HOCKEY Greymouth Now Leading in Competition

Greymouth Evening Star, 7 August 1946, Page 5

HOCKEY Greymouth Now Leading in Competition

The second round of the Burnett White Cup, with two matches played, has now reached an interesting stage. Greymouth with a defeat over Pacific last Saturday week has a one point lead from Pacific and Marist. The following table shows the positions to date: —

Representative Match. A representative match will be played against a Canterbury eleven on September 28, at Christchurch and a trial match will be played in the near future, probably on August 17. A visit from the Waimai Club, Nelson, on August 24 will assist the selected team to obtain combination. A junior side from the same club will play against a selection of the best Greymouth colts.

Goalkeepers. . The best of the goalkeepers to date have been L. Cairns (Wheelmen) and A. Eatwell of Cobden. Cairns has been through a difficult season to date, being the keeper for the young Wheelmen side which is at the bottom of the table. Eatwell has improved a great deal in his play in the past month. The final selection should rest between these two. Full-backs.

In these positions the final two will prove difficult to sort out as no fewer than six players have been showing excellent form throughout the season, G. Swinburne (Greymouth) has been solid in defence. T. McKenzie and L. Seguin have also played well. The stick work of these two players is good and they consistently turn defence into attack. The Nimmo brothers have been consistent for the Cobden teams and are worthy of consideration. Half-backs.

Players with chances of selection for the half-back positions are IVI. Atkinson (Greymouth), F. Grogan (Marist), R. Hutchins (Pacific), R. Beckman (Cobden) and V/. Watt (Cobden Rangers). M. Atkinson has been showing excellent stick work to date and players would improve their game if they could cultivate the “push” shot which he uses so well. F. Grogan has been of much assistance to Marist and his stick work has also been good. R. Hutchins has played well to date and his absence was felt in the last game when his team was defeated by Greymouth. W. Watt is a player who has a chance although he has not. played lately. Forwards,

Five forwards should be available when the final selection is made. Of the right wings E. Tones 1 Greymouth) and K. Williams (Marist) have the best chances, and the decision may rest between these two. No left wings have shown any form and this position looks a place for a player with speed, good stick work and one who will not show the notieable weakness of going too far down-field before placing the ball across. The inside forwards should prove an excellent trio. Of the centre-forwards P. Clark (Cobden Rangers), A. Hill (Cobden), S. England (Greymouth) and W. Williams (Wheelmen) all play well, and the final selection should come from one of these four. K. Kendon (Greymouth) has been outstanding at inside-right and must be worthy of consideration. The best of the inside lefts have been J. Curnow (Marist) and. M. Eatwell (Cobden). Other players who must have a chance are J. Best (Greymouth) and M. Anderson (Cobden Rangers).

P. w. L. D. Goals Ch Pts r. A. Greymouth 7 a V • ■ 31 20 10 Pacific* ....... 4 9 1 11 9 Mari st Y 4 1 21 14 9 Cobden Bangers . 7 o o .3 21 15 7 Cobden ....... 7 o 3 ■ o 11 14 0 Wheelmen .... 7 — 6 1 8 29 1