HOCKEY Colts’ Tournaments For Auckland, Canterbury

Press, Volume C, Issue 29508, 9 May 1961, Page 17

HOCKEY Colts’ Tournaments For Auckland, Canterbury

An offer from the Auckland and Canterbury associations making available their centres for the northern and southern zones colts’ tournaments, was accepted by the

management committee of the New Zealand Hockey Association at its meeting last evening. The dates suggested by the Canterbury association for the southern zone tournament were August 3, 4 and 5, and a long discussion took place when it was found that August 5 clashed with the Canterbury - South Island Minor Associations’ game. On the same date the Canterbury team was to play the South Island colts selected during the tournament and it was felt that this might cause the colts’ team to be playing against a Canterbury side which would not be up to full strength. It was difficult to find alternative dates because of the very full programme for the season. “It seems quite obvious that we are reaching saturation point. Some persons have to run everything,” said Mr J. Abrams. “We are reaching the stage when we have to sort out what’s good and what’s bad. The colts’ tournament is one which the New Zealand delegates regard as important,” said the secretary (Mr E. S. Hobson).

In suggesting the cancellation of the game with the South Island Minor Associations, Mr I. Smith said that the cancellation would not stir up “a lot of trouble.” A motion was carried that the Auckland and Canterbury associations be asked to suggest dates for the colts’ tournaments, that they be asked to play an A team in the fixtures, and that instead of the South Island Minors match, the Canterbury colts’ game be played. Selectors Concerning the selection of the northern and southern colts’ teams and the New Zealand colts’ team, it was decided to write individually to members of the New Zealand selection panel asking them if they would be available, and adding a strong recommendation that the New Zealand association would welcome their services, Canterbury will be responsible for the selection of the southern team and for the northern team Auckland City will be responsible for Auckland Country (including Whangarei and Waikato); Hawke’s Bay for Poverty Bay and Bay of Plenty; Manawatu for Wairarapa; and Wanganui for Taranaki and Horowhenua. It was decided to write to the associations instructing them to appoint colts’ selectors and advise the New Zealand association of their names. N.Z, Challenge Shield The dates and challenges for the New Zealand Challenge Shield, at present held by Canterbury, were completed after considerable discussion. A challenge from Whangarei which was received at the meeting brought the number up to seven for the season and with two other representative fixtures already set down, the number of representative commitments stood at nine if the Whangarei challenge was accepted Members agreed that some deletion would have to be made.

“Six challenges should be enough for any association,” said Mr R. S. Jenkins. “If there are to be any deletions one should be Whangarei. We should have a definite number of challenges every year.” said Mr J Abrams. Provinces were getting “browned off” with too many challenges, he said.

“Whangarei is the association which has done pretty well in the oast.’’ said the chairman (Mr A. D. Holland). It was eventually moved and carried that all challenges from major associations be accepted, that Whangarei. as the last holder of the Nordon Cnn be .ior-«>nfed

and that Wanganui and Wairarapa be deleted from the list The challenge dates for the shield are:—Otago, June 10; Wellington, August 26; Manawatu, September 2: Auckland. September 16; Whangarei, September 23. This means the number of challenges has been cut from seven to five. No Financial Aid

After a discussion, held in committee, the committee voted against granting a subsidy for the North-South games this year. Nordon Cup

The Nordon Cup was awarded to Wairarapa for this season, and it was decided to extend the date for challenges by 10 days, to May 31.