HOCKEY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 262, 3 October 1936, Page 4

HOCKEY

THE SEASON REVIEWED. (By “Full-Back.”) AVith the hockey season now at a close, it is interesting to review the progress made during the year and to forecast as to the success of the game next season. Despite _ advice from those capable of giving it, players in the association did not take advantage of the lessons taught by the Indian hockey team when they visited Palmerston North, and to the last persisted in playing the hardhitting, long-passing game. Phoenix, especially, were the exponents of this form of hockey, and though they pluyed well to win the competition, their success can definitely be attributed to the outstanding ability of Morgan as a forward and H. Bone as a defending unit. Flashes of short passing were witnessed in several matches, but before the end players had invariably' reverted to their old style. Broadway were the most persistent in the short passing game, and forward movements with clever exchanges were a feature of their performances. However, chiefly through want of practice, these efforts were generally nipped in the bud, and becoming discouraged players would revert to the old style. Massey College were also spasmodic short-passing enthusiasts, but when Struthers was not there to lead, success was far removed. Anthony was seen at times trying to coach the Combined Services team in this method, hut his efforts were also poor of results. However, next season the good work may be proceeded with and more forwards develop the better style adopted by the Indians. The halves generally showed weakness, and badly need competent coaching in methods of attack and defence. AA - . Burne, of the Phoenix eleven, was probably the best player in this line for intercepting ability; hut his greatest iault was slowness in getting the ball away to his man and uncertainty of position. MeHaffie, of Massey College, was also prominent in tho middle rank. His play was always executed with a minimum of elfort and time was never lost in wildly chasing the ball. His tendency to hit very hard was fateful at times, however. Taking it all round he was probably the. outstanding player of the season in the halves.

In the full-back division Manawatu’s was strongest. It is doubtful whether any other association in New Zealand could boast of more competent men, and it was this fact that stood Manawatu in good stead during representatives matches. Some years ago it was the practice of the hacks to save dangerous situations by hitting the hall behind the line and thus giving a penalty corner. However, the fact that in the recent representative match with Auckland for the New Zealand Shield, the visitors secured all their goals from penalty corners deterred the hack row men somewhat, and now they avoid the line whenever possible.

One pleasing feature of the season was the fact that interest was strong among junior members and next season should see some excellent new players coming on. The umpires have had a successful year, several recruits joining to swell the ranks. Next season thenforces will be further supplemented to cope with the increased interest that will undoubtedly he taken in hockey.