HOCKEY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 210, 3 August 1935, Page 9

HOCKEY

ASSOCIATION EXECUTIVE. MONTHLY MEETING. The executive of the Manawatu Hockey Association met last evening, those present being Messrs N. J. Ellison (chairman), V. Wilton, C. Lawson, C. E. Downes, N. Hanson, E. H. Smith, N. C. Dixon, R. L. C. Aitciiison, W. H. Wilson and W. J. Fitzgerald. After a retirement the judicial committee recommended Iliac a player should be stood down for two playing Wednesdays lor allegedly striking an • other player m the course of one of last Weunesday’s games. The meeting agreed, by a resolution, that the players name should not be published. The secretary of the Broadway Club advised that, owing to his departure from the district, Mr I. Gerrand had resigned as the club’s delegate to the association's executive, and Mr N. Hanson had been appointed to his place. It was added that the club desired to regrade H. Cutler to the B team following a lengthy absence from the playing field.—The chairman welcomed Mr Hanson and it was agreed to forward a letter to Mr Gerrand expressing appreciation of his good work. The regrading matter was left in the hands of the regrading committee. The secretary - of the Broadway Club wrote conveying the congratulations of the club to the association on the success of the dinner tendered recently to present and past players. — Received.

The P.D.C. club wrote requesting the transfer of F. Lewis from the Combined Services club, and that club advised that no objection would be raised.—Left in the hands of the regrading committee. The Massey College club advised that, because of tire lack of players during the vacation, the club’s senior team would have to default matches on August 7 and 14. The junior team would not be able to play on the same dates. The w r nter stated that if the matches could be postponed it would he regarded as a favour.—The letter was received, it being pointed out that circumstances would not allow the matches to be held over. The secretary of the Dannevirke Hockey Association forwarded an invitation for a Manawatu team to visit that district in tire current season. It was stated that it was many years since a Manawatu team had been seen in action in that district. The chairman said that there was already a motion on the association’s books * that no representative games should bo played until the end of the second round.

On Mr Wilson’s suggestion it was agreed to advise the Dannevirke association that owing to wet weather the Manawatu association was forced to proceed with its competition games as quickly as possible. However, if the proposal could be considered when tire competitions had closed it would be viewed favourably. Mr H. Byers tendered bis resignation as a vice-president of the association and as a member of the grounds committee and all other offices which lie held flnder the association. The reason, stated the writer. was the carrying of a motion, of which notice had been given by Mr Downes. “That one selector be appointed and that the former motion l>e rescinded.” The writer regarded that as a motion of no-confidence in tire members of the executive.

After a general discussion it which it was stated that Mr Byers’s resignation would be a severe loss to hockey in the Manawatu district, it was agreed to hold the matter over for a month. The Women’s Hockev Association forwarded thanks for the donation of £7 7s following the All-India versus Manawatu match. —Received.

Alessrs Gifford Aloore, Ongley and Tremaine forwarded resolutions in legal form, as instructed, relating to the funds set aside for the encouragement of school hockey and for the engagement of an overseas coach. — Received. On the motion of Air Downes, seconded by Air Lawson. Air Hanson was appointed sole selector. It was decided that a five-a-side tournament bo held after the completion of the second round in the senior competition, and it was also agreed that the fixtures committee bring down a recommendation as to the games to be conducted in the remainder of the season.

The meeting confirmed the action of Air Wilson in writing a letter to the “Manawatu Standard” refuting statements made ill Sydney by Air Gupta, of the All-India hockey team, by quoting the report of Air Beliram Doctor, the manager of the team. The chairman reported that Air H. B. Lawry had been awarded a New Zealand University hockey “blue,” that being the second occasion on which a Alassey College player had been accorded such an honour. It was agreed to write to Mr Lawry congratulating him on his selection. It was also agreed to congratulate him and Air K. N. Struthers on their inclusion in the New Zealand Universities’ team to visit Fiji. The New Zealand Hockey Association wrote stating that the AVellington Hockey Association liad films of the first and second. Test games with the All-Tndia team which would form an excellent slow-motion medium for coaching.—lt was agreed to write to the AVellington association asking what the cost would he to obtain a loan of the films.

NOTES ONJTHE GAME. (By “Critic.”) Comment was made at the meeting of the Alanawatu Hockey Association executive last evening on the practice of players in using the area about a goal just prior to a match. The chairman (Air N. J. Ellison) remarked that in some cases the field about the circle became badly cut up. He thought the practice should bo prevented as far as possible, as on some occasions the goalkeeper hud difficulty even in keeping his feet. Several other members of the executive spoke in the same strain and it was agreed unanimously that practising about -the goal-moutli should be forbidden Another matter discussed was that of hockey in primary schools, it being stated that the services of six good coaches would be required. They would have to be men who would undertake to coach teams from 3.45 p.m. to 4.45 p.m. on two afternoons a week for the whole season, as it would he useless for a coach to act for only a few weeks and then withdraw. The value of hockey in the schools to the game generally in the Alanawatu in the future has been fully recognised. It was agreed that all efforts should be made to enlist the services of six coaches.

A further matter brought up was that of umpires stating when they blew the whistle for a breach what the breach was. It was explained that, the more inexperienced players would find such a practice of great assistance. Comment was made that some players expected the umpires to become coaches anti explain at length how the breach had occurred, but the meeting was quite out of sympathy with any such desires. The principle of giving an indication was endorsed,

however, it being stated that the explanation need not be such as to inform all present on the ground. The subject is to bo brought up at the next meeting of the Umpires’ Association. In the Broadway Club’s B team AV. O’CaOaghan has shown recent improvement in stopping the ball, but he should do all lie can to develop positional piay further. He could also endeavour to improve his passes to the middle of tho field.

Guthrie toils well at centre- half, but has too great a tendency to use his body. Another inclination ho could curb, to the betterment of his general play, is that of wandering. A player is of the greatest use when ho is always in position. In the defensive division Craig and Page have shown good combination which lias been of much value to their team. However, their continued speculating can only lead to trouble. Atkinson lias been performing well in goal. R. Scales has shown an improvement in recent play, but lie can go still further by infusing more zest into his stick-work, as he is inclined to be too slow in sending the ball on. As a result, opposition players take the ball from him. J. Davies turned out last AVednesdav for the first time this season and played an exceptionally good game for the initial appearance this year. His play stamped him as one of the best halves on the field. As a combination tho Broadway B team are playing a good type of game, although they are inclined to allow their placements to be “wild.” A little more thrust in their forward line would make them a formidable team.