MEN'S HOCKEY

Evening Star, Issue 22686, 28 June 1937, Page 14

MEN'S HOCKEY

[By Half.] The following is the position of the senior grade teams at the conclusion of the first round of matches. University A have still to play University B:

On account of the sodden nature of the grounds all men’s matches were postponed on Saturday last. As stated by another ‘ Sports ’ writer recently the present must be the record season for postponements, and the most unfortunate aspect is that with so many “ off ” Saturdays players are very prone to lose interest in the game, which can ill-afford such a state to develop. Australian Tour. Considerable difficulty has been experienced in finalising the, itinerary with the Australian Hockey Association. The original itinerary that was sent was indefinite in quite a number of places, and' apparently, in some places at least, inaccurate as to distances. As a result of negotiations the travelling has been curtailed, and although it is felt that the early part of the tour is still too strenuous from the playing point of view, the New Zealand Hockey Association has been forced into the position of having to accept it, as New South, Wales advised that they were not’prepared to negotiate any further, and that unless the itinerary was accepted they would not take any part in the tour. The Australian Association obviously could not arrange the tour without the cooperation of New South Wales, and the New Zealand Hookey Association has therefore agreed to it. Tho Management Committee has instructed the manager of tho team that no picnic matches are to be played. The following is the approved itinerary:— July 8, team leaves Wellington; 12th, arrive Sydney; 13th, play Northern Suburbs (Sydney); 14th, play Mudgee; 15th, play Bathurst; 17th play Newcastle; 19th play Casino; 20th, play Ballina; 21st play Lismore; 22nd, play Murwillumbah; 24th, play Queensland (Brisbane); 27th, play Ipswich; 29th, play Toowoomba; 31st, play _ Warwick; August 2, play Metropolitan (Sydney) ; 4th, play Tamworth; sth, play Gunnedah; 7th, play New South Wales (Sydney); 12th, play, West Australia (Sydney); 14th, play Australia (Sydney): 16th, play Goulburn; 18th, play Crookwell; 21st, play Victoria (Melbourne); 26th, play Metropolitan (Sydney) j 28th, leave Sydney. September 1, arrive Wellington. The second week appears to he the most strenuous, for five games are set down. However, the position is not quite so bad as it appeared in the original itinerary, for now four of these, played on Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday, will be played whilst the team has its headquarters at one town, travelling out by car each day and returning that night. On the Saturday of that week they will have a hard game with the Queensland eleven.

The Players. The following is a short write-up on each player selected for the tour: — W. Smellie (goal)—Has represented Waikato continuously since 1932. Has very sound knowledge of game, and is a similar type of player to Jerry Fletcher. A genial personality and the dairy farmer of the team. F. S. Clark (age 26; left back)--Represented Auckland since 1932. Played for New Zealand against Australia in Dunedin, 1934. ,Has earned a reputation as one of the most brilliant stick players that New Zealand has ever had. Younger brother of Trevor Clark, who toured Australia in 1932. A. Mahoney (age 33; full-back) — Looks like the “ daddy ” of the team. His long experience of the game should be invaluable to the younger members of the side. Played for New Zealand against Indian Army_ team in J 1926, and toured Australia in 1828. Knows the game thoroughly and has been largely responsible for Hastings (Hawke’s Bay) holding the Norden Cup for such a long period. Can play in either back position. Has taken a prominent part in the administrative side of the game. D. Pountney (age _ 24) —Plays at either full-back position, and can also play half. Has represented Waikato continuously since 1932. Has a full complement of strokes and a very sound knowledge of the game. D. S. Wilson (age 22; full-back, either side) —Has played for Wellington for last three years. Has played hockey ever since he has been able to walk. His dean clearances are indicative of his ability as a prominent cricketer. L. Watson (age 22) —Plays in any half position, usually left. Represented Auckland 1936-37, and gained New Zealand University Blue in 1935. A capable and valuable player, with a natural aptitude for the game. S. Robertson (age 28) —Has been centre half for Auckland for the past eight years, and was reserve for Now Zealand v. India in 1935. An untiring player, his tenacity will be an inspiration to the team. Is the fortunate possessor of an uncanny power of anticipation. D. Loder (age 22; centre half) —Represented Canterbury last two seasons. He feeds his forwards with rare judgment, is a good exponent of the pull and flick shot. He has clearly attempted to model his game on the stvle shown by M. N. Masud, the brilliant Indian centre half, and is the “stylist” of the party. T. Burtt (age 22) —A newcomer to big hockey. He played his first provincial game for Canterbury last year. Has this year proved his ability to fill anv half-back position with credit. A well-built lad who likes work and is a good battler. R. (Brown (age 22) —Either wing forward or inside left, Has played for Wellington for past four years. Has pace, keeps excellent position, and is a clever stick player, particularly in circle. Takes an active part in administration of game. M. Brown (age 23; inside forward) —Has represented Wellington, since 1934. A clever, hard-working forward who plays a dashing type of game and has great penetrative ability. Will make good openings for his team mates. A great opportunist and an excellent shot. B. D. Duffield (ago 23)—Represented Canterbury since 1935, won New Zealand University Blue 1935 and 1936, reserve for New Zealand y. India 1935. Inside left; brilliant stick player, whose style is reminiscent of that of T. T. Tnrbitt, the forward who

met with such success in Australia in 1932. R. Roughton (age 20; centre forward) —Played for Auckland the last three years, and Waikato before that. A prolific goal-scorer. The youngest member of the team. Is a fast and powerful forward. The experience gained on this tour should be of invaluable use to himL. Monteith (age 29; inside right or right wing)—Auckland representative, 1931, 1932, and 1936, and Manawatu from 1933-35. Captain Auckland shield team last year. Versatile and experienced player. Has pace and is a clever stick player. A good scoring man. L. A. Best (age 22; inside forward) Has represented Nelson since 1933. Tall and fast. Made a great impression on Australian touring team when playing for Nelson against them in 1934. Is cool and accurate, and should develop well on this tour. A younger brother of Bob Best, who toured Australia in 1932. O. B. Dey (age 27; right wing or inside right)—Played for New Zealand, 1934 and 1935; Otago since 1932. Maintains an immaculate position. Also tall and fast. Plays a very sound .and orthodox game. A prominent member of his local administration. Auckland Progress. The Auckland Hockey Association opened its thirty-fifth season with record entries, a total of 58 teams (excluding school teams). The game continues to make progress throughout the province, and in two districts hockey has completely displaced football as the winter game. Secondary schools' also report increased numbers of players. The Auckland Grammar School and the Kowhai Junior High School, in particular, have a larger number of players—l7o and 100 respectively. Country week is being held this week, when men’s and women’s teams from all over the province will assemble for a week’s hockey.

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