Hockey N.Z. COUNTRY TEAM

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28346, 3 August 1957, Page 2

Hockey N.Z. COUNTRY TEAM

Departure For Sydney Playing bright open hockey and showing occasional glimpses of brilliant form, the New Zealand country hockey team beat the Christchurch West High School first eleven by 6 goals to, 1, at Spreydon Domain yesterday morning. The team was having its final work-out before leaving for Sydney by air yesterday afternoon. The Country goalkeeper, J. Tyson, played for West Christchurch, and 'was kept busy by the country forwards. At half-time, the country players were given a team talk by their manager (Mr R. Vercoe), while the chairman of the New Zealand selection committee (Mr E. H. Hobson) corrected faults In their style. K. Percy, of Wairarapa, was the outstanding player of the game, scoring three goals and having a big part in several others. R. Weetman, the Marlborough centreforward, scored two. and G. Brown (Hawke’s Bay) one. W. J. Crawford (Southland) and L. Miller (Marlborough) proved strong on defence, and gave many opportunities on attack to their forwards. Potential Talent

“Our team is more or less regarded as an unknown quantity, but I can assure - you there is great potential talent in some of these players that only needs developing.” said Mr Vercoe at a farewell function. “On this tour of New South Wales our aim will be to develop this skill.” •

The chairman of the New Zealand Hockey Association’s management committee (Mr J. G. Leggat) welcomed the players to Christchurch and wished them well on their tour. He paid tribute to the work of Mr L. Coffey, of Greymouth, who had made the tour possible by making preliminary negotiations in Australia. “Since you are called a country team, your players from Napier, Palmerston North, and Invercargill will probably not be flattered, but the name has only been used to distinguish you from players in the our main centres.” said Mr Leggat. "The subject of your blazers was a matter for some controversy, but I think you will agree that the kiwi monogram is quite attractive.” In a telegram, the Prime Minister (Mr Holland) apologised for his absence, and wished the team well on its tour.