INDIAN HOCKEY TEAM

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 151, 27 May 1935, Page 8

INDIAN HOCKEY TEAM

MATCH NEXT WEDNESDAY. Tho all-absorbing topic now is: Can Manawatu hold the Indians ? In the matches played to date tho Indians have rattled up a rather formidable tally of goals: v. Dannevirkc, 21 to 0; v. Hawke’s Bay, 17 to 0; v. Poverty Bay, 11 to 0; v. Wairoa, 18 Ip 1; v. Bush Union, 6 to 0; v. Wanganui, 18 to 0. Six games played, scored 91 goals, with only 1 goal scored against them. It’s awe-inspiring! But when it is analysed it is nothing to be afraid of. They have certainly lived up to their Olympic reputation, but against all the above it must bo admitted that they were playing teams inferior to Manawatu. Playing for Manawatu we have three men nominated for tho New Zealand team and others whom critics think should he nominated as well. Even the team picked does not meet with universal approval, as we liave»so much material available that the selector must have had a worrying time to make his final decision. Since the advent of the Indian Army team, who showed us the possibilities of the short-pass-ing game with its attendant stick-work, local teams have been consistently working along those lines, with the result that only on wet, heavy grounds is the old long-pussing, hard-hitting game indulged in. In Homo and Montcith wo have two forwnrds who can bo safely relied upon to set the pace and lead the attack. 11l J. Sutton, T. Packer and Rouse wo have throe halves of a. standard that lias been mbsing from the Manawatu for a long time. In W. Sutton wo have a full-back whose strength in big matches has always been a by-word. In Hart, we have a goalkeeper outstanding in Manawatu and who lias emerged with honour in every big match in which ho has played. The other players not mentioned have all tho qualities to fulfil the expectations expected of them. Maqawatu has a great side, much hotter than for lomc time, and all were very satisfied with the representative team that held Australia last year, and the team that nearly defeated Auckland for the New Zealand Challenge Shield the previous year. And so wo come hack to the question: Can Manawatu hold this all conquering All-Indian team ? The prospects certainly hold out. a bright ray of hope, hut there is tin's certainty, it. will bo a groat match. The interest that is being taken in the appearance of this All Indian team assures a record attendance. Booking of seats lias already started and hockey officials are quite confident (hat by the time the hooking offico closes both stands will be filled. Reserve seats at Goldfinch and Cousins’s. Other information concerning ihe match appears in our advertising columns. 'si/fr