HOCKEY

Evening Post, Volume LXXXVIII, Issue 70, 19 September 1914, Page 10

HOCKEY

l SOUTHERNERS' SURPRISE PACKET SUNDRY MATTERS DISCUSSED. (By "Sticks.") Surprises are rare in hockey, but they do come occasionally, and then with a vengeance. Last Saturday the majority of those who gathered at the Basin to witness the revived annual fixture between the North and South Islands were no doubt prepared for a Northern victory. As it happened, however, those who held the foe too cheaply had reason to regret it, which is frequently the case. Which was the better team ? As a matter of fact, there was so little between the two teams that this question is extremely difficult to answer. The finished tactics and admirable combined play of the Southerners came .as a complete surprise to everyone, and from the commencement it was easy to see that North would have to fight every inch of- the way. The forwards started off with deadly determination, a thing that was not expected, and the Northern defenders were caught napping. Alter the first two goals, however, matters changed, and from then onward the battle was an even one. North, who were by repute the stronger team, did not play up to expectations, and on the day's play South deserved the victory. Messrs. Cusack and Hatch gave every satisfaction as referees ; better refereeing no one could have wished for. YOUTHFUL "REPS." , Hockey among schoolboys is advancing rapidly, which, of course, is a good sign for the future of the game. Last Saturday the first representative match to take place in Wellington was played as a " curtain-raisei " to the big game, the local boys meeting Wairarapa, • who proved superior by three goals to nil. Wellington put up a plucky fight, l>ul Wairarapa knew too much.' It is the intention of the local boys to play a, return game against their conquerors, and for the purpose of selecting the team a trial was to be held at Karori to-day. The match will be played at Carterton. LADIES' COMPETITION. The ladies' competition has now been closed, with Rambler A at the top of the ladder in the senior grade by six points. The following tables show how the various teams fared in the senior and junior grade :—: —

ojijx iKjn. T *»»- t a J 1 3 3 *l Ambler A ..1 10 9 0 1 29 >2 19 University ... 10 6 1 3 21 5. 13>irls' College 10 6 2 2 17 7 14 Rambler B ... 30 3 5 2 518 8 3yrens ... 10 4 6 0 25 19 8 College Old Girls 10 1 9*o/ 434 2 st. Augustine 10 1 8' 1 2 8 4 i JUNIOR. | Pechnical College 9 4 0 5 11 3 1113 1 jirls' College 9 4 14 9 4 12 University ... 9 2 4 3 6 4 7 ' Gambler ... 9 18 0 217 4