INDIAN HOCKEY TOUR Canterbury match unofficial test

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33965, 4 October 1975, Page 48

INDIAN HOCKEY TOUR Canterbury match unofficial test

C By

KEVIN TUTTY)

The first official test of the Rothmans Indian hockey tour is not until October 18, but the match tomorrow against Canterbury at Porritt Park will be an unofficial test. Canterbury has nine New Zealand representatives in its squad—seven of whom have been named in the national squad for the first two tests against the Indians.

Add to that two New Zealand colts and two New Zealand trialists, and Canterbury has a formidable side.

Canterbury has one major purpose in the match — to redeem itself after losing the I Challenge Shield to Auck-j land at Hamilton in August j >_A win or draw would be most gratifying, and if that eludes Canterbury, it wants 'tn keep the Indians’ winning margin to a minimum. In short, it wants a better [result against India than i Auckland, which plays the 'tourists next Saturday. Little reet > ' The chances of Canterbury doing well tomorrow in the •.econd match of the tour are [probably greater than they would be in the middle or latter stages. The Indians have had only a day and a half to rest after their journey and are likely to be still feeling the effects when they reach Christchurch. India had not named its side to play Canterbury last ' evening, but it is sure to be a strong one. The management is well armed with • details of provincial and national teams, and knows which will be the hard and i easier matches. Canterbury could probably [expect to face 11 of the 14 [lndians who played in the • World Cup at Kuala Lumpur hast March. But even if some [of the younger players are included, the home side’s ask will not be any easier. Comparisons There will be several interesting comparisons to

be made. Canterbury prides itself on playing the skilful Indian type of game, so this should ensure a memorable match. Ajitpal Singh, the Indian captain and centre-half, is sure to oppose the Canterbury captain and centre-half, Selwyn Maister. They are probably two of the best three players in the world in their position — the key position in a team. Surjit Singh is the team's penalty-corner specialist. Tony Ineson is Canterbury and New Zealand's best striIker. It will be interesting to measure the power of his hit against Surjit’s.

The Porritt Park Oval has been kind to Canterbury in its only two representative matches there. It beat Nelson 14-1 in the first game and then crushed Wellington 8-1 in July. Its strength lies in its forwards — in their ability to back-tackle and link, and then move forward as a unit. If they can repeat the form they struck against Wellington there is every chance Canterbury might win or draw.