HOCKEY

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 183, 8 July 1925, Page 2

HOCKEY

AUSTRALIA V. MANAWATU. REVIEW OF HOME TEAM. The opinion has been freely expressed that the team which will do duty for Manawatu in the big hockey contest with the Australian touring eleven at the Showgrounds, which has been specially secured for the occasion, is, collectively, one of the best combinations which has ever hud the honour of representing this district. To all appearances the team can be relied upon to uphold the traditions of hockey in the Manawatu, for the selectors have taken the wise course of catering, after due consideration to all points, to youth and fitness as the deciding factors. Nicholls has been allotted the position of goalkeeper and, being experienced in this role, he can be relied upon to pull his team out of the awkward places. Burgess can well be termed the veteran of the side, for he has represented the district on many occasions. His enthusiasm is, however, still undampened, and lie almost invariably proves dependable. He is, however, inclined to speculate at times, a dangerous fault.

Mayo partners Burgess at full back. He is very keen and energetic and should make good in this, his debut in first class hockey. He, also, is inclined to speculate. AVilton, as right half, has played in big games before and is the right type of half, for like a bull dog he never submits to defeat. His hitting, nevertheless, is capable of improvement. L. Simmonds, centre half, is one of Manawatu’s nominee’s for the New Zealand test. team. He comes from a hockey family, and being brimful of energy, can be depended upon to keep his forwards moving.

Davey occupies the position of left half. A live wire’who is equally strong on defence as attack, and being as fit as the proverbial fiddle, will be found always on the job. Lloyd, on the left wing, should give a good account of himself for he has a good turn of speed and excellent control. Perhaps a little lacking in condition, a point which he should take steps to remedy. Lundy, the captain of the side, fills the inside left position. Keen and energetic he should make an excellent leader for his forwards. Is in the best of condition and will see the game through no matter how fast it is. F. Simmonds, who fills the centre position, is Manawatu’s other nominee for the New Zealand test team. A capable exponent, he should hold the frontal line well together. Hoare, inside right, is another young player who will be making his debut. His keenness is apt to carry him out of position at times. Takes advantage of the opportunities presented him in the circle. V. Kyle, right wing, has represented Manawatu before. Has a good control, but is somewhat slow on recovery. Anderson, emergency forward, is an old player with a fund of experience at his command, and he could be safely relied upon to take his place in the team. Quite a ;tactician, but on this occasion has given way to a younger player. , . . Kendrick, the emergency back, is a promising player, and with another season’s experience, can count on representative honours. A little deficient in the finc'r points of the game. The team met Wanganui on the latter’s ground to-day, ancl the game should prove of undoubted value to the green and whites when they take the field on the big occasion.