Hockey in Feilding

Manawatu Times, Volume 63, Issue 174, 26 July 1938, Page 3

Hockey in Feilding

(By * ‘ Sticks.”) Now that two of the three important hockey matches in Feilding are over, the public and hockeyites are anxiously awaiting the coming of the ‘ 1 Indians,’’ which, in the writer’s opinion, should be of the greatest of interest to the Feilding people because in this game they will be able to see that the men players can do equally as well as the women in their matches. “Sticks” considers that the Feilding women’s team put up a wonderful performance against the All English team because it should be remembered that our local team had only played two games together and therefore were not able to build up the combination that the English team had, and combination is only achieved by having a number of games together, so that the players come to understand one another’s play. “Sticks” considers it is a great honour for the Feilding team to be the first to register more than one goal against the strong English eleven. In scoring three goals against England, Feilding proved that they have the players here but lack the opportunity to be able to get together and make a name for themselves. His opinion of the selectors has greatly risen, and considers that they are to be congratulated on their selection. “Sticks” was informed by the English team that Miss Carpenter (Feilding’s left-back) was easily the best back that they have played against. In the game between New Zealand and Feilding, our local team certainly proved that they are quite a good ,team and worthy of a trip to Gisborne for the New Zealand championship, which takes place in August. This year'9 women 's team is the best that Feilding has had for many years, and thanks are due to our sub-associations for .their help. There is only one weak position in the local team and that is at left half, and “Sticks” understands that the selectors have made several changes in the hopes of strengthening that position. The position is quite a hard One to fill, but will eventually be filled to the satisfaction of everybody concerned.

The local men players should learn a lot about hockey and how it should be played when they meet the Indian team to-morrow. * ‘ Sticks ’’ is certain that they will find that their usual game of hard hitting will be of no use to them; they will have to draw their opponents and watch where they are hitting the ball. “Sticks” would like to see the local boys get their free hits and rollins very quickly without wasting time. Do not wait till your opponents are in position and waiting to take the ball from you, and when a free hit is being taken always face the ball; do not turn and walk away from it. The hockey in the men’s competition last Saturday had plenty of room for improvement. One game in particular was a battle of sticks instead of wits, and that is not the way to play hockey. “Sticks” is surpnrised that somebody was not seriously hurt. However, in the following game between Kia Ora and Wanderers the spirit of the game was quite different. The Kia Ora team has certainly improved and quite deserved their win over Wanderers by a one-point margin. The game was very evenly contested. Wanderers seemed to go better when A. Sporle was changed to his position at back. Kia Ora have quite a good young player on their left wing, but should look after him and not let him get to that stage of playing to the gallery.