WATER POLO

Evening Star, Issue 21879, 16 November 1934, Page 4

WATER POLO

[By Hookek.]

COMPETITIONS OPENED

Interest in water polo looks like being keener thail ever this season, and the attendances of the public at the games played this week, especially the St. Clair A-Kiwi A match on Tuesday night, have been very good indeed. Most interest this week dientred on the Kiwi A-St. Clair A game, and it proved a well-rontested match for the start of the season, Kiwi, though without the services of P. E. Mathieson, showing better all-round combination than its opponents and emerging winners by 4 goals to 3. St. Clair staged a great rally in the second half, when Walter Jarvis came up to centre, and he shot two good goals, Jim Durand adding another with a long shot which niat?3 the scores level with only a short time to go. The outstanding player in the game was Morrie Taylor, *the Otago captain, and it was he who paved the way for Kiwi’s winning goal by a fine piece of dribbling before flicking the ball to Thomas for the latter to score the winning goal. Taylor’s anticipation of the run of the play, his accurate handling, and sure marking of his man were features of the game. Between him, Shanahan, and Geddes a close understanding existed, and this trio took part in some good movements, Geddes playing a very unselfish game. This was Dan Shanahan’s first game in Dunedin, and he showed that the good reports that preceded him from Auckland were not unduly flattering. He has a knowledge of the finer points, and his swimming with the ball frequently placed his side in good position. Shanahan has a really good idea of positional play, and should . be a big asset to Otago water polo. Thomas played one of his best games on the .wing, and with a bit more power behind his shots will take some stopping. O. Holland, and W, A. Black require more practice in handling of ■ the ball, but in goal Dave Pickard was very effective indeed.

St. Clair’s good showing in the second -spell was due in no small measure to the influence of Walter Jarvis, who was always prominent. Wally showed his versatility in tho first by' keeping goal ini good style. J ack Swan did well in the field, but when he went back to his old position at goal in the second half he made some great saves. ■ When properly fit Arthur Harrod will be an asset to the St. Clair team, and the same applies to O. Wood, who requires a bit of practice in handling the ball. Gillies, has the pace, but he is another who requires more practice in handling and throwing. Jim Durand was in good form for St. Clair, especially as he had had a game earlier against H.M.S. Dunedin team.

In the first match of the B grade competition St. Clair B (last year’s winners) met defeat at the hands of Dunedin C team,' strengthened by the inclusion of J. 0. Byrnes* and D. Newall, who were called upon to fill last-minute defections. There were some bright incidents, but towards the finish both teams showed signs of lack of training. Dunedin’s win will give added interest to the .competition, especially as St. Kilda are much stronger this year than for some time past. St. Kilda will be led by the es-Otago representative, Val Newall, whose return to the game will be welcomed by all. Newall should give the keen St. Kilda side the stiffening it needs,. and the seasiders should be well to the fore this season. They play their first match against Kiwi B on Monday night. ■ ■ Kaikorai has not yet entered a team in the competition, but the hill club is quite hopeful of representation before long. A water polo ball has been obtained, and members are very keen to make a start with the game. Judging from the form they displayed in a combined team which beat H.M.S. Dunedin last Tuesday night, Syd. Jarvis and Jack Barry should be well to the fore in A grade polo tips year. -

Reg. Clark, who is one of the Australian team that will be appearing here in a week or two is a New South Wales polo representative, and he is to be invited to give an exhibition of polo ball throwing at one of his appearances here. P. Ness played quite a useful game in the combined team against H.M.S. Dunedin, and, with the keenness displayed by the Kaikorai members, should soon be able to gather a team together. , Several promising young players will be seen in, the various teams in the B grade competition, which has already proved a good feeding ground for the senior grade. The City Council has' granted the Otago Centre the use of the baths on Tuesday nights from 8.45 to 9.45 for a special water polo hour, and this should greatly facilitate the Water Polo Committee in getting matches off. Containing several young players the Dunedin B team put up a good showing against the strong A team from the same club on Wednesday night,. although the A’s were handicapped by playing one short. The A’s won by 7 to 1, but the B’s offered keen opposition throughout. Young Keith Leckie, a nephew of the Otago Centre’s president (Mr W. A. Jenkins), has the makings of _ a good polo player. He marked Jim Byrnes like a veteran. G. Ruston is a lively forward in the B team, and N. again promises to be one of the mainstays of this team. *

Tile A’s will settle flown into a solid combination once again, and the presence of J. D. O’Driscoll will, of course, make a big difference to the side. Barry shot five coals, and again promises to be a prolific scorer this season. Water polo promises to be very keenly played in the country centres, and later on some of the town clubs might care to arrange friendly Saturday afternoon matches at such places as Milton, if a team can be raised there, Kven demonstration games should prove popular.