HOCKEY.

Hawera & Normanby Star, Volume XLI, Issue XLI, 10 September 1921, Page 6

HOCKEY.

(By Lelt Half.) Wednesday's Norden Cup match was not up to representative standard, and

the Wairarapa team was not nearly* A* strong as had been expected. However, the game was followed with sn* terest by the fair gathering of speota~ tors, who were glad to see Taransjki win. The local players have improved somewhat compared with their form * couple of years ago, but they are yet some distance from the stag* when every unit of the team works with i»a-chine-like precision, and is capable of taking full advantgae of every poscifol* opening. The forward line was fair, but thm .halves, and the goalkeeper were ill* W strongest parts of the eleven. - -"; JBennde in goal is probably the test player in Taranaki in. that position, and effected some splendid saves «b Wednesday. His accurate use of hi» feet i& a good quality for a goalkeeper, and moreover he is quick in decision. Wfayfce at right full-back could liot strike form, and mulled several times. He seemed to be. over anxious. His partner Tnoumine played fairly well throughout, but neither of these backs could be classed as representatives on Wednesday's showing. Champion at right half played one of his best games, and liked to vbe where the struggle was keenest.. It is a good quality to show plenty of dash and a willingness for plenty of jwork, but Champion should remember that position is a very important factor in hockey and should try not to go too itar infield. Nlehol at centre half was at his best, and his play throughout was sound. He might with advantage feed the wing' forwards better. Page at left half found some of the visitors* dashes rather to sharp for him, but he gave a very, fair display on the whole. In the forwards Priest and 1 Bennie showed up very consistently. Penning*on was also in good form and centred nicely on several occasions. He should guard against, offside. Freethey- snowed plenty of pace an<* «irove in some good centres. Foden lacks nothing in energy and is resourceful, but he is •> ', frequently guilty of obstruction. H« ' fias no intention probably of obstruct- \- ing, but in turning to receive the ball from the left wmg or the left half b» places himself so that an opposing , t player is obstructed. Many referees ', would peri&tfse him frequently for the . olfenee.- In oTiier Tespects'he is a good ;■• player, and had tSecktedly hard luck in ( missing the goal on one occasion by th» narrowest of margins.