HOCKEY Auckland Challenge For New Zealand Shield

Press, Volume C, Issue 29620, 16 September 1961, Page 5

HOCKEY Auckland Challenge For New Zealand Shield

The Canterbury hockey team should be capable of ! holding the New Zealand Challenge Shield when it meets Auckland at Williamson Park this afternoon. Its record during the season, particularly against overseas teams, is superior to that of the challenger. Canterbury held the" Indians to a draw and beat Queensland by four goals, whereas Auckland was beaten by the Indians by 4-1 and drew with Queensland. Although such results are not necessarily a decisive guide, especially in shield matches. Canterbury has shown ability to increase the determination and intensity of its play in proportion to the quality of its opposition. This was certainly the case against Wellington last week, when a strong recovery was required to prevent the shield from changing hands. A surprising omission from the Auckland team is the inside-forward. G. D. MacGregor, who was so highly praised for his play at the Olympic Games in Rome last year. He represented New Zealand in the tests against the Indians earlier this season and performed with credit, and the Auckland forward line appears to be the poorer for his absence. This could be a most important factor as far as today’s match is concerned, because Auckland's chances will depend very greatly upon the amount of pressure which its forwards can impose upon the Canterbury defence. Early loss of possession or

insufficient progress by the forwards could result in a heavy defensive burden tor the Auckland halves, with a consequent loss of liaison between them and their vanguard. This was a major factor in Canterbury’s recovery against Wellington. The Auckland team includes a number of newcomers to shield hockey. and their form will be scrutinised with interest One notable absentee is P. Bygrave, the New Zealand representative, who has not played recently because of injury. No changes have been made in the Canterbury team. Although the half-line might have been strengthened and a greater measure of control added to the forwards to improve combination, a win for Auckland would be in the nature of a minor upset on the season’s form.