HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVII, Issue 204, 28 August 1936, Page 13

HOCKEY.

CANTERBURY INVASION. CHALLENGE SHIELD AND ZANOL CUP MATCHES. . CLUBS' TRAVELLING DAY. It is 10 years since a Canterbury team visited Auckland in quest of the New Zealand Challenge Shield, the score on that occasion being one goal to nil in favour of Auckland. It was in the last match of the 1931 season that Auckland lifted the shield from Canterbury and since then they have resisted 14 consecutive challenges and thus created a fresh record in New Zealand hockey, so it will be interesting to sec if tiie challengers can avenge their defeat of five years ago. i Canterbury have not challenged in tiie, interim, therefore local enthusiasts have 1 not had an opportunity of comparing the I standard of play of the Southern province I with that of our own. It will be reuieni- | bored that Canterbury put up a great fight against the Indian team last season, i and as several of the present team played in that match it will be seen that tomorrow's eleven will contain a good sprinkling of seasoned and experienced players. Challengers' Prospects. Everything points to the game developing into a struggle for supremacy by the rival forwards over the opposing backs, for both teams are strong in the vanguard and the side which has the more solid defence, combined with the team cohesion so necessary in initiating attacks, will probably prove the victors. The Canterbury forward line is the strongest which could be picked, and while the team will miss the services in the backs of C. A. Rogers and W. Bowdeu, who were both members of the New Zealand team last season, but unable to make this trip North, nevertheless, the team as a whole is considered reasonably representative of the hockey strength of the province. Although according to reports the playing fields in Canterbury have been in a worse condition than lias been the case for many years, it should not take the visitors long to adapt their game to the excellent playing surface available for to-morrow's game. The Auckland selector is relying on the same team as that which defeated Waikato and they will certainly have the advantage of having already played together. Review of the Visitors. He V. Rliind, the goalie, played against the Indians and although he seems to be playing below form generally, can rise to the occasion and give a sound exhibition between the posts. E. Dash, the captain, although approaching the veteran stage, lias a sound knowledge of the game and his experience is invaluable to his team. R. Thompson is another player who rises to a big occasion and a lot is expected of him if the ground surface is good. The halves comprise E. Radciiti'e (right), who usually plays centre for his club, but, as he has been knocking at the door of the representative team for the past two seasons, should give a good account of himself in this position. D. Loader (centre) is sound on attack and has the knack of feeding his forwards witli rare judgment. M. Watson (left) will remind old hockeyites who knew him of Arthur Mahoney, even to the extent of playing with his stockings slipping down. His style of play is somewhat similar. In the forwards N. Bowden, on the right wing, was last year's find in hockey, gaining New Zealand honours in his first year in senior play, and although Aucklanders did not see him at his best in the third Test at Eden Park, the experience in big hockey has greatly improved his game. D. McCormick, inside right, is a club mate of Bowden's and these two play with rare understanding. C. Wright is making his first appearance in representative hockey and although he usually plays inside left in club games, has been chosen as the pivot in the front line. B. Dufiield, inside left, gained provincial honours against the Australians in 1934 and tH Indians in 1935. He is clever with his stick, but is at times inclined to overdo it. His game against the Indians was outstanding. P. McCormick has had plenty of experience with touring teams in the past and this season has played with conspicuous success on the left wing anil well earned his selection. T. Burt and C. V. Walters complete the touring side, and although they will be reserves for tomorrow's game, are quite capable of taking their place along with the other members of the team.