. .Tones (Matakana). J. Gubb (Kaipara Flats). M. Henderson (Kaipara Flats). Mrs. W. Crokcr will accompany the team as chaperon. UMPIRES' ASSOCIATION. The fifth general meeting of the Auck land Hockey TTmpires' Association was held on Monday! when the president. Mr. n. ID. Watts, presided over an excellent attendance of members. Arrangements were finalised for the theory examination to be held next meeting night. June 2.". The Wliangnrel sub-nsso-ciation notified the nppointmeut of Mr. .T. Ratchelor as supervisor for its association and that eleven members would be sitting for the theory examination to be held in con i'lnclion with the Auckland association. Mr. .Tohn Morrison, of Warkworth, was appointed supervisor for the Kodnev association. Whangarei also notified that five of Its members would be in Auckland during Country Week and would like to take their practical examination. It was decided to arrange these examinations if possible. An interesting discussion on tlie rules concluded the meeting.