HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 117, 19 May 1936, Page 15

HOCKEY.

IMPROVED STANDARD OF PLAY UNIVERSITY'S DOUR STRUGGLE SOMERVILLE'S BIG TALLY. On Saturday the weather was ideal for the second series of games iu the senior championship. At Remuera, where three or the four games were played, the grounds were not conducive to good hockey, the tricky surface upsetting some of the spectacular movements just at the critical moment. However, it was pleasing to note a distinct improvement in the play var ' ous teams, under the existing conditions, players seeming to be settling down in their positions and combining to I better advantage. i

GRAMMAR'S SOLITARY GOAL. In a game which had its thrilling moments, Grammar Old Boys gained the decision over University by one goal to ml. There was hardly a dull moment during the full 70 minutes' play, and at ditierent times both sets of forwards had their exciting moments in the circle, over eagerness spoiling several chances. At times better positional play would probably have altered the course of some of the movements, and most likely have changed failure to success, but as this applies equally to both sete of backs, it is hard to say whether or not the final result would have been altered. l< or the victors, Jones, at full-back, bore the brunt of the defence and came through with flying colours. Robinson, his partner proved unreliable, fumbling the ball in the danger zone and not clearing cleanly or with any senee of direction. The half line all worked hard, but were inclined to lose position, more especially when supporting their forwards on attack. Hernott proved the best of the trio, while ii-. Lawry, although getting through some nice work, spoilt a lot of it by hanging on too long and trying to do too much on his own. Of the forwards, the inside men—Twigden, Roughton and I. Ross—were outstanding even though Twigden should have found the net on a couple of occasions but failed with his final hit. Jerram was responsible for several fast runs down the wing, but was penalised too frequently for hooking down on sticks and should make himself conversant with this rule I •University have to thank their goalie Henderson for keeping the score so low. Not only once, but on numerous occasions he saved with spectacular kicks, but he was also lucky not to have scores registered against him when he was drawn out of position, and the backs rushed in to support and eventually clear. There was little to choose between the full-backs, Hogben and Halliwell, both playing great games. The halves proved sound on defence, but it ie hard to understand why they persisted in a central attack. In .the second half especially, the wings were seldom used, and as the inside men were bunching and being caught out of position, this made it all the harder to understand. "Watson was the beat of the centre trio. H. Lawry, at centre forward, was the culprit who upset the line positionally. The inside men, Cooper and A. Broun, worked hard throughout, but were also guilty of forgetting that they had fast men outside them waiting for a chance. Roberts again showed his pace whenever he got the ball, but Fraser did not even get the chance to ehow what he could do in the second spell.

HARD-HITTING GAME. In a game characterised by snappy play throughout St. Luke's did not have matters all their own way. Mount Eden, playing more of the country type of game, at times gave them some anxious moments, although the final result was never in doubt. The reds endeavoured to settle down to preconceived movements, and at times the forwards swept down the field in formation, but Eden's type of game upset their calculations. Wattam in goal for tho winners, performed creditably, whilst Clark was the better of the two full-backs. Robertson and Rice share the half-line honours, the latter playing a cool and well-judged game. All the forwards were in the picture at various stages of the game, Corin and Alexander ! perhaps being outstanding. ' With Mount Eden there was certainly a lack of cohesion between the halves and forwards, and no team understanding, each player playing an individual game. Tangye in goal made several good saves, and, generally speaking, played with judgment. Bowden was the better of the backs, whilefc-Wells proved the best of a mediocre eet of halves. The two Horspoola and Olliver were the pick of the forwards, but the whole line would improve their play if only they would use more direction in their passing.

TRAINING COLLEGE DISAPPOINT. Somerville, in piling up their big score, proved that Training College will have to do some intensive training to come up to senior standard. True, the losers were not up to full strength on account of vacation, nevertheless there is a serious lack of understanding between the players and very little attempt at cohesive action. The backs never looked where they were placing the ball, and their clearing hits were seldom got cleanly away, whilst the inside forwards could have used their wings to better advantage. For the winners both C. Smith and Stewart proved a stubborn defence. Hedges was the best of the halves, although he has the tendency to hold on too long. The forwards gave glimpses of nice combined movements and all performed well on the day, although ] the opposition was by no means strong. i For College, Nelson was the better of ] the full-backs, although inclined to use the reverse stick ehot too much. Lipano- 1 vich was the pick of the centre trio, and i to Delamore must go the honours of the forward line, but he should remember one t man cannot beat the opposition on his c own.

IMPROVED TACTICS. The playing surface at Papatoetoe was ideal for the meeting of Papatoetoe and Y.M.C.A., with the result that the game provided not only some fine hockey movements, but plenty of exciting incidents that the spectators enjoyed until the final whietle. The big score of eight goals to two in the home team's favour suggests a somewhat lopsided game. It was far from that. The Papatoetoe team was on top because of the better understanding it j ir'i possessed and the ability of Torbett and Chapman in particular to snatch opportunities. Y.M.O.A. engaged in movements equally as good as those of their opponents, but lacked the finish. The Papatoetoe vanguard has ibeen greatly strengthened by the, inclusion of Chapman and Torbett. On the right wing Chapman outplayed the opposing; defenders. Torbett as centre maintained I splendid position and catered for both sides of the line. His goals were the I result of smart, nippy work. Smytheman J and Monteith combined better than usual, but were inclined to flashes of individual effort. Cox on the wing was over-anxious and proved an offside offender. Piekens at centre-half wae in great form and was ably supported by Dow-ling and Edney. The full-backs were solid, but Kerr wag inclined to delay at times before clearing. Airey had a good testing in goal and used <hie feet to advantage. ! The Y.M.C.A. forwards engaged in some fine runs until close on the circle, where they crowded in and lost opportunities. After drawing the defence upon many occasions the close, cramped effort to finish the movement played right into the defenders' favour. Kiff and Beere were the best, the last-named player's goal being a fine effort. Both Suckling and Brown were inclined to get too far over the ball. It is impossible for players to hit the ball when it is so close to their feet. Neale's appearance at centrehalf proved justified and bis performance was all the more creditable when the opposition was considered. Tasker on the right half wing showed to advantage; his stopping vrae sound and clearances well varied and directed. ' ! -: The full-backs, Surman and Burton, possessed a 'good understanding in the

first half, 'but in the second spell their tactics were lacking. They then' played back too far and at times hampered the goalie. In charge of the net, Ireland brought off some great saves before getting a knock that considerably interfered with his efforts. He was unlucky to have the last goal recorded against him, as the offside rule should have been applied.

AUCKLAND ASSOCIATION. KING- COUNTRY AFFILIATES. ITINERARIES FOR SENIOR. TOURS. It was decided at last night's meeting of the Auckland Hockey Association thai primary schools' competitions in the fifth and sixth grades should be commenced next Saturday. Itineraries_ for senior tours were recommended: —First tour: Play at Gisborne, June 20; Whakatane, June 22; Tauranga, June 23. Second tour: Play at Thames, June 20; Te Aroha, June 22; Morrinsville, June 23. Third tour: Play at Warkworth, June 20; Dargaville, June 22; Whangarei, June 23. Junior representative teams are to be sent to Waihi, Cambridge, Waiuku and Hamilton on dates to be arranged. An application for affiliation from the King Country Association was granted. Mr. L. Kent was appointed delegate on the executive by the Whangarei SubAssociation. It was decided that ground fees paid by the Waitemata and Training College Clubs should be remitted as compensation for the use of their club grounds. Mount Eden Club colours have been changed from purple and brown to black and white.

RESULTS AT A GLANCE.

RODNEY. Wellsford 5, beat Dome Valley 2. Warkworth 1, beat Omaha 0. Kaipara Flats 1, beat Mullet Point 0. WHAKATANE. Walraka 4, beat Ituatokl 2. "WHANGAREI. Mata 6, beat Whangarei 0. Ladles.—Combined 2, beat Onerahi 1; Horahora 1, drew with Old Girls 1. TAUMARUNUI. Kakabi 6, beat Athletic 0. Owbango 2, beat Old Boys 0. Railway, a bye. •Senior B.—Old Bovg 0, drew with AMetic I 0; Railway 6. Kakahl 2. I