HOCKEY SHIELD.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVIII, Issue 235, 4 October 1937, Page 16

HOCKEY SHIELD.

WIN FOR ST. LUKE'S. REPS. DEFEAT THE REST. SEASON NEARS CLOSE. The final round of the Devonport Shield competition was decided on Saturday, when St. Luke's, by their win over Somerville, won the trophy and thus earned the right to play Grammar Old Boys for the Kent Cup. The latter trophy is held by the champion of champions, and the match will be staged next Saturday. In Saturday's games it was evident that the season had been too prolonged, for not only was it necessary for most teams to field quite a number of juniors, but there was a great lack of enthusiasm and seriousness about the play. Results were:—Devonport Shield (final round):—St. Luke's 3, v. Somerville 1; Papatoetoe 4, v. University 1; Grammar 6, v. Mount Eden 0. Selector's Cup: Representatives 7, v. The Rest 1. SOMERVILLE FIGHT HARD. Somerville did well to hold St. Luke's to such a small score when it is considered that they were without the services of their three halves, owing to illness. A rearrangement was made, necessitating the inclusion of several juniors, and Wellbourne in the unaccustomed role of centre half acquitted himself well. It was only to be expected that the more evenly balanced St. Luke's side would eventually triumph against their disorganised opponents, but the match had its thrilling moments.

The hard and humpy ground repeatedly upset the play of both backs and forwards. For St. Luke's Wnttam showed sound judgment and kicked to advantage. Clark was the better of the full-backs and Robertson the pick of the halves. All the forwards combined well and it would be unfair to mention any one in particular. Somerville lacked cohesion and understanding, but held their own for the greater part of the game through stubborn defence and spasmodic individual efforts by the forwards. Marshall In goal deserves praise for his exhibition of keeping. Stewart was the bet er of the full-backs and Wellbourne the besc of the halves. In the forwards Wntts, Wyatt and Houghton were conspicuous. SELECTORS' CUP. Play in this match was disappointing, ns a much higher standard of hockey was expected. Once the Reps, settled down and their combination began to tell, the opposing defence had a strenuous time repelling their onslaughts and endeavouring to initiate counter-attacks. Twigden, Roughton, Monteith and Wellbourne carried too many guns for the Rest and repeatedly gained the-circle with crisp ehort-passing bouts. Stewart, Robertson and Watson formed a strong half line and gave their vanguard a feast of the ball, while Jones and Clark proved a solid defence. Wattam behind the sticks gave perhaps his best exhibition this season.

Certainly the Rest had not played together before as a team, and it was evident that the side lacked a ..capable leader. Occasionally the forward Boe would swing into formation and indulge In some clever passing but too often were they prone j* 7 t i. B ° thr °ugb on their awn. Alexander, Watts and Braithwalte -were the pick of the line. The half line wis thl weak link, with Herriott plaving Too far back on attack. Bushell played a robust and WeiZUrn P°? iH t on «"y. 'onnd Monteith and Wellbourne elusive opponents. CawkEnL, Waß xJ he better of "» full-bads Hogben being too slow on recover?' Henderson gave an indifferent display In SECOND GRADE. Second Round Knock-out.—TTnlversltv a 3. beat Albertians 1; St. Luke's 5 beat Training College 1 ; Wesley 2 Vat St def°au7t. 1; YMC - A - beat UnlversirTß by Third Round Knock-out.—St. Luke's 2 y!m.CA oerßUyo erßUy A 1: Weßley 2 ' be"* THIRD GRADE. Semi-final Knock-out.—Waitemata 1, beat Tamaki 0. FOURTH GRADE. Final Knock-out.—Mount Albert A 2, beat Somerville 0.