Hockey.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 57, 4 September 1909, Page 14

Hockey.

(By "Shinty.") By the time this will be in print, the long-looked- for match, Auckland v. Wellington, in which the former is defending the much-coveted shield, will be decided. The representatives of the Queen City are, this time, meeting practically a different team — different in that it has improved — to that which they met at Day's Bay a couple of Satur- ■ days back. On that occasion, it will be I the game was drawn, Ul-j J

Auckland did not then have its best team on the field — but neither did Wellington. Nor has Wellington been able to get its best eleven away to Auckland, although the team, as sent, should make a bold bid for supremacy. The most improved portion of the team is, on the form shown in the Senior-Junior fixture last Saturday, the forward line, particularly as regards Smythe and Davies. Tb!e ' former, on the left wing, and the latter, at inside left, played very well together, and seemed to understand each other intimately. Smythe is an experienced and careful player, and, as he showed when he scooped into an empty goal last Saturday, he seldom misses an opportunity. Hickson, right full-back, played his usual sound gome, and he allowed very few Junior rushes to go past him. His long passing to Smythe, a feat which he accomplished several times, was very good. Harty, the other full, infused more vim into his play than has been customary with him. As regards the half-line, there was a notable improvement. Amongst the Juniors there are some promising players. In the matter of a very important department of the game^ — shooting — however, they were very deficient. The hitting of the forwards was erratic. Wrigley played a fair game, but his exhibition left much to be desired. Marshall, left full-back, played well afc times, as did Wollerman. The latter foiled several good chances. M'Kenzie was a brilliant leftwinger, and some of his runs covered the whole length of the field. The remainder of the Juniors all played as creditably as could be expected, considering that most of them had never before played together. The inter-State match New South Wales v. Victoria, was won by the former by 3 goals to 2. The result of the Auckland team's tour summarised, shows that six matches were played, three being won, two drawn, and one lost. Eleven goals were scored for the team, and nine against. The team arrived home last Sunday. Now that the Southern tour is over, says tho Auckland Star, the local association has to turn its attention to the numerous challenges for the shield. First of all conies Wellington, then follow Thames, Hawke's Bay, and Manawatu in quick succession. The Wellington team will return from. Auckland on Monday afternoon, and on the following afternoon is to meet 'Wangamui at Day'e Bay.