WOMEN'S HOCKEY

Evening Post, Volume CXXIV, Issue 57, 4 September 1937, Page 23

WOMEN'S HOCKEY

TOURNAMENT PLAY

WELLINGTON SHOWING

GENERAL NOTES

(By "Circle.")

The biggest event of 1937, at least so far as women hockey players are concerned, the annual Dominion tournament, has now been in full swing for a week at Invercargill, and the standard of the various teams can be judged to a certain extent by the reports which have come through to Wellington. Although they did not record a victory against Eastern B, about their most formidable opponents in their section, Wellington managed to make a draw of their first match, which, it is said, was the best of the opening day. It was a match full of thrills, and the standard of hockey was high. Some idea of how the Wellington players showed up in their matches may be gained from the Press reports which appeared in the Southland papers. Fast and Dashing. Miss J. McDowell was fast and dashing. On defence she was steady and several times she cleared with brilliant runs to let her forwards away. A Sound Goalie. Although she did not have much practice this season as goalie for C.0.G., Miss E. Cheyne gave a wonderful display in the first match. She brought off several remarkable clearances, and during the closing stages of the match she kept the goal intact despite hectic scrambles in the circle. Reliable Back. Mrs. A. Smith gave several convincing performances in her position at right back. Time after time she broke

up promising movements, by opposing teams, clearing to her half-backs. Captain Does Well. Miss I. Pickering, Wellington captain and New Zealand representative, was always dangerous: in the forwards, and. several times against Eastern B she broke through on her own and went through the opposing defence to. the circle. Others Also. ' Mrs. F. Sundgren, Misses H. Morris, J. Mack, and R. Gibbs also came in for a few words, of praise from the. critics for their showings in the early matches The Horowhenua MatchWellington's performance against Horowhenua last week was disappointing, but it seems that without the service of three stalwarts like Miss Budge. Mrs. Seal, and Miss Spiers Horowhenua would not have finished with such a heavy advantage. In last year's Baker-Parata Cup match, it will be remembered, the same three players were responsible for the four gqal* scored against. Wellington, Wairaraft'a D*7* Wellington's showing all round last Saturday left much to be desired, especially in the junior match against Wamrapa. The impression, given by this game was that what the team needed* before taking the Held, was more practice than they had had tne opportunity of getting. They lacked combination, particularly among the forwards, and their work in the circle was so poor as. to let slip numerous excellent scoring chances. A Generous Tribute. Under the heading "Real Hockey Stalwart" a southern writer pays a Uibute to Mr. J, C. Cusack, the Wellington team's manager, and president of the Wellington Association, He concludes; by saying "May the visit Qf

h-.iself and his team to the Far South be a pleasant one, and there could be no more fitting conclusion to his career as a s hockey enthusiast than to see the X Cup go north. Such a thought may not appeal to many, but, knowing Jack Cusack's temperament, and his ambition, nothing would give greater pleasure than to see the coveted trbphy again find an honoured place in the realm of Wellington hockey." A generous tribute indeed from a Southland supporter. Umpires' Examinations. Umpires desiring to take their practical tests at the tournament may do so. Following the receipt of nominations from associations the executive has appointed Mr, G. C. Hamilton (Eastern), South Island, and Mr. Maloney (Wairarapa), North Island, as selectors representing affiliated associations, and Mrs. H. A. Poulter has been appointed from the N.Z.W.H.A. Selectors will be present at the tournament. Form of Umpires. Referring to recent theoretical and practical examinations of umpires a circular issued by the N.Z.W.H.A. says: "The results submitted by the subcommittee have been somewhat disappointing, the percentage of A grade passes'being very small. This would disclose the fact that many have only a nodding acquaintance with their rule books, and this'conclusion is strengthened by opinions that have been expressed in the Press frequently this season. We earnestly recommend a closer study of the rules of the game, and feel sure that the enjoyment obtained by both players, and umpires would,more than compensate for the time taken in 'swot.' The umpires task would be considerably lightened, and a much more interesting game from the spectator's point of view would result."