HOCKEY SUPREMACY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXI, Issue 18827, 30 September 1924, Page 4

HOCKEY SUPREMACY.

DEVONPORT SHIELD GAMES. SATURDAY'S PLAY REVIEWED. The matches for the Devonporfc Shield, under the auspices of the Auckland Hockey Association,' were continued at Remuera on Saturday. Though the form displayed was not high-class there was, nevertheless, some good hockey. St. Luke's, through the agency of good play by the forwards, and co-operation with the backs, always had the measure of their opponents. Mount Eden were kept busily defending for the greater part of the game. ■'. The Mount Eden forwards made frequent sorties into St. Luke's quarters, and did well considering the limited opportunities. The play of the backs on both sides was solid, especially on defence.

St. Luke's van was continually dangerous, the short.passing tactics being beneficial. Hookham. played an outstanding game, his stick work, in particular being good. He combined well with Williams. Special mention can be accorded the halfbacks for the able manner in which they backed up the forwards, and broke up tho combination of tho opposing vanguard. Steele was seen at nis best in spectacular stick work and well placed hitting, while McLcod earned distinction for clever stopping and well-directed clearing. Potter, at centre, was reliable. Rowe gave a glimpse of his best form. : The prominent men in Mount Eden's van were D. Alexander, Giles and R. Alexander, some of their work attaining a high standard. Jaffrey was easily the best of ' the : halves showing splendid judgment in" clearing. Radcliffe and Potter had a tendency to lose position in the face of strong attacks., Rankin cleared well. Though University suffered defeat at the hands of Areta, it was only after a great struggle. ■ In tho closing stages of the game, the students were having considerably tho matters. It was only tho excellence of the defensive work of She Areta rearguard, . which was particularly good throughout, that prevented University increasing their score. Spirited attacks often placed the forwards advantageously, but bunching and over-eagerness had a detrimental effect on the play, and, generally speaking, there was: a lack of finish that was very noticeable. Burton combined well with the inside forwards, i while Seeien was often prominent. Brown and Clayton also showed to advantage on ! attack. The best exhibitions in the backs were given by Player, Veafe and Fotheringham,' the last-named scoring two clever goals from penalty corners. Areta's forwards played with more cohesion and method than their opponents. Considerable dash was infused in numerous offensives, with the honours going to R. Carter, J. Carter and Lewis. The work performed by the half line was meritorious, and.it was chiefly the solidity of the trio that stopped the 'many efforts by the University front lino. Ashley and Savage were perhaps the best. The fullback positions were capably filled by Davis and Ellison. : v - HOOPER CUP FINAL. (BT . teeegkafh.—-own correspondent.] '■[■■;'/--J / : ' y '\ HAMILTON. Monday. ; : vTho ; final game for "tho Hooper Cup (hockey) was played between High School and : Old Boys, : at Seddoa Park on Saturday. : Tlte school team y/qn by 5 goals to 2. .. . - ■ .