HOCKEY.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVI, 17 May 1926, Page 3

HOCKEY.

INDIANS AT HAMILTON. WAIKATO DEFEATED. SEVEN GOALS TO NIL. (BY TELEGRAPH PRESS ASSOCIATION.) HAMILTON, May 15. Playing the second match in the New Zealand tour at Hamilton to-day, the Indian Army hockey team defeated Waikato representatives by seven goals to nil. Although Waikato put up a splendid fight and its combination tactics excelled, the stick work carried the visitors through. Fletcher, as goal, played a great game, saving the position for Waikato on a number of occasions. Goals for the Indians were shared between Dhand, Chand and Bellchamber. A STRATFORD MATCH. N. ROYERS (6) v. STRATFORD (2). On Saturday afternoon a Rovers’ team from New Plymouth visited Stratford, and after a. good struggle beat the local men by a margin of four goals. ‘ For the winners goals were netted by Des Forges (2), Prior (2), Pelham and Coleman, and for Stratford by Norton and T. Hale. THE TARANAKI TEAM. . (By “Sticks.”) All things considered, tlio selectors of the team to represent Taranaki against the Indian Army hockey team at Elt-ham on the 20th iiist., have made a good job of their work; the team could be little improved. It is unfortunate that several clubs were not represented in the trial game on Thursday, but the team should nevertheless give a good account of itself. Should any weakness develop’, it will probably be traceable to lack of preparation, due to the short notice of the visitors’ definite 'intentions in regard to the tour. The following outline of the Taranaki men’s capabilities will interest followers of the game:— T. Bennie, in goal, could not be left out. He has a great eye and can use both feet and 1 stick to advantage. Just one word of warning, never to let go of his stick when “up against if,” may not be amiss. Briggs, at night back, is a hard man to beat; lie plays a hard game and is a good clean hitter. A little less body work would, however, obviate an occasional penalty. Des Forges, full back, lacks the experience of his partner, but is a good safe player; when he learns to keep His place and assist his partner a little more, he will be even better. . Page, centr half, is worth liis place; a Ready player, with plenty of pace, and can use Ills stick to advantage; perhapse a little over-anxious at times, but a tower of strength to his side. Davies, right half, plays a good game, keeps his position and combines well with Page. This player, requires to place his hits a little better to compile a useful game, Kelioly, left half, is a young player with a future; fast and hits well; he should combine well with his speedy partners in the half line. A word of advice to keep his position is not out of place here. Irwin,, at centre forward, is perhaps the fittest man in the team, and), judged by the amount of unnecessary running he does, lie needs to b so. If ho keeps his place, we have no better man for the position. Lambic, inside left, is a tiger for work ami seems to forget there are others on his side —he tries to do it all. However, he can play a good game and is a dangerous man in the circle. W. Bennie, right wing, plays a brilliant game when given the opportunity; is fast, clover w r ith the stick and unselfish; he is in. the right place, occasional over-running of the ball being his only weakness. Priar, left wing, is playing good hockey at present; is inclined at times to think he owns the ball. Still, putting xilenty of pep into his work, he is a power to liis side. Pennington, inside right, plays a fine game in a difficult position; has plenty of puce and centres well; he is inclined to hang on a little too long at times, but shorn of this fault, he would be O.