HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 225, 24 September 1935, Page 17

HOCKEY.

THE SHIELD MATCH.

AUCKLAND'S CLOSE CALL.

FORWARDS SAVE THE DAY",

In the hockey shield challenge game on Saturday Wellington put up the greatest fight that has been seen at Remuera this season. Play throughout was fast and open and there is no doubt that the Auckland forwards were up against tlie most stubborn defence they have met in any of their shield games. Despite the hardness of the ground, which at times caused the ball to play tricks, brilliant stick work was much in evidence, especially among the forwards, who trapped and controlled the ball in rin astounding manner. On numerous occasions cleverly-conceived movements and occasional solo runs had the spectators on their toes and interest was held right up to the final whistle. Without belittling the efforts of the visitors, the Auckland team, as a whole, played much below their usual standard, and the.long period of training necessary for the large representative programme this season may have accounted for this lapse. Nevertheless, the local vanguard outshone the challengers' front line, while the position was undoubtedly reversed in the case of the back divisions. It was the Wellington defence which provided the oustanding feature of the match.

For Auckland, Wattam, in goal, on several occasions lacked his usual cooi judgment and .must have caused his fellowplayers some anxious moments. F. Clark was the better of the two full-backs, C. Smith being too slow on recovery. The half-line did not give their usual support on attack and this failing was responsible for allowing the Wellington forwards too much room in which to get the line into position to launch an attack. Robertson was the pick of the line, although special mention must be made of Jones, whose positional play enabled him to break up many of the opponents' onslaughts and whose covering on defence saved two almost certain scores. The forwards were seen to greater advantage in combined efforts, although it was noticeable that they stood ofi' both the defending fullbacks and allowed them to get their clearing hits away. To K. Watts goes the front line honours, while Houghton is also entitled to special mention. The latter, who played his first representative game for Auckland, certainly added pep to ths line and increased its thrust. C. "Watts played his usual 6olid game, and Wellborne, on the left wing, was responsible for some brilliant solo efforts and spectacular centres. Chapman, 011 the opposite wing, seemed to be mistiming a lot and appeared over-eager when he neared the danger zone. Moore, the Wellington goalie, gave a taste of his real form, and through brilliant "keeping" was responsible for saving a much higher tally. Both full-backs proved solid, Hull coming through with flying colours, although Perrin's long experience proved extremely helpful at all times. E. McLeod was the pick of the half-line and completely overshadowed his two outside men. Macarthur, the right half, was unlucky in having to leave the field through injury, and Burnett, who replaced him, had a busy time marking the pacy Wellborne. The forwards did not impress in their combined movements: there seemed to be a lack of cohesion and understanding among the line. Watchman war. responsible for some fast sprints down the right wing, and Wheatley was always in support. This player and T. Ferguson, centre, were the spearhead of tile attack. J?. Brown, on the left wing, gained valuable ground at times, but nullified too many movements by his offside piny. As this was the final shield match for the season, Auckland retains the shield for another season.