WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 182, 30 April 1931, Page 6

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Australian Team’s Tour GOOD EXPERIENCE GAINED

(By

“Critic.”)

Mrs. F. J. Davy, manager and qliaperon of the Australian women's hockey team that competed at the Empire tournament in South Africa, and then went on tour of England and the Continent, considers that the trip was a valuable experience for the tourists. They had played 34 matches, of which nine had been won and two drawn. "Wo failed against England and Scotland owing mainly to the opposing teams’ superior knowledge of the game,” said Mrs. Davy when interviewed. “Their ball control, stickwork, footwork, and quickness on the ball are perfect.” “Miss Mabel Bryant, who captained the All-England side that toured Australia in 1027, coached the South African representative team, which was too strong for our girls. . Except in Durban and Cape Town, where the grounds were grasscovered, the South African matches were all played on hard pitches. The team played at Brussels', Cologne, and Amsterdam. The match against the German girls was the most strenuous, and the only one our team lost onthe Continent. We looked forward to meeting the New Zealand team in South Africa, but were disappointed when informed that the New Zealand Women’s* Hockey Association had found it necessary to abandon all hope of sending a team."

Affiliation Discussed. At the conference of the International Federation of Women’s Hockey, England, a discussion took place with regard to the proposal made by the Federation Internationale (men's association) that the two bodies should affiliate. All the Continental countries where women’s hockey is played, with the exception of Denmark, are affiliated with the Federation Internationale, and tho women's association decided to collaborate with the men’s body on condition that “the two retains absolute independence in its internal organisation, that the four countries of the United Kingdom remain as four separate entities, and that the votes of the conference be on a sliding scale, with a fixed low maximum for any qne country.” No definite action can be taken until all affiliated countries have been consulted, and it is considered unlikely that any arrangement will bo made to place women’s hockey under men's control. This same subject was discussed at last year's conference and referred to in this column.

Movements of Players] Miss Eileen Oates, who played so well in goal for Old Girls' junior team last season, should bo given an opportunity to show her skill as a half-back. She Is ouo of the koennest young players tho writer saw last term, and a chance lu tho half-line would be to her advantage. Mrs. M. Chaplin will once again turn out for her old club, Ramblers. Sho Is a sound half-back and powerful hitter. Well known In swimming circles, Miss Joan Wright has followed In the footsteps of her sister by taking up hockey as a winter sport. She lias already shown much promise as n full-back, a position she will fill In tho junior A team for College Old Girls. Her 'sister, Molly Wright, will be an acquisition to the club's first eleven. The Hennessey sisters will occupy their regular positions Ip tho Karorl senior team. They have been of Immense help to the club since taking up hockey, In Miss Marjorie Eberlet, College Old Girls have the maltings of a speedy forward. It is understood Mias Knox, prominent in Otakl hookey olrcles. is now residing la

Wellington, and from all accounts may be seen out with one of the senior teams. A great asset to College Old Girls’ Club is Miss Kiri Edwin, a full-back possessing sound tactics. Misses Anue Gleeson and Marion Slater, who were a tower of strength to Wenerei senior B team, winners of the 1030 champlonsltlp, have intimated their Intention of again being at the service of the club. Miss Gleeson won representative honours last season, being a member of tho Wellington team, that won the K. Cup at the Dominion tournament, while Miss Slater played for the Wellington B team against Folldlng, Miss Molly Cooper, outstanding winger In the College Old Girls’ junior B teamlast: season, has been promoted and will play for the club's senior B elevon during the approaching season. Owing to a rearrangement of the Wenerei senior A team, it has been found necessary to play Miss Basket, a Sydney fullback of outstanding ability in the forward line. It is said she Is capable of filling either position with success.

Hints io Junior Players. Keep fit. Remember many games arc won on condition iu the last few minutes. Do not be selfish. Remember, you nro playing for your team, not. yourself, Keep your eye on the ball. Be sure you know your position on the field and do not wander. , Hockey is essentially a game for combination; a well-balanced team with a good understanding will always beat a team of brilliant individuals. Always take your defeats in true sport, ing spirit. Instead of grumbling try to find out where your opponents are superior and endeavour to Improve your own game. General Notes. The opening series of championship matches will bq played on Saturday. On Wednesday, May 13, the Old Girls’ Hockey Club will hold a surprise party in the Tararua Tramping Club rooms, when a ping-pong tourney, competitions, supper, music, etc., will bo part of the evening’s entertainment. An invitation is extended to all hockey girls to attend. , Clubs bad the use oi . ground* ' at ■

Karorl Park last Saturday week and members mustered In full strength to gain the benefit of the only practise day available on p full-slued field before the season opens. Some of the players showed tliomselvcs to be well forward for so early in tiie season, while' several new recruits were noticed getting in some useful practice. The playing areas at Newtown, and Karorl Parks and Tanera Crescent are looking in perfect condition for the opening of the season on Saturday. A team that will comprise a particularly well-balanced eleven in the junior A grade will be Wenerei, The side is not wanting for practice and should be well to the fore in the opening match on Saturday. Captains of teams are reminded that it is obligatory upon them to furnish the referees controlling the respective games a list of the players representing each elnb. Such list, which must be handed to the official concerned before the commencement of the match, should give the players in their correct. positions, starting with the goalkeeper first, then rlgh tfull-back, left full-back, and so on.