HOCKEY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LX, Issue 18495, 4 September 1923, Page 4

HOCKEY.

NOTES AND COMMENTS.

LAST SATURDAY'S MATCH.

The senior grade competition for the Devonport Shield, played under the allspices of the Auckland Hockey Association, was further advanced on Saturday at the Remuera Recreation Grounds. The turf was in fine order, and the contest between Mount Eden and University was a capital exposition of the game. Mount Eden has secured a very strong combination for these matches, and will be hard to beat. The side demonstrated first-class team work, and both backs and forwards worked with perfect understanding. The forwards were fast and sure, and showed excellent Btick work. The promotion of several juniors has added greatly to the strength of the vanguard, and the clever short passing tactics adopted were, indeed, a treat to watch .... Players deserving of special mention for excellent displays .were Giles, W. Burton and Fletcher, but it is perhaps wrong to individualise, as all worked hard. The half line all played well, feeding the front, rank , with judiciously-placed snots, and breaking up repeated sorties by the University forwards. Rankin's showing was especially meritorious. Dutton and Brown, in the fullback positions, acquitted themselves well, performing a atrenuous afternoon's work with rare judgment. Schofield, though not called upon very often, did what was required in a satisfactory manner. ' • ' •

On the whole, University's showing wait creditable, though there was a lack of cohesion between forwards and . backs. Hodge showed out prominently in several fine dashes, and was ably supported by Fotheringham and Astloy. The latter player shows great promise. Player was the best of the half line, stopping and hitting very cleanly. Both the other halves had a tendency to lose position. The fullbacks had & strenuous time stemming the onslaughts of the opposing forwards. . Ballantine was the move steady player. : Veale's performance as custodian was high class; he used his feet with great success, and cleared his circle repeatedly with either a well-placed kick or hit.:. '■■■':

The third grade representative team is a strong combination, and should give a good account of itself on the forthcoming tour. Several players wens unable to make th-B trip, but those ; availablo are all in excellent form, and, provided they acquire the combination essential for success, they should acquit themselves well, and become a formidable side, Mr. Hoverd, of Devonport, will act as manager. Mr. Nicholson, of the Auckland Referees' Association, .; will also accompany the team. ".':■':■'''■■":'/','■ ' ■ •'■"'■:■:■'■: