HOCKEY PROSPECTS

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXVII, Issue 20209, 30 March 1940, Page 8

HOCKEY PROSPECTS

GOOD SEASON AHEAD NO REDUCTION IN TEAMS SCHOOLBOY COACHING Despite war conditions, the coming hockey season in Gisborne should be equally as good as the last from the point of view of club games, although there may be a reduction in representative fixtures. Twelve teams in the two men's senior grades commenced the season last year, one pulling out before the end, and it is expected that probably 12 teams will be in the field again this year. The personnel should not be greatly changed, for present indications are that most of last season’s players will be available. A few have joined the military forces or are expecting to be called up shortly, while as the war progresses others also may be leaving, but at present there are not many vacancies in the teams. The women’s section should be as strong as ever, if one club which is at present doubtful can manage to field a team. There were nine teams last year. It is suggested that a strong effort should be made this season to revive the schoolboys’, competition. The one ■hat was going a few years ago provided excellent material for later seasons in the higher grades, and there was keen competition among the boys. A trophy is available for such a competition this year, and as representative fixtures may be fewer during the war period experienced players with Saturday mornings free should be able to conduct a very interesting series of games for the boys, -It is understood that some such suggestion will be placed before the association early in the season. It is thought that the annual meeting will be held early in the coming month to enable a start to be made with club games without delay. Last year the competition matches commenced on the last Saturday in April, and it is understood that a similar date is in mind for this year.