HOCKEY COMPETITIONS.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19349, 9 June 1926, Page 18

HOCKEY COMPETITIONS.

GREAT FIGHT FOR VICTORY; SOMERVILLE AND UNIVERSITY. NOTES ON PERFORMANCES. The hockey championship matches played at Remuera on Saturday were decidedly interesting and although the grounds were soft and treacherous the play attained a high standard. University were expected to make a great fight for supremacy when opposed to Somerville and spectators were not-dis-appointed. The first spell was exceptionally fast, both sides making • tremendous efforts to score, but the defensive play by the respective back divisions was of outstanding excellence and at half-time neither side held any advantageFaced with a deficit of two goals early ip tho second spell, University rose to the occasion and equalised the score. The closing stages of the game were intensely interesting as first one and then the other held the advantage. The result, a draw, was a true criterion of the play. Prominent Players. Somerville's forwards found themselves up against the strongest defence they have encountered this season. Dr. Leonard, left halfback for' University, played well, his clever stopping and brilliant placing nonplussing the opposition. E. Watts and Seccombe were Somerville's outstanding performers. They combined well and shone in fast, offensive movements. C. Watts, at inside left, was little inferior, his stickwork being very tricky. Cole played exceptionally weft in the half line, impressing most on defence. Somerville's fullbacks were severely tested by University's forwards and, generally speaking, they acquitted themselves well. Roberts waa perhaps the surer, his speculating being really brilliant. Cooper gave a glimpse of his best form in chaige of goal. He successfully cleared his circle in the face of some hot attacks. Brilliance in the forwards and solidarity in the backs were noticeable features of display. Hamilton and E. Burton played dashing games in the vanguard. Apart from Dr.' Leonard, whose all-round play was up to representative class, the form of the other backs was at all times good. The goalkeeping performance by Steen was very sound and he used his feet to advantage. Danger of Over-Eagerness, i Of the other senior games the match ; between Somerville Colts . and Mount Eden was easily the most interesting and there was much bright play. The Colts jeopardised their chances through oveieagerness, especially when in scoring posiS tions. There was far too much wild hitting and bunching in the circle for their play to be really effective. Preston shone in the open with clever, dodgy runs, while Gregson and Leo deserve warm praise for their excellent performances. , Mount Eden's forwards were the dominating influence in securing victory. Spirited attacks were launched, m which Alexander and Jensen were conspicuous. Good combination and fast following up characterised tho,forward play. Ihe backs co-operated well with the forwards on attack, their play being superior to that of the Colts' rearguard.. Brown and Kelly played up to their best form. St. Luke's easily accounted for Stanley, holding a commanding advantage in all departments. The forwards worked well together' and were ably supported by the backs. Hookham, J. Giles and Williams combined with good effect. In the backs Potter and Mills deserve mention for their sound all-round performances. Areta established an early lead over a weak. Wesley side and their forwards dominated the game. Outstanding displays were given by J. Carter, Anthony and Davis.