HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 163, 12 July 1935, Page 13

HOCKEY.

INDIA VERSUS AUCKLAND.

THRILLING DISPLAY EXPECTED

TO-MORROW'S EDEN PARK GAME

Followers of sport, and hockcy players in particular, are looking iorward to Auckland's match with, the All-India team at Eden Park to-morrow afternoon. It is nine years since $ie Indian Army team played here, and although they beat the local side by 10 goals to 1, Aucklanders were fortunate in being able to witness two of the three Test matches here. New Zealand won the second Test 4 goals to 3, and the final Test of the tour was played at Eden Park and resulted in a draw, each side scoring one goal. These matches proved exciting to all who saw them, and to-morrow's match should lose nothing in the comparison of the superb wizardry and spectacular stickwork of the visitors. Although no announcement of the personnel of the Indian team has yet been made, it is expected they will field practically their strongest side, and spectators will have the opportunity of seeing their star players in action. Dhyand Gliand, and his brother, Kup Singh, are sure to be included, and these two artists need little introduction to followers of sport, their reputations have preceded them. _ Both are capable of giving dazzling exhibitions, and their uncanny control of the ball on the ground, and in the air, are sure to have the spectators on their toes. Shaliabuddin and Fernandez, two exceptionally fast and clever wings, are also likely to be included for to-morrow's match, and if the ground is not too heavy, should be seen in some lightning dashes down the lines. M. N. Maisud, the vice-captain, who plays in the centre-half position, has proved the brains of the team, both on attack and defence, and is hardly likely to be left out. Exhibiting almost perfect positional play, this member is responsible for initiating nearly all the attacks, and his masterly tactics play an important part in the team's success. Although the visitors are used to playing on fields with a hard, smooth surface, they are now becoming accustomed to the heavier grounds here, and as the Auckland Hockey Association has been specially preparing the No. 1 ground at Eden Park the surface should suit their style of game. The members of the Auckland side have been in training for several weeks now, and every member will take the field as physically fit as it is possible to make him. The forward line contains four players who have represented New Zealand, three of them in the first two Tests against the present visitors. The experience gained bv these players—E. Watts. M. Bay and F. Wellborne —should stand them in good stead, and the lessons they have learnt are sure to have Ticen imparted to the rest of the team. The remaining member of the line, C. Floyd, has been capped for Auckland for the past two JC The backs, practically all tried Auckland "reps.," and with a sprinkling of New Zealand "reps." amongst fi\pm, are sure to give of their best. All arc keen to be the first to lower the Indians' colours, and given a fine day should go close to achieving their object.

The Auckland team will be:— Goal: M. Wattam. Full-backs: C. Smith and F. Clark. Halves: L. Hogben, S. Robertson and T Forwards: C. Floyd, if. Bay, E. Watts, C. Watts and F. Wellborne.

WAIPA'S GOOD EFFORT.

AN EVEN SECOND SPELL.

INDIANS VICTORIOUS, 5—2.

Over 2000 people saw the liockey match at 'L'e Awamutu yesterday between the Indians and Waipa. Hie visitors won 5—2, after leading 4—l at half-time. O. J. Spiers and Fincli scored for the losers. Tlie Waipa players impressed, for probably they, as a team, played the best game they have ever played. At first there seemed to be a certain amount of nervousness at being pitted against such redoubtable players, but after the first quarter of an hour they were light on their game, and hit and parried with a determination and combination that won them warm applause. With the first goal scored by Waipa, notwithstanding that India had three goals to their credit, there was a yell of satisfaction that could be heard a long way off, and again, in the second spell, when a goal went on the board to Waipa's credit, there were again loud shouts of appreciation and encouragement. Of course, not one in hundreds expected Waipa to win the game, and very few gave them much prospect of scorn,g goals against India. Then, again, the final whistle sounded with only five goals registered- against Waipa—a matter also tor congratulation. Tlie referees for the match were Messrs. H. Fj. Watts (Auckland) and W. G. Fabling (Hamilton).

NAVAL ENGAGEMENTS,

PHILOMEL BEATS WELLINGTON,

In a splendidly-contested hockey game at Devohport yesterday, H.M.S. Philomel beat H.M.S. Wellington by 3 goals to 2. The winners led 2—l at the interval. Fp,three HASTINGS BEATS WAIRARAPA. (By Telegraph. —Press Association.) HASTINGS, this day. In a hockey game yesterday for the Norden Cup. Hastings successfully withstood a challenge by Wairarapa, winning by 6 goals to 2. The home side had ascendancy throughout most of the match, the scorers for Hastings were Stitt (3), iMilton (2) and McKay. For Wairarapa 1-oster and Fisher scored.

N.Z. WOMEN'S TEAM,

DEPARTURE FOR AUSTRALIA. (By Telegraph.—Fress Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. The women's hockey match between the New Zealand team to tour Australia and a Wellington eleven, played yesterday, resulted in a draw, each team scoring a goal. Wellington showed a better combination. ' „ , The touring team will sail for Sydney from Wellington by the Marama this afternoon.