WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 188, 7 May 1931, Page 2

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Swifts’ Strong Combination

NOTES ON THE PLAYERS

(By

“Critic”)

The standard of hockey displayed by some of the senior teams on Saturday, notably Swifts, Hutt, Training College, and Karorl, was of such a good order for so early in the season that it points to the prospects of a term of hockey of a much higher class than was the case last year. Swifts made an auspicious opening, the forward line working in grand unison, while the defence, although not severely tested by University, is solid, and looks like standing up successfully to the hard tests ahead of it. The fine understanding between Misses V. Stubbs, J. Harper, and M. Wilkins was much in evidence on Saturday, for it was they who made the vanguard the forcing unit it proved to be against the students. Swifts undoubtedly possess a very strong combination.

Hutt showed good combination, .both forward and backs displaying a clear knowledge of their respective l duties. This is the outcome of strict training during the previous few weeks to the opening of the competition. Training College was not far behind the valley girls in this respect, however, and the meeting of these two teams was the star attraction of the afternoon. Although Hutt deserved the winning goal, I am of the opinion that a draw would have been a more equitable, conclusion to a fine contest.

Old Girls proved a big disappointment when compared with the class of hockey exhibited by Swifts, Hutt, and Training College. Had Ramblers' forwards concentrated more on attack than defence there is no saying how last year’s runners-up would have fared. The luck of the game was unquestionably in Old Girls’ favour.

Wenerei’s win over Huia did not carry much credit with it. Both teams gave a weak display, and lacked combination. Better tilings can, however, be expected from these teams as the season progresses. The disorganisation of the Wenerei forward line was a big handicap, and a further shuffle will be required to be made before next Saturday. Hula has mainly entered the grade for experience, and as the players are all keen the team should gain the desired knowledge to fit it for better things next season.

About tho Players. Miss Wind showed up prominently for Hula against Wenerei. Miss A. Heffiord was right off her game in goal for University. She failed to give a glimpse of her past season's form, allowing eight goals to be registered against her record. It was a bad start for last year's Wellington representative goalie. An acquisition to the Native team, Toa, Is Mrs. S. Parker, who represented Majiawhenua in goal at last year’s K Cup tourney at Invercargill. Mrs. Parker has represented Horowhenua on many occasions against Wellington, and she should prove of immense assistance to Toa between the uprights. Miss D. Clarke showed to much advantage on the left-wing for Karorl in the match against Old Girls. Her centres were timely and accurate.

If Miss Anne Gleeson was played at inside-left and Miss Alma Davis at centreforward ,1 feel sure the Wenerei attack would show to much better advantage than it did last week. Such a change should be given a trial next Saturday. The left-half work of Miss A. Scott was outstanding for Old Girls in the game with Ramblers. She showed marked confidence in her duties, and was too alert for the opposing winger.

As soon as Miss Teresa Hennessy learns not to roam so much she might prove a much better centre-half than centre-for-ward for Karorl. On Saturday she was repeatedly up with the forwards. Her goals were certainly well earned, but to be a success at halt she must remember that positional play is one of the vital points in the game.

Both Misses A. Jenner and H. Murray showed up to much advantage for the Hutt senior B team in the match with Swifts. The Technical College Old Girls coach, Miss Jurd, was in good form ‘with tho stick on Saturday, securing four of tho eight goals scored by her team.

Miss Kathleen Hcnnessv gave an outstanding exhibition at left full-back for Karorl. Other members of the team who played well were Misses N. Hennessy (In-side-right), R. Burn (right-wing), and T. Solvers (right full-back). Con tics Club.

Writing to “Critic” respecting the Centics team, Mr. C. E Gardiner, the coacn, says:—“Unfortunately tho team is hard up against ft this year. We have lost six of last season’s players, including qur centre-forward, Miss I. Clarke, who gained representative honours, and our centrehalf, Miss N. O’Connell, who was one of ths best players in the team, Mlsa E.

Poole, another good forward, is not available until next month. In the place of those who have left, we have five new players, all keen and enthusiastic girls, but-unfortunately they have never handled a stick before. Coaching will be carried out as strenuous!/ as possible, and, In spite of a weakened team, we hope to bo able to provide some good games for the opposing teams before the season finishes.”