MEN'S HOCKEY

Evening Post, Volume CXXVI, Issue 63, 12 September 1938, Page 16

MEN'S HOCKEY

REPRESENTATIVE GAME

WELLINGTON V CANTERBURY

Although the Wellington men's hockey junior representative team managed to beat the Canterbury representative third B grade team by 1-0 on Saturday afternoon, on the run of the play the win would have been much convincing than the narrow score indicated. The Wellington forwards were continually on the attack in Canterbury territory and at least three-quarters of the game was played around the Canterbury twentyfive line. Although they combined well and displayed some strong runs, all the good work that the Wellington forwards put into their movements in the preliminary stages was lost whan they came within striking distance of the Canterbury goal, and many easy chances of scoring were thrown away through wild and inaccurate shooting, and lack of finish in the circle. The best exhibition on the field was that given by B. Wheeler, in goal for Canterbury. He brilliantly defended against repeated attacks, and. by judicious use of his feet and stick saved his side continually. It was only in the late stages of the game that T. H. Scott succeeded in. slipping past him, getting the only goal of the match. Probably Wheeler's showing was the best seen in Wellington from a junior player for many years. Lack of practice together was no doubt Canterbury's failing, and their forwards did not show the push that Wellington had. However, they produced a few good movements and a fine run by L. Wrters and another solo run on the left wing by F. Lee placed Wellington in difficulty from which Canterbury appeared likely to score. T,he Canterbury backs, particularly the full-backs, were sound, and the quality of their play was indicated by the small score. Despite the extremely sticky state of the ground which made it hard for the players to keep their footing, the match was kept at a fast clip, and except when it was tightened up in the circle play was fairly bright and open. For Wellington E. Elgar at centre-half was prominent and was well supported by Boughey at righthalf. The teams were: — Wellington.—Tempest. McWilliams, Deavoll, Ginders, E. Elgar, Boughey, Thomson, Dentice, Scott, Vincent, MeKelvey. < • Canterbury.—B. Wheeler, B. Mitchell (captain), J. Hancock, J. Coch-| jrane, P. O'Brien, D. Allingham, A. Adcock, D. White, L. Waters, R. Hurrell, F. Lee. The umpires were Messrs. W. Keys and W. G. Purves.