HOCKEY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 448, 5 March 1909, Page 5

HOCKEY.

THE SEASON'S PROSPECTS. Already hockey enthusiasts aro beginning to look forward to tho winter sport, and arrangements in connection with tho solving of tho eternal question of playing grounds aro being discussed. An extra ground has been made at Day's Bay, making a total of five, and a number of grounds at Jliramar will also have to bo called into requisition. Tho Hutt Park has been mentioned, but it is too difficult of access, and unless the Kailway Department can bo persuaded to run a train over the Hutt Park lino on Saturday afternoons, the idea will havo to be abandoned. Two new clubs havo been formed, tho Metropolitan and Gregg's. The latter will play junior, but it is not yet certain under what category tho former will come. At present there are eight senior teams, and this lits in conveniently with tho drawing; an extra ono would upset this completely, and possibly lengthen the season indefinitely. It was intended last year to pay a long promised visit t-o .Nelson, but owing to tho difficulty of boat connections, the idea had to bo abandoned. The only chance of havingthe match played this year will be to make the trip while tho summer steamer servico remains, and if possible tho fixture will eventuate about Easter time.

As to local clubs, ivarori had a definite intention of resigning, and the members joining another club, but latest advices show that they will probably remain as at present constituted, and everybody trill be • pleased if this course is adopted.

The I'nited Club, the winners of the senior championship last year, should retain a good deal of its lighting strength. L. Ashbolt has gone to Australia, and G. Exley is leaving shortly, for Auckland, and it is not certain if Vearson and C. Hickson will be in their usual places in the rear. F.. Ashbolt will probably occupy his o'd position as left full-back.

With one or two exceptions, the Wesley team, which showed such excellent form last season, will be the same. Moody, tho goalkeeper, has gone, otherwise there should be no material alteration.

Victoria Collego put up splendid form in the latter round last year, and if their skill remains at that pitch, thej; will undoubtedly be a serious factor in this year's championship.

The fourth annual report of the Wesley Hockey Club remarks that tho characteristic enthusiasm of the members has in no way decreased, and this had again been one of the main reasons of the club's success. Last yea'r's decision to filter senior ranks was at- - tended with far greater success than was at first anticipated. The club was unfortunate inclosing some of its best players at tho ber ginning of the season owing to removals, , etc. The-senior team proved "the "surprise packet" in tho senior grade competition, and out of a list of eight teams, they were bracketed with'the Victoria Collego eloven for third place, and, during the seasonj beat :cvery team in the competition except United. Of 14 games played, 8 were won and 6 lost; 45 goals were scored by the team and 35 'against them. Tho juniors won 7 matches and lost 7; goals for, 32; against, 50. The third-class team was unfortunate in losing many members, and only , won one match. The club was represented in the Wellington representatives by iMessrs. L. E. Christie and -C. Dixon, and in the junior representative, team by Mr. W. Upton; these members are-to be heartily congratulated on: their sucoess. The thanks of the club are due to those gentlemen who contributed to tlie funds. The balance-sheet was satisfactory.