HOCKEY.

Dominion, Volume 2, Issue 532, 12 June 1909, Page 12

HOCKEY.

CBr DaiVEJt) Y.M.C.A., who defeated Wellington on Sak urday, are still loading for tho Cnp, and they will take a. deal > of- beating, judging from theii game last week. Paco, they Save in plenty,, and .their combination is good—two <&*rr*yix which go to make for success—but the; have a very bad habit of obstructing, which will bring disaster not only to tham as a team, but also to individual, members, and probably. their : opponents, if they do not make an at tompt to put it down. . The tri-coloured team were penalised several times last week for this breach, and hence Wellington were eaved much imminent danger. The writer has occasionally seen a player who has been obstructed by an opponent dcliber. ately strike at the ball, knowing full well that he irill hit the obstructor's foot insteai It only requires one or two firm lesson* to put down obstruction, but, enrely, it ie better tor the offenders to endeavour to keep on the right side, and not cause ill-feeling, which will certainly follow play such as indicated. Hence, lot Y.SI.C.A. still improve their good team by trying to put down this bad habit. .-,.-.■ iiolmcs, known familiarly among hockoj players by tlie name "Goneral," was in good' form last' woek, and saved, hi» ride well on ■. many occasions, hitting hard and with judg. ment 'o his forwards, who all kept, up a great Saco, and seem to bo in ; the pink of condition. .. Farton, on the right wing, is particularly neat with his stick this season, ana, when h<, has possession of tho ball,' it takes a good back to take it from him. Dawson, naif-back, played up to reputation, and was instrumental in keeping the ball among the forwards at the time when scores were likely. ' Wellington played up well in the first spell, and, judging by the position at half-hme, looked likely winners. They did well until the scores were mado two all;, and then the backs, for some unaccountable reason, went to pieces, aiid seemed to lose their strength. The forwards kept going, but wore hampered by not, getting the support from their Halves, which one would have expected. Bxoeption must be taken to Smythe (oentre-half), who, though a little slow at times, supported his forward! well all through. ~-..- :..■■-.; ■■

Beere and Walton, plnyed , perhaps the best game for the forwards., Wellington were without the services of Shnley, but they have no cause for regret, aa Craig, who was his substitute, proved worthy '. in. several instance! of tho last place, but tho hardest, in the Van of defenoe. ~. ■ •■•. ■ .• ■ . ■■~:'■ One is pleased to j see-that Karori has picked up their combination; again, and,,were "on the job". lasi, > 'sa(;jirday,fwhen,,they,defoaO!d Vivian by. s—l. Aqodd contest may be looked for bV ■tween the Blaoks and Y.M.C.A. "VVhat was the matter with Vivian last week? They had a, hard figh't;...with.;Wellingtori'..thoprevious Saturday, but won, and it was thought, that they would have given l Karori some trouble Such, however, was not, the casts. > Tho attention of.the Eockey Aesociation should be drawn to_ tho stato of No. 4 ground at the Bay, which is very bumpy and dangerous. If something is not done shortly there: will be some nasty accident, as it is hard to hit without the ball rising, as if it had been undercut. .This must, evor be a source of danger. •.- . - . . ■ . As was expected, tho Victoria College A—St. Patrick's Ola Boys' fixture provided some splen» did hockov. Tho gaino was very even throngh/ out. St. Patriots showed quite thnr usua' good form, and viotory went to them by 3 goalt to 2. Quinn, Francis, and Eyan (2) played well for Oli Boys, while Otam and Castles ware t tower of strength to the College. ~-..-.•