MANAWATU PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ HOCKEY

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 7018, 18 September 1929, Page 13

MANAWATU PRIMARY SCHOOLS’ HOCKEY

Recent Wellington Visit

Written for the Times.

On Friday last, two teams of Mana'tratu primary school hockey players left for Wellington to contest a match for the Cliffc Shield and another friendly game versus a second Wellington eleven. Although defeated, . the visitors played good hookey and showed much improvement on past perform-

ances. " Twenty-three lads made the trip, there being representatives from West Find and Hokowhitu, two from College itrect, four from Ohakea and 15 from Central. Mr. Berry acted os manager while Mr. Barnes, of Ohakea, also accompanied the team, the players being greatly indebted to these gentlemen for their services. On arrival the team was met by members of the Wellington primary schools’ executive, the visitors being billetted in the city and staging a short practice match at Newtown park prior to .the .representative fixture.

The Games,

In the B game, Wellington was easily superior, winning by 8 goals to one; O. Jackson scoring for the Paiinerston side. In the A game the spells were of 3u minutes. Within the first minute, Wellington had netted one goal,- which was followed up in five minutes with another. From then on, the game was very evenly contested, play being both fast and hard. At half time, the score was still in favour of Wellington but by the end of £hc second spell, the scores were even: —five all. As the Wellington Association was the holder of the Cliffo shield this meant that it retained the trophy bm considered that the draw was no more in its favour than Palmerston’s and it was decided to play two further ■spells of five minutes each.

Additional Spells.

In the first of- these spoils there was no score, although Manawatu made one or two good attempts while in the second, Wellington-scored, thus securing definitely, a well deserved victory. The work done by the visitors' forwards was splendid; the short passing, quick stick work and team play were deserving of the highest praise.

After the match the boys were entertained at a tea and then taken to tho “talkies’.’ whore a block of 50 seats had been reserved for them. On Sunday morning, the boys met at Government buildings and were taken by bus on a two and a half hours’ sightseeing tour. The team arrived back at Palmerston North on Sunday night, after a mosf enjoyable outing. The conduct of the boys throughout was all that could be desired. The only unfortunate incident was quite accidental when E. Hubbard received a naßty blow on the eyebrow from the ball during the progress of the B game. The best of thanks are due -to the Wellington primary association for its most generous hospitality..

The Players Reviewed.

Individual criticism of the Manawatu players. A team: G. Pike—Goalkeeper: This player was a little shaky at first but settled down and played a good sound game. He used his feet jvell and ought to bo heard of later in senior representative games. P. Levy. —Full back: A very sound and safe player; a good worker with a keen eye, he is a hard player to pass. M. Turner.—Full back: Plays a- good game tut lets .his attention wander at times; lie must learn to concentrate on the game for the whole of the time he is on the field. P. Todd (vice-captain), —centre half: A great worker, follows up well on the attack and comes back .quickly to defend; he is a speedy player and considering this is his first season with a-stick, he shows remarkable promise. B. Ellery, left half and J. Cole.—right half: Good workers both on attack and defence with a fair turn of speed. They handle _ their sticks well, ably supported their centre and made a well balanced line. W. Tweedale— centre forward (captain) and H. Burrow —inside left: These two forwards carried the most of the forward work and were ever ready to follow up fast after a shot at goal. This is essential for the forward play and the other forwards would do well to follow their example. N. Ingram, right wing: This player has a very pretty wrist action with a stick and centres weli.- Unfortunately, he did not get as much of thb’bmll as..he might have dohe. This was partly " Owing to his being well marked by the Wellington backs. A. Pye.—inside right: If this player will follow up his hit more quickly and fall back after attack, he would be much more useful to his team. L. Bust.—left wing: A naturally left handed player; should do well in this position if ho were smarter on attack and did not give up so readily when beaten for the ball.