HOCKEY NOTES.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXII, Issue 19129, 22 September 1925, Page 6

HOCKEY NOTES.

SENIOR SEASON CONCLUDES. MATCH FOR THE KENT CUP. The annual match for the Kent Cup, between Somerville, senior grade champions, and St. Luke's, Devonport Shield winners, played at Remuera on Saturday, marked the close of the senior grade hockey season. The game was splendidly contested, and on the run of the play Somerville fully deserved their victory, although two of their goals were scored under rather unique circumstances. In spite of the somewhat soft and slippery ground the standard of play did not suffer and the game was*one of tho best displays this season. One of the strongest features of the winners' performance was the excellent understanding between forwards and rearguard, especially in attacking movements. The half line played close up and judiciously fed the forwards with crisp passes. The forward line gave a very bright, display, ably controlling tho ball in good combined rushes with short snappy passing. E. and R. Watts were always in the picture and created most of the openings, besides shining in concerted play. H. Watis on the right flank was responsible for many good runs and fine centre hits. Seccojrsbe showed dash and enterprise in his play. Cole, Simpson and Rogers comprised a really good all-round half line, and Baildon and Boberts gave bright exhibitions of fullback play. The St. Luke's forwards played a strong bustling game with periodic brilliant individual efforts. Hookhara used his pace to advantage, and was responsible for much clever play, while Williams, at centre, opened up the game attractively and combined effectively. The wings, Craig and Potter, although not always reliable, made some good dashes, and Carston controlled the ball well- in passing movements. The half line did not play up to expectations, their defensive work being often very ragged and • the hitting ill-directed. On attack the players were much sounder. Steele and Williams shared honours. Rowe and Mills were patchy as fullbacks. The goalkeeper, Banna, performed splendidly and only three shots really beat him. On one occasion the ball had plainly passed over tho line outside the goal before Manna hit the ball back and an attacker scored. This evidentlv missed the eye of the referee. At another time several spectators and a dog were in the circle when a goal was scored and this undoubtedly impeded the goalkeeper, who had just previously been trying to clear the dog away from the circle. The Grading of Players. A correspondent, "Fairplay," writes as follows:—"As one who has taken an active part in hockey for the past few years. I would like to express my dissatisfaction of the rules, if any, winch govern the grading and regrading' of players. There is no age or weight limit for any grade, and it is thus possible for men to pit their weight against children of 12. The junior team in the fifth grade this year, although good players for their size, had no chance against their older I opponents, some of wnom were playing in a higher grade last season. This brings to mind tho question of regrading. Is it fair to those players whoso whole heart is in the game and who have to play against a team, including m its ranks members of the team which succeeded in gaining the coveted distinction of being runners-up, and also the player who captained the Auckland representative team a few years ago ? The ' knockout" competitions are usually great surprise packets. Men who have played football all the season are signed on and others are regraded for the occasion, "he former usually play in a fourth or fifth grade team, whereas they are equal to second, or third grade players. Why does not the Auckland Hockey Association take the necessary steps to form rules which will restrict the grading and govern the regrading of those who do their best for the game in New Zealand?" LADIES' HOCKEY. ST. CDTHBERT'S AT WHANGAREI. [by telegraph.—own correspondent. ] WHANGAREI. Monday. Tho girls' hockey team of the Whangarei High School defeated St. Cuthbert a College team by 3 coals to, 0 Por tke wimiers Misses M. Hayes and R. Tibbets (2) scored. Miss B. Dobba notched a goal for the losers. Tho game was fast. and .open, both sides siviuß a good exhibition of team work.