End Of Trail For N.Z. Hockey Triallists

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31409, 30 June 1967, Page 13

End Of Trail For N.Z. Hockey Triallists

This week-end in Christchurch the New Zealand hockey squad will assemble for its last round-up. It will be occupied with practices and with physical and spiritual stimulation, followed by a match against what remains of the Canterbury team, at Williamson Park on Sunday afternoon.

It is expected that the team for the first test against Australia will be announced after this game.

This test will also be played in Christchurch, on August 13. Members of the New Zealand team will have ample time for meditation, and for reflection upon the fact that New Zealand has won four of its last 23 tests.

The protracted preparations have borne a trial and error character, as if the selectors (Messrs 1. D. Armstrong and R. Mackinlay) in their desperate search for talent, had been drafting sheep. Theirs is no enviable task, and their many changes are a reflection of the lack of players of skill and mature Hy in the country. Several disturbing features have been manifested in the programme now approaching its climax. In the first place, there was the selection in early squads of some players who were not above a mediocre club standard. Their deletion confirms opinions expressed at the time of their choice.

In the second place, there was the need to elevate some very promising youngsters, who, because of their youth alone, have not had time to learn those aspects which a longer playing experience, not necessarily at the international level, can develop. Finally, and acutely in our time of poverty. Is the omission of those who possess either a potential demanding recognition or a background of sufficient longevity to pro-, vide a stability which might not be shaken, even by Aus-

tralian bustle and vigour. The choice of R. MacPherson in goal is logical. Equally logical would be the selection of B. Turner at left-back. His standard of trapping, close stickwork and passing makes him the best back in the country, but he is not in the squad. The choice of a partner for Turner is a problem, which adds interest to the skilful play in the season’s club hockey of R. Gillespie, no doubt a “veteran” in popular parlance, but one who has managed to fill two positions for his team on most Saturdays. K. Thomson should be the

i centre-half, because he is the ; best centre-half in the coun- , try, and one whose strength i could materially elevate the i performance of the whole i team. Such selection would , shift S. Maister to right-half, ■ where his skill, speed and knowledge would be invalu- • able. The recent promotion of G. ; Atwell to left-half is inter- ; esting. Seven years ago he 1 showed great promise, and if l he is prepared to operate : within the limits of orthodox • requirements he might pro-

vide the barrier so urgently required in this position. The right-wing will be B. Judge, our best forward. If lack of external markets creates our economic problems, so does the state of the internal market elevate the youthful J. Christensen to in-side-right and B. Maister to centre-forward. At present there is no notable inside-left If W. Thomson possessed the energy and back-tackling zeal of B. Aldridge, or if B. Aldridge possessed the wtiekwork, dribbling ability and finesse of W. Thomson, the one or the other might be worth a trial.