Hockey

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 79, 30 September 1933, Page 24

Hockey

By "Sticks." AUSTRALIAN VISIT

NEXT SEASON'S TOUR

STRONG TEAM EXPECTED

Comments which have appeared in Australian papers regarding the standard of play reached at the inter-state carnival and in the more important local competitions indicate that the.Australian representative team which is to tour New Zealand next season should be a good deal stronger than those which have previously crossed the Tasman. It has always been taken for o-ranted that New Zealand can field a side which will be more than a match for any Australian eleven, and, indeed, the results of matches played since the interchange of visits was commenced are strikingly in favour of the New Zealand teams. Hence it will >be refreshing, if the improvement reported from Australia is maintained by next season's tourning team, to fiud the matches more evenly contested. - A string of defeats inflicted on a touring team has a most depressing effect on tho "gates," whereas a really strong Australian eleven should prove a considerable draw, especially in the smaller centres, where a fillip to the game may be urgently needed. Some of the Australian teams of tho past have not been impressive. It has been claimed that the New Zealand grounds are not to their liking, but, all things considered, the visitors have not played up to representative standard in a number of cases. On their own grounds the Australian teams have certainly done better, and surprise has often been expressed that their form in New Zealand is so much different. With whatshould be a wealth of material to choose from the Australian selectors should be able to send across a formidable combination, and this would be welcomed by all New Zealand associations. The tourists will be anxious to capture the Manning Memorial Cup, which they have not held so far. They are bound to encounter some strenuous opposition from tho major associations, the form shown by several of the provincial associations this season being proof that hockey in the Dominion has not fallen below its usual high standard. Auckland is particularly strong this season, having successfully defended the Now Zealand Shield against a number of vigorous challenges. The Australian visit promises to be a feature of an interesting season next year. The management committee of'the W.H.A. is considering ways and niqans of'raising funds to cover the expenses of 'the Australian visit, and the matter will engage its attention early in the New Year.