On the Hockey Field

Evening Post, Volume CXIX, Issue 128, 1 June 1935, Page 22

On the Hockey Field

SENIOR A COMPETITION LEADERS

KARORI A AND HUIA SHOW GOOD FOPvM

Karori A are in a strong position in the senior A competition with five of their first-round engagements completed, and they have not so far lost a match; It has been proved time and again in recent seasons that a good start in competition play is invaluable, and may prove the.deciding factor in a close finish. So many teams fail to reach form from a variety of reasons, chiefly under-training, until the competitions are well under way, and by that time they are lagging behind in points and have little prospect of overtaking the leaders. On their.present form Karori A must be considered among the even at this early stage of the competition, and it is certain that the team will spare no effort to retain the championship title. Huia have had to count a draw in their tally, and this has cost a. precious point. Nevertheless, there is a long way to go, and hockey, especially on the bumpy grounds with which teams have had to contend of recent weeks, can be full of surprises. This season the senior A grade includes several teams remarkable for their inconsistent play. Wesley, have shown good form and mediocre, Hutt have extended Karori A in one match and gone down to other teams in uninspiring games, and even Wellington at times have failed to reach the standard expected of them. Karori B, who were so prominent throughout last year, seem to have struck a bad patch, and the reorganisation of the team is somewhat belated, but has already produced good results. University are experimenting with unusual formations which may yet prove of value, but which, accompanied by poor ball control among the forwards, are steadily losing them points. . ' ■ : ;.;.'■'■ Technical can be regarded as doing quite well for their first season in the senior A grade. Experience is what they require most, and in a season or two they may be expected to become a serious factor in the competition. Their stickwork and combination are in the main admirable, and should go far in the future towards bringing them success. The decision of the management committee to use the Naenae grounds to a greater extent for senior A play should have a decidedly beneficial effect on' the general standard, which it is widely admitted is this season well below par. For this state of affairs the bumpy grounds hitherto in use may be held largely responsible. Karori No. 2 has been especially bad, while the No. 1 ground, always regarded in past seasons as well suited to fast and accurate play, has also been open to criticism. The Naenae grounds involve much travelling, but if they are to improve the senior standard, as they undoubtedly will, the extra distance should not be seriously considered.