WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Dominion, Volume 31, Issue 270, 11 August 1938, Page 7

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

New Zealand Selectors Defended WELLINGTON’S TEAM FOR TOURNEY (By Ckitjc.l The opinion that, if the facts were known concerning the selection and coaching of the New Zealand women's hockey teams for the Tests against England, criticism would be directed against the Ngjv Zealand association and not against Mr. G. C. Hamilton, is expressed in a letter from "Forward.” Wellington. "Forward” writes—"l would suggest that certain factors be inquired into before any criticism is made concerning the selectors of our Tost tqams against England, and particularly concerning Mr. G. C. Hamilton It seems fairly common knowledge tha.t the New Zealand association vetoed I lie selection of the team lor the final Test on the ground that it was not geographical enough, if this is correct, and I am assured that it is. the parent body ami not the selectors should be indicted for au extraordinary action. Selectors were appointed. They have to bear the brunt iff any criticism; yet the facts are that the team which iu their opinion was most capable of extending the visitors had to be altered to suit the wishes ot the parent body. “The second miint I would like to make is that because of illness Miss M. Sanson was replaced at the last minute in the final Test at Wellington by a player who had no knowledge of the team’s tactics. Furthermore, despite strict instructions to the players re- rdiug their footwear in view of the neavy state of the ground, the centre-half, Miss Aldridge, played in rubber shoes. In my opinion, the fault in the New Zealand team’s display in this Test could be attributed to these circumstances. Miss Aldridge was nearly always behind the play. She left gaps through which the visitors frequently swept. Miss T. Monk, who replaced Miss Sanson, was scarcely up to the standard, although she gave of her best. As a result the half line did not function up to expectations. “Your correspondent ‘Vanguard’ freely admits that he <Jjd not see the third Test. He bases his criticism ou what he saw in the second Test at Wanganui, when New Zealand put up its best nerformanae, and on a broadcast descript_ou of the last Test. He is not familiar with these details I have mentioned. Perhaps they may cause him to alter hjs opinion. “ Vanguard’s’ claim that he could pick two or three teams capable of soundly beating the last New Zealand Test sides, and not go outside the North Island, is hardly worth the paper on which it was writtep. During the past 10 years South Island teams have dominated the K Cup tourney. Including a tie with Wellington in J 930, Easterji Southland has won this trophy, symbolic of the championship of the Dominion, for seven out of the past eight years." On the other occasion, 1933, I think, Otago and Canterbury drew in the final. Other finalists have included Marlborough. Wellington was in the finals in 1930 and 1931. Teams from Rotorua 1 Poverty Bay, Bay of Plenty, Hawke’s Bay, Rnahine, Feilding, and Wanganui, from which ‘Vanguard’ claims he could pick players superior to those in the recent New Zealand Test sides, were simply not jji the Hunt at these tournaments; in fact, some of these places mentioned have not even been represented at the Dominion championships. “For years the standard in New Zealand women's hockey has been set by •South Island teams, with Wellington and Auckland, as the best in the North Island team. The Test teams consisted of players from these associations. To go past them would be a grave injustice, lar greater than ‘Vanguard’ claims has been occasioned to ass_ocitions he mentions. which, on tournament form, are weak.”

Wellington Tourney Team. The team to represent Wellington at the Dominion tournament, opening at Gisborne on August 27, is a particularly strong combination and a credit to Miss M. Wilkins, senior A selector. The team has the desirable experience, a vital necessity at tournaments. There is only one player in the personnel, Miss V. Mumn, who has not previous tournament experience, but her performances during the season warrant her inclusion, although had Miss J. Riley, Poneke, been available, I feel confident she would have been preferable for, to my mind, she is the best left wing playing in the senior A grade this season. The team’s defence will be particularly strong with such sound full-backs a 9 Misses M. Simpson and Z. Morris and Mrs. A. Smith, and Mrs. V. Keillor in goal. Miss Simpson is also a half-back of ability. The half-line will include such experienced players as Misses T. Monk, J. McDowell, I. Morris and M. Clarke, and a particularly strong attacking force can be assured with such good forwards as Misses I. Pickering, N. Priestley, H. McLellan, J. Mack, S. Jackson and V. Mumn and Mrs. F. Sundgren. Unless opposed by a team of unsuspected quality, Wellington should be among the finalists. However, much as

I would like to see our representatives win the coveted K Cup, I am of the opinion that Eastern Southland is still too strong for the other provinces. » Peculiar Tactics.

The tactics adopted by St. Joseph's, the leading senior B team, ou Saturday were difficult to understand. Playing one short and two goals in arrears at the interval, the chance of at least forcing a draw iu the second half was not appreciated as the team continued to play three backs and two halves, a very unwise formation in the circumstances which enabled the opposing team to continue to force the play. 'The team would have produced better results bad the attack been strengthened. Through persevering on the wrong lines, St. Joseph’s received a setback, the first defeat of the season. 1’.T.0.G. thoroughly deserved the win as the team, which also played one short, was quick to benefit from the unusual tactics of the opposition. Notes on Senior B Players.

Airs. Wyatt, who had been absent from the game for some weeks beeau.se of an injury, made a welcome return to the Hospital ranks on Saturday. She showed by her performance that she had nor lost any of her skill as a full-back. Karori West owe much to Miss M. McKelvie for keeping her side out of trouble against Hospital. It is unfortunate that the capabilities of this player are not being fully appreciated by her forwards.

Ilsing tactics which had the opposition bustled. Miss Elements, Petone Technical Old Girls' centre-half, proved St. Joseph's main stumbling block. Her keen tackling broke up what promising moves were instituted by the opposition. Miss N. Pointon. Petone Technical Old Girls' left wing, did not see a great deal of the ball on Saturday, but what did

go her way was atways turned to good advantage.

The mainstay of the Upper Hutt team against Wenerei was the right half, Miss A° Smith. She combined well with her forwards and supported them at every

opportunity. A hard defensive game went to the credit of Miss M. Rasmussen, bt, Joseph’s right full-back. Technical Old Girls’ full-back, Miss B Chittenden, played outstandingly C.O.G. and much of the credit lor the suceeMH of her team must go to this player. She filled the dual position of goalkeeper and full-back with praise and u her performance on Saturday can be taken as a criterion 1 fully expect to see this young player make the representative grade this year. Her play to date has been well up to the required standard. Another Technical Old Girls player who should be in the running for representative honours is Miss Surgue, centie half. Her display on Saturday was excellent, but I would advise her to avoid hitting the ball across the goalmouth in clearing from tin awkward situation. Hospital’s right wing, Miss M ilson, enhanced her chance for the representative wing position by her display against Karori West. She is undoubtedly the best right wing in the grade and, what is more, she has experience. Miss K. O’Brien, St. Josephs centre forward, by her splendid efforts on Saturday justified the comment previously made in this column that she is superior to any other centre forward in the grade and it will come as a surprise if she tails to secure representative honours again. College Old Girls’ right wing. Miss Joan Hatcher, was instrumental in keeping her team on the attack against T.0.G., but lack of combination on the part of the inside forwards spoilt much of her good work.