WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Press, Volume LXXV, Issue 22768, 21 July 1939, Page 3

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

A ROUND OF FRIENDLY MATCHES EXPERIMENT FOR PART OF NEXT SEASON (By LEFT HALF.) The decision of the half-yearly meeting of delegates to the Canterbury Women’s Hockey Association this week to play the first round of matches next season without allotting points is one that opens up a big question. The original motion to abolish trophies completely next season seemed to be favoured, but various speakers were rather diffident about whether the interest of players would be maintained if there was no reward for their efforts or il players were merely taking pait in the games for fun. It is well known that in England no trophies are played for, and never have been. In New Zealand, however, ever since the game started, a cup or some similar award has always been available, and players have come to expect some reward for being successful in winning a competition. If trophies could be eliminated gradually there would perhaps be less difficulty in abolishing them altogether. At the present time, although there is a trophy for the winner of each competition, most players are taking part in the game—not only hockey but in every sport—for the fun of it without knowing it. This remark applies more especially to clubs, which, after two or three matches have been lost at the beginning of a season, do not decide, that, having no chance ot winning the competition, they will not bother any further. Instead, they turn out week after week even if they are being beaten, and enjoy themselves probably more than some teams nearer the top of the ladder. Often too, the standard of play is better among these players than it is in a match which has a bearing on the championship and where the competitive element is more obvious. From the “pot-hunter’s” point of view, however, the elimination of trophies will not be favourfed. Fortunately in hockey that type of person is almost non-existent, but with the presence of trophies there is always a danger that that tendency can arise Another point that arises, too, is that when a team is trying to win all the time it is possible that reliance will be placed on a few “stars” in the team with others merely members of the side.

Taken all round, it would appear that the arguments in favour of the elimination of trophies far outweigh those for the retention of them, and the experiment next season will be watched with the greatest interest, not only by those interested in hockey, but also by followers of other sports.

Leading Teams Win In the eleventh round of matches, all the leading teams had good wins and the competition is now in a most interesting stage. The heavy grounds had little effect on the standard of play which was again good considering that matches had been postponed the week before. Playing on its own ground, Hornby was never in danger of being beaten by Technical. Good forward rushes were seen, but off side lost Hornby some good chances. The whole line went well, with M. and G. McKenzie making best use of their chances. Technical on the other hand did not use the right wing enough, the best forwards being M. Reed and T. Cross. Technical had an even set of backs, while for Hornby N. Kenworthy and C. Tolerton stood out

The heavy ground did not worry Carlton, which, had a good win over Rawhiti. It attacked with ease on either wing and staged some pretty passing rushes. The Rawhiti forwards found the Cartlon backs too solid and

did not play their usual game. Carlton’s better positional play in the backs was also an advantage. S. Aldridge (Carlton) played an outstanding game, while others who went well were S. Muirson and J. Richards .(Carlton), and S. Fisher, J. Tindall and N. Cattermole (Rawhiti). Playing its best game this season. Digby’s fully extended Aranui till well into the second half when Aranui scored three quick goals. The match was always interesting, especially as the forwards made the game open. The backs were, however, only fair. The best players ware D. Dickey, V. McNab, and M. Turner (Aranui), and J. Ross. C. Smith, and P. Farquhar. Neither West Christchurch nor Rangiora was. at full strength for the game at Rangiora. The home team won a fast and closely-contested game in which the work of the home forwards was the more effective. For West Christchurch. B. Hobson. J. Fraser, and P. Blackler played well, as did B. Archer, C. Watkins, and P. Wilson for Rangiora.

This Week’s Games If nlay is possible to-morrow —and at the moment it is most unlikely—the two leading teams. Hornby and Carlton, will meet. If Hornby wins it will be almost sure to win the competition. In the first round these teams played a drawn game, but on this occasion Carlton will not have M. Rhind, in goal. She played her last game on Saturday after announcing her retirement a month ago. This loss is a severe one, but the result of the game is still open. Aranui will meet Rawhiti, and if it plays up to form it should win again, though it will need to be at its best. In the other games, Rangiora will meet Technical at Rangiora, and should repeat its first round win, and West Christchurch' will meet Digby’s in a game in which there will be little between the teams, and which will decide the bottom team for the season.