HOCKEY SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIV, Issue 19627, 4 May 1927, Page 16

HOCKEY SEASON.

THE OPENING MATCHES. PLAYERS INI GOOD FORM. LAST YEAR'S CHAMPIONS BEATEN. The opening of the Auckland hockey season at the Remuera grounds on Saturday was marked by sparkling displays. Indeed, the form revealed by. the majority of the players was distinctly good, and augurs well for a very successful season. University, in opposition to Somerviile, last year's champion team, gave a brilliant display of fast, open hockey. The team was superior in all departments, and, except for weak circle work, would have increased its winning margin. Much of the success was due to the brilliancy of the half-line, both in defence and attack. Numerous Somerviile offensives were countered by sterling play, and defence was turned into attack by well-placed clearing hits. Radcliffe was the most conspicuous player on the) ground, his allround play being fully up to representative standard. His supports, Leonard on the right and Barrett on the left, were id fine form, especially on defence. In fullback play University was well served by Hume and Browne. The forward ' line, after a somewhat weak opening, showed an improvement, and in the second spell over-ran the opposition with a series of concerted attacks. The flank men, Greonbank and Burton, made many good dashes and invariably centred well. Burton in the first spell lost several chances through impetuous play, but subsequently no fault could be found with his work. Taylor and Seelen made good openings. The centre-forward, Miller, showed a tendency to hesitate, and his passing generally lacked direction. Somerviile made a fair showing and fought hard in the closing stages to secure a draw, but the University defence was sound. The forwards were seen in spirited dashes, with occasional glimpses of pretty combination. A noticeable fault was the failure of players to keep in position, and many golden opportunities were lost through this. C. Watts made some fine openings. The half-backs gave solid exhibitions, opening up the game in good style. Of the fullbacks Roberts was easily the outstanding player, and he was mainly responsible for keeping the University forwards from adding to the score. Bright Play Iby St. Luke's. St. Luke's and Wesley gave a bright display, the former team winning through better finish by its forwards in attacking movements. The open nature of. the game always made the play spectacular. Hookham played a dashing game ©n the right flank for St. Luke's, his pace enabling him to smother the backs on numerous occasions. He was well supported by the rest of the line. Steele in the half-line had a strenuous time and acquitted himself well, placing well-judged clearing hits. The Wesley forwards lacked polish in circle work,, and over-eagerness nullified many good openings. Frater was perhaps the best of a hard-working line. The halves were conspicuous for clever stopping and well-directed clearing. Sparling and Burton, the fullbacks, had plenty of defensive work to do, while Lucas, in charge of his goal, proved reliable and used his feet to advantage. An Even Struggle. Mount Eden deserved its win against Areta, the forwards and backs playing steadily throughout. Kelly, at centreforward, was sound and made some clever openings. The half line proved a solid proposition, Hedges taking the honours. The Areta forwards infused rare dash into their play and, except for overeagerness in the circle, would have been more dangerous. J. Carter and Hayson combined well. Areta's rearguard was busily engaged countering the numerous assaults of the opposing forwards, and came through the ordeal with credit. Smallwood, for a first appearance in senior hockey, gave a promising display. The fullbacks showed a tendency to speculate, even when there was ample time to stop the ball. Davis was the safer player. The game between Epiphany and .Jniversitv Colts provided a close struggle, and it was only in the closing stages that the Colts secured victory. Epiphany made a creditable first appearance, and, with a better knowledge of team tactics, should improve considerably. Promising forwards were Merry weather and Stevenson, while in the backs the displays by J. Mills and Rankin are worthy ol mention. The Colts failed to impress as a combination, there being far too much individual play by the vanguard. Bowel) and Hamilton were the best. Ihe Lolts defensive piay was solid, but players lost their positions, and the passes to the forwards lacked crispness and direction. The Somerviile Colts' team was _ too strong for Training College, its combined plav being far superior. The outstanding plavers were Lee and Preston in the forwards, and Harris and Munro m the backs. Training College lacked experience in the finer points of the game. The best performances were given by North and Meiklejohn. SPORT OF CYCLING. MANUKAU CLUB'S VENTURE. ROAD-RACING SEASON OPENS. ine sealed handicap race promoted by the Manukau Cvcling Club on Saturday proved a successiu venture. Favoured by excellent weather conditions, the 24 riders engaged established good times. Prizes for the race were donated by Mr. E. B. Tolly, wtio in his day was one of the best road-riders m England. The fastest time for the 22 miles onpaced event was made by M. P. Byrne, who covered the distance in Ihr. 6s. To maintain a speed of 22 miles an hour on .inv road requires not only speed but also stamhia, and Byrne by his unpaced ride on Saturday proved that he possesses both these qualities. W. Bray, whose riding time was lh. 40*.. secured second fastest time The success of Gainsborough. who won the race, was a- just reward for consistent performances. Next Saturday's races are the 11-mile Auckland Championship, and a five and a-half mile handicap for youths. Good time was registered by Rae, <s£rn. t in winning the 14-msles open handicap on Saturday, the opening event of the roadracing season under the auspices of the Auckland Athletic and Cycling Club. He caught the leading riders four miles from the finish but was extended over the last lOOvds. to win by two lengths. He secured fastest time, completing *h-e journey in 37m. Is. • StansMd. 4fns., who finished second, is a promising rider. Jackson, the third man to finish, was a long way behind. He started off 6|rn. a.nd rode most. r.f the way alone. The scratch division.. Hill, Sutherland, Henderson- and Prior, did not .ride up to expectations.