HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 133, 7 June 1937, Page 13

HOCKEY.

BIG SCORES IN MUD. SOMERVILLE STILL LEADS. ST. LUKE'S AND 'VARSITY WIN Considering the treacherous nature of the grounds and the unpleasant weather conditions prevailing on Saturday, it was surprising to see such a high standard of play in the senior matches. Although some high scores were recorded, spectators wlio "raved the elements were at times rewarded with some tine glimpses of combined movements under very adverse conditions. At Papatoetoe, Souierville conquered the local side after a fast, open game, during which the fortunes fluctuated, Papatoetoe lacking tiuish to their movements, whilst their opponents showed much better combination and cohesion, and this factor told in the end. University triumphed over Y.M.C.A. in the mud at Remuera, the superior combined work of the students completely demoralising the Y.M.C.A. team, which sadly lacked a leader. The losers' positional plav repeatedly allowed the 'Varsity vanguard too much liberty and this cost them dearly. Although conditions for the early game at Kemuera were slightly better, Mount lMen. with a considerably weakened team, bad little chance against their formidable opponents, St. Luke's. The results of the matches were:— Souierville 4, beat Papatoetoe 0. University S, beat Y.M.C.A. 2. St. Luke's 8, beat Mount Eden 3. Championship table:— Goals P. W. L. D. V. A. Pts Souierville 5 5 - - 22 8 10 Grammar 4 4 - - 11) 7 8 St. Luke's 5 :5 2 - 21 15 6 University 4 2 2 - 17 » 4 Papatoetoe 4 1 3 - 13 13 2 Y.M.C.A 4 - 4 - 4 2:; Mount Kdcn ... 4 - 4 - 7 20 SOMERVILLE UNBEATEN. It was the superior team work that enabled Souierville to account for Papatoetoe by 4 goals to nil and to continue at the top of the championship ladder witli an unbroken record of wins. The match was decidedly in Somerville's favour and the play of the teams a marked contrast. The Souierville team worked with a sploudid understanding, and launched attacks of a very penetrating nature, from both flanks. This tested the Papatoetoe defence seventy, and the home team was very fortunate in only having a quartet of goals .scored against it. The Papatoetoe attacks were good to a point, but the lack of combination in the vanguard did not permit of sustained efforts. It was an interesting game to watch and will, no doubt, prove profitable to Papatoetoe's supporters. The loss of Wyatt who met with an accident during the week caused the Souierville selectors some concern, but relief was felt when it was found that C. Watts could emerge from his retirement. He lasted the game out well and showed he had not furgotten his cunning. His first goal was an cyeopener to his opponents, and the old combination with Well'ourne was very disconcerting to the opposition. The whole of the Souierville team worked splendidly and it would be unfair to individualise. Airey, the Papatoetoe goalie, was a tower of strength and his efforts kept the goal tally down. Kdney did well at centreHalf, ami should prove a find inuiiat position. Lusby was better in the half line than at full-back. Elliott on the left wing opened many fine attacks, but many of his centres went begging. MeCormick "was the best of the inside forwards and his efforts in the circle deserved a better fate. Moutelth and Torbett were conspicuous, but inclined to too much individual effort. STUDENTS SUPERIOR. The Ui.iversity-Y.M.C.A. game .was a Humph for combined play over individualism, ibe students raided with sound understanding amongst the forwards and the backs defended solidly throughout. I.M.C.A. on the other hand, seldom attempted UU y f„ rl n of combined pl.iv on attack and the backs, in defending, usually cleared wildly in sheer desperation. Until they fully understand the finer points of positional play and endeavour to put their knowledge into practice, they can hope for ittle success in the future. lUackboard lectures or demonstrations would helD greatly. r

I'or the winnors Henderson In p f( al had little to Uo. Hogben and Cawkweil stemming most of the onslaughts before they reached the circle. The halfline was somewhat weak. None of the trio seemed able to hit cleanly and it was surprising, considering the state of the ground, that they indulged in so much flick passing. X Broun was the pick of the line and varied his attack judiciously. Watson and Miller were sound on defence, but stood too deep on attack. The forwards combined well, Braithwaite being conspicuous for some smart following In when play was in the opponents' circle. Yule put in some clever