HOCKEY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1108, 22 April 1911, Page 12

HOCKEY.

(By "Bcixy-Off.")

Next Saturday, weather permitting, tho curtain will be drawn and whistles shall ring out the joyful old tune; referees and players will glide swiftly o'er the green field, slicks will clash, and there will bo a general "set-to." Such will be the overture to hockey for the season. Let us hope that, at the close of tho present season, Wellington's record will have been maintained, and that muchadmired challenge shield will still be held. There are, by the way, many designs in shields, but, without doubt, tho hockey shield is as fine a piece of work as any association could desire lo possess. It is fairly large, and the figure work stands out well. There seems to bo a general opinion that four challengo matches this year should suffice, and, with this end" in view, the local association is making very strong recommendation to the NewZealand Council on theso lines. Last year it was considered unsportsmanlike to "raise Cain," and so allcomers were given a chance. But this season should see a change. Sufficient said on this point. It is not unlikely that Manawatu will bfc given first offer for it challenge match: That association lodged a challengo last season, but the match never eventuated. Consequently, the northern ■ body are quite entitled to first choice this season. Wellington representatives defeated Marlborough on Easter Saturday, at Blenheim, by a largo and decisive margin of 5 goals to nil. The game was a "walk-over" for the Wellington players. Could any other result have been expected? The ground was bad, and, with more favourable conditions, Wellington's score would have nearly doubled. Combination •-as usual—was superior on Wellington's side in the second spell. The local representatives generally "get going" after the second "wind" arrives. Special credit is due G. Davies (insideleft) and Loader (left-wing) for their performance. Murphy (centre-forward) alsa played a really good game, but the right-wing (K. l'arlon) gave a rather poor display. Last season Pnrton was credited with some good work, but now ne seems to be rather fond of keeping possession of tho ball. Dunn (insideright) should turn out a good man. He is rather inclined to "hang on to it" also, and, moreover, has had little experience in representative games. ' His score of three goals should bo encouraging to him. Murphy and Davies each secured u point. Aitkcn played a good game at centre-half. He should (the writer thinks) play right-half in shield matches. As Christie, ex-representative player, is retiring from the field, Aitkeu's services' appear to be indispensable. Thompson (left-half) deserves credit for a very fair performance, especially so as ho has just recovered from an illness. Exley (right-half) shaped 'fairly well. The goal-keeper (Leo. Davies) was seldom called upon to "save," but what little he did was done well. Spiers (a Wednesday player) filled the position of left full-back, but he is not a "rep." man. It is understood that he will be playing with the Karori Saturday seniors this year. Hickson played his usual sound game.

Mr. H. V. Walton, tho selector, accompanied the team, and Marlborough particularly desired him to act as referee. This Mr. Walton consented to do. He was very strict on breaches of the obstruction rulo by the Wellington forwards. Last Saturday week Y.JI.C.A., with seven senior men, augmented by four others,'-played-'-a scratch :i game'l-'Willi United. A. Partem, lull-back (Y.M.C.A), will not be playing this yeav. Haves is showing good form. Centre-forward appears to bo -the position most suited for him. He played centre-hall during part of last season, and is a very fast man. The exact strength of this season's Y.M.C.A. seniors has not come within "Bully-off's" ken so far. United seniors will almost assuredly be as follow:—Goal, Dn-yer; right full-back, Hiclcson; leit, M'Eldowney (ex-Wednes-day representative); right half, Morgan (ex-Tarnnaki representative); left half, G. Thompson; centre half, Cameron; left wing-forward, Andrews (late of Wanganui); inside loft, Jones (late centre-for-ward in some of the (Shield matches); inside right, Thompson (brother to "Keg."); right wing, W. Organ. The last-named has decided to play again this year. Walton has joined United, and a 'good man, — Holland, late of the Sydenham Club, Ohrisfchui'eh, has jointed- United also. As both these players are centre-forwanls, a choice has yet to bo made. Wellington Club should bo strong. ITall, late of Christchurch (centre half), enters the ranks of the blue'and whites. Morpeth will act as goalkeper, as usual, whilst Harry and Morrah (left and right full-backs respectively) will also wield the stick again. N. Rmythe has retired. [Phis is rather unfortunate, as he slill de-, serves a place in senior rank. Smith will' take left half-back, and Dunn probably centre-forward. As above-mentioned, Thompson has transferred to United. This will be a considerable loss to the Wellington seniors. Karori retain tho services of Claude Campbell, centre, and Aitken. right halves, whilst young Davios will probably play with tho halves. The Spiers brothers form the full-back line, with I.eo Davie* in goal. The exact forward line is not known to tho writer. Godfrey Oavies will play. inside-left again, anil Murphy inside-right. ■ These two players will bo tho mainstay of the forwards. Pope is away in Nelson. It has been mentioned that Karori have "one up their sleeves." as an old Karori wing-forward player is expected back. Tt is anticipated that the senior eleven will be strengthened by the inclusion of somepromising junior players. Victoria College seniors will be tho same as was the case last year, with'two exceptions. D. S. Smith (inside-right) is studying, and Kibblewhite (right fallback) is away. Wesley, it is understood, have secured the services of two ministers, the Itev. E. 0. Blamires, of cricket fame, and another. Dixon (inside-right) and Christie (centre-half) will not be plaving. Otherwise the team will b« the same as last year. . Thero will lie six senior teams competing this season, viz.: Wellington, Victoria College, United, Karori, Y.M.C.A., and Wesley. The even number of teams in the grade will have tho advantage of eliminating byes.