HOCKEY

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 89, 14 April 1923, Page 15

HOCKEY

[•V 'BTICKS"i TEAMS IN TRAINING

CLUBS TURN OUT TO PRACTICE

THE ART OF STICK WORK.

. The fact that the popularity of hockey is steadily increasing, was. established beyond doubt at Karori Park on Saturday, when the first practice of the 1923 season was held. All clubs were well represented, and unusual keenness was displayed by the large number of enthusiasts who took the field. Many new players were to be seen in action, notably among- the wearers of the black and white jersey, who are known to be strong advocates for the encouragement of juniors. In spite of this, the Huia Club does not seem able fo muster a powerful senior team, and the same applies to Wesley, which does, perhaps more than any other club in the Dominion, in the direction ■of coaching youngsters, and still it cannot develop a sufficiently strong combination to establish its right to the championship. The main thing- is, however, that Wes--ley men are always triers and invariably have a full team. For this alone, they deserve more success than has been their Jot in the past. Karori were out-in full force, and gave every indication that this year they will be strong 'in all teams, senior, junior, and third grade, which will put in strong bids for the j-ospective championships. Another old ■player, who again donned shorts for this club, was H. M'Gregor, who has not been seen in action for several seasons. ' At one time he was easily the best halfback in Wellington, and providing that lie can regain anything like . his old form, he will have no trouble in securingrepresentative honours. Wakatu had a splendid muster, and will probably be able to maintain. the high standard of piny which last year was characteristic of its members. It seems likely that Sherwood will be seen in the white, jerfov, and if he does decide to throw in his lot with Wakatu, it will be so much the better for the hockey, of this par- j ticnlar club. Hutt and Petone got, in good practices, and can be depended ' upon to live up to their former reputations, while 'Varsity can be relied upon to turn out, as fit as ever. , Wellington, previously known as Wellington United, we,re at the .Park in full strength., and all members took the practice very seriously. On their showing, they should have formidable elevens in; both senior and junior grades. R. L. Thompson, the club captain, Fifefiold, the ex-Otago representative, Les Boyd, Webster, W. ' Orgon, and Miller, an old red and white enthusiast, were all in attendance and showed good form. Boyd and Webster combined very well, and with O'Brien, Emeny, and the other good men available, should make a splendid forward line. Scott, late of Petone, was practising with the "reds," and although up against Boyd, he put in some great work. Webster's stipjs play was very effective, and, with the other "A" forwards, wasmore than a match for the juniors, led by Hancock, Thornton, Jorgensen, and M'Kenzie. Martis and Miller both are ready to fill the position of full-back, Cummings from Canterbury will be in goal, Armstrong will be cen-tre-half, associated with whom.. will probably be Scott and .Ashwin, and among the forwards available are Hogan, O'Brien, Boyd, .Emeny. Webster, Morris, and Barton,, besides se/veral of last year's juniors, who' have ' proved themselves worthy of promotion. The selectors will have no easy task in choosing the two teams. The draw for the competition will be made some time this week, and it is hoped that book of fixtures -and the rules of hockey will be available for distribution by next Saturday, when-the season will begin in earnest. Every player should obtain a copy of this invaluable but ridiculously cheap book, not only because. of the fixtures but to enable' Jiim to become conversant with the rules of the game, lack of knowledge of which serves only as' a handicap to himself, his team, and the referee. K ; EEN INTEREST BY THE LADIES. Ladies' hockey is expected to improve 100 per cent, this year, as all clubs have rxpressed their intentions of training bard, playing hard, and generally taking a live interest in.the game. Messrs. Ted Griffin and Dick Lloyd will again be at the head of this movement. The thanks of the W.H.A. are due to Misses Bartley and Griffiths, the two Tied Cross nurses who were in attendance at Karori Park ©very day last season, and who did.splendid work for the injured players. It is to be hoped that the association has taken such steps as will insure the valuable aid of these ladies during the present season. SOME POINTS ON "STYLE." To develop an effective and consistent "style" should be the aim of every hockey player. Perfection, of course, is attained only by frequent and careful practice—it can't be bought, and the fact that experience is the only school should always be borne in mind. The following points, obvious as they may appear to the veteran, are, nevertheless, worthy of careful observation. The "push shbt" is the best possible method of passing from any part of the ground, provided, of course, that there is a clear field between the passer and the recipient! The stroke is_ in no sense a hit. The blade of the stick is brought up to, and placed against the ball, which in most cases is in front of the player and moving, away from him as he dribbles. The handle is kept well forward, so that the stick is upright, the right hand being slipped down. Then," by ■ a strong forward thrust of the blade, executed by the wrist alone, the ball is despatched with n smooth roll, which cannot be obtained by any other means .and'which makes acceptance of the p-ass easy. .This method, wrist alone, the ball is diepatched with which the ball travels, cannot' be employed over long distances when there is any chance of interception by an opposing player, or where the ground is very heavy. ■

The "scoop shot" is very similar to the "push," but is resorted to over short distances only, and is achieved by an outward turn of tho wrists, which forces the blade under the near side of the ball and propels it to the right. It usually rises as high as the knee or waist, and is very difficult to intercept, as the changing elevation has to bo judged as well as the direction, and the feet cannot be used. It is of .great •value "in opening up the game for the generally starved right-wing-, to whom, by this method a pass is easily given from positions in which a hit is difficult fo effect. Properly played, the ball does jiot rise high enough, or travel with sufficient speed to do any damage for elevation higher than that described, reeults in waste of time and difficulty in accepting the pass. It is, therefore, to to avoided for this, if for no other reason. This shot can also be used with great effect for scoring at close quarters. notes. : At a meeting held in September last, the Management Committee of the K.Z.H.A. decided to invite, the English Hockey Association to send a thoroughly representative team to New Zealand in 1924. and a reply had been received from

England, and it was hoped that the visit would eventuate. Mr. H. D. Swan, manager of MacLaren's M.C.C. team, had consented to continue negotiations on behalf of the New Zealand and Australian Hockey Associations upon his return to England, and it was hoped that his efforts would prove successful in arranging the visit. It was hoped during the coming season to inaugurate a competition for secondary school players. The matter had already been discussed upon several occasions, and , a sub-committee had prepared draft rules, which would come up for consideration immediately. It was hoped that the competition, which would be for possession of the Al. Itaiikin Memorial Cup", would receive the earnest consideration of all associations throughout New Zealand. According to the animal report of the New Zealand Hockey Association, ' at the date of the last census there were in the Dominion 15 affiliated associations, comprising 14 sub-associations, | 147 clubs, and 3082 players. j The Rambler Ladies' Hockey Club I decided at their annual meeting to enter two teams, a senior and a junior. -The election of officers resulted:—Field captain, Miss L. Dick; club captain, Miss L. Wilkins; secretary, Miss S. Simon; treasurer, Miss Farrell. The club commenced practice to-day, and promises to put in a strong bid for both championships. With a view to augmenting the funds, it was decided to hold a series of dances in the near future. In reviewing the 1922 season, the annual report of the- N.Z.H.A. states that the Buller Association, which had been a defunct body for several seasons, re-affiliated. The West Coast Association made efforts to resuscitate near the end of the season, without success, but the game would undoubtedly be revived in that territory during the forthcoming year. Unsuccessful efforts were again made to interest Southland enthusiasts, and further endeavours would be made in that district during the coming years. Outside these territories, the game was flourishing and steadily gaining in popularity. - "The past year resulted in an excess of expenditure over income amounting to £4 10s 2d, the income totalling £108 16s 9d, and the expenditure £113 6s lid (says the annual report of the N.Z.H.A.). The balance-sheet as at 28th. February, 1923, disclosed assets totalling £65 5s sd, with liabilities nil, leaving the accumulated fund standing at £65 5s 5d." . During the past season four matches were played for possession of the Challenge Shield. The Auckland Association was granted permission to. take the trophy on tour, and it was wrested from that team by the Manawatu representatives in a game played at Palmerston North, by 2 goals to 0. The ' Manawatu team was successful in defending the shield against Wellington in the final game of the season, played at Palmerston North. The challenge shield lias now been competed for upon 54 occasions, and has- been won ar retained' by the Auckland Association on. 24 occasions, Wellington on 19, Canterbury on 8, Manawatu on 3.

A step in- the right direction is being taken by the 'Varsity Club, which has decided to approach the Auckland and Otago Colleges, with a view to inaugurating 'an inter-faculty ' ..tournament. Three teams—senior, junior, and third grade—are to be entered in the local competitions, ' and at the annual meeting it was agreed that the . insurance scheme, instituted last year, be' continued. Officers for the ensuing season were elected as follow:—Patron, Mr. Ham, sen.; president, Professor Adamson;'club captain, Mr. N. Foden;. Hon. secretary, Mr. W. P. Hollings; hon. treasurer, Mr. H. Kennard; delegates to. Wellington . Hockey 'Association;- Messrs. A. M. Cousins and H. Kennard.