SECTION WINNERS IN HOCKEY CONTEST

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 230, 29 September 1942, Page 5

SECTION WINNERS IN HOCKEY CONTEST

The sectional play in the Devonport Shield games has been completed, and the finalists are University and Wesley. arsity had a convincing win over Papakura A (7—o) on Saturday, and although Somerville beat Wesley (o—2) the latter -still maintained its leading position in the B section. Grammar Did Boys overran A.S.C. (10—4), while C.R.O. beat Air Force (4—z; and Owai Hovers accounted for Papakura B (4—2). St. Luke's and Mount Eden played a scoreless draw.

Iliit Trick" Double.—Before Saturday's match university and Papakura A were level in the A section, but when they met it was evident from the outset that the students were not risking a section play-off. for they won in convincing style. W. H. Cooper and P. Elliott both collected three goals a-piece out of the side's tally. With Elliott's efforts the opposing goalie had no chance u sav L n *- ls a long time since such stinging shots nave produced three goals in a row and in such a short space of time. Papakura/s main fault lay in the deep positional play of its halfline. This allowed the 'Varsity forwards too much room In which to initiate penetrating thrusts.

S. Eadc's Defensive Display.-—C.R.O. carried too many guns for Air Force, the winner's inside forwards. W. Boaden. B. Brooke and H. Brumby, playing with greater understanding than the opposing vanguard. Also. A. Moorhead proved too solid on defence, and his neat stopping and clearing repeatedly broke up the sporadic attacks of the opposition. E. Booth was the outstanding forward on the Air Force side, but his breakaways were usually foiled through lack of support from the rest of the line and his halves. Playing three full-backs, on account of not fielding a goalkeeper. S. Eade gave a great display of stopping. Repeatedly he used his feet to advantage, although he was without the benefit of pads.

Team Work Prevail*.—lt was the ability of the forwards by finishing off the movements when the circle was reached which gave Somerville a clear-cut win over Wesley. At no stage of the game was the result in doubt. With Wesley's haphazard tactics the Somerville defence was forced to concede a number of penalty corners, but all chanecs to score were thrown away through ill-directed shooting. Scott not only sained three goals for Somerville. but Rave his best display ol the season. Spicer collected two goals and his positional play was an improvement. Stain ton and Wade (full-backs) were a tower of strength and their efforts in the second spell were outstanding.

Many Lost Chances. —The result, a scoreless draw, of the Mount Edcn-St.. Luke's game would indicate a well-fought contest; really it was the most dismal display of the season. The Mount Eden forwards frittered away many scoring chances, especially in the second spell. C. Morgan, the Mount Eden centre half, gave a sound all-round display and was easily the best back in the team. The McLeod-Robertson combination made many splendid openings for the St. Luke's forwards, but at the critical moment, either through over-running or one-handed play, possession of the ball was lost.