HOCKEY SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19947, 16 May 1928, Page 16

HOCKEY SEASON.

THIRD ROUND OF MATCHES. COMPLAINTS OF ROUGH PLAY NOTES ON SENIOR GAMES. Whatever Auckland hockey players may have to complain about this season it has certainly not been the weather so far, as last Saturday the grounds were in better condition than ever. The teams aro beginning to show somewhat improved physical condition, and are able now to put a little sting into the final minutes of the plav. There are still, however, far more'breaches of the most fundamental rules, such as giving "sficks," kicking or carrying, than should be seen in senior grade hockey. Although only three playing Saturdays have gnne, all the teams havo already strung themselves out in procession in the matter of championship points, and no two stand equal in either of the senior grades. Somervilie heads the A section with three wins, and Otnhuhu tho B section with two wins and a draw. In the A section three teams are still undefeated, but in the B section Otahuhu is thf. only one to havo escaped defeat up to this point. The general average of scoring has been low, which indicates that the teams are fairly evenly matched. University Whippets have been unfortunate in losing both their games by a single point. Good Game to Watch. Although not played on tho best ground, the match between St. Luke's and University was easily the best to watch of tho three senior A games. The result of the other two was always a foregone conclusion. It was not. until well on in the second half that St. Luke's was able to establish a seemingly safe lead, and even then the University attacks always held possibilities. It was an exceptionally fast encounter, probably tho fastest seen here this season. Both sides drove the ball about freely and made play open. The No. 2 ground was too bumpy to make speculating profitable, but some of the players were slow to realise 'this.

St. Luke's fielded exactly the same team as the previous Saturday, but did not show quite such good combination. The team was up against a much stronger back division, which made all the difference. Hookham and Fitf, on the right, worked splendidly together, and were responsible for countless attacking movements. In the second spell particularly, Fitt showed himself a very dangerous man in the circle. Burnett and Williams again gave good, sound exhibitions of fullback play. A lot depended on Robertson. at centre half, and ho acquitted himself well.

Linton, in the University goal, made some nicely-judged saves. Brown showed strong defensive work at fullback and Joll, who dropped back to fullback from the half line, also checked many attacks. Stony, brought ir. from the Whippets team, was quite a success at right half, but Burton seemed to be playing something below his usual standard. Tno centre half. Radeliffe, was invaluable. Hay. from the Whippets, replaced Tizard in the forward line, and took part in many useful movements. Forwards Battle Well.

Everyone of the forwards battled well to the last whistle, but they will have to keep places better and acquire a more complete understanding of cvh others play beforo they are thoroughly dangerous.

It is unfortunate that the old-time rivalry between Somerville and Areta should come to be marred with a tinge of bitterness, but so it seemed to be. The early stages of the game were evenly contested, and the first spell was half over before Somerville was able to register its first goal. The game promised to be a spectacular one, but as it developed much unnecessarily rough play bec;an to be noticeable. This did not escape the referee, Mr. A. Williams, who not only cautioned both teams, but sent off first L. Carter and then J. Savage, both of Areta. Their cases may be, dealt with at the association's meeting to-night. It may fairly be said that one Somerville player was fortunate in escaping the eyo of the referee while indulging in play of the boisterous order. Hockey is an open game which does not lend itself to rougluplay in any circumstances. It is not only easily seen, but it is also peculiarly dangerous, and the referee is to bo commended on tho firm stand he took in the best interests of the game. It is to bo regretted that incidents such as these should occur in the senior grado. Effective Circle Work.

For the winners Munro was tho safer of tho fullbacks. Gardner played a good game, but would do well not to speculate too much. Cole, at centre-half, in place of Haggett, who was indisposed, gave a fine exhibition of stick work. In tho forwards the score indicates the good work of tho inner trio, C. Watts' circle work being very effective. Gregson, as left wing, making his first appearance this season, was given every opportunity and performed creditably up to tho time he received a knee injury. He was sometimes inclined to hesitate in getting in his centre hit. Seccombe was rewarded with a couple of goals for his good following in. . , • • Areta was unfortunate in losing Wilk'.e through an injury during the first half. Davis gave a good exhibition at fullback, but is not yet playing up to last year's form. Hughes, at cenire half, got through a hard day in fine style, and was the mainstay of the team in defence and attack. Sweeney was much more at home in the half-lino and played a sound gamo. The forwards lacked finish and the majority of their attacks broke down before the circle was reached. J. Carter was the best of the van. Peache, a junior, who filled Willis' place in goal, made a very good save. Although during the first spell Somerville put on four goals to none, in tho second half the scoring was even, each side netting one goal. Dunn, playing his first game in tho seniors, scorad Areta's only goal. Mount Eden's Improvement. Mount Eden showed--a better understanding and combination than it has been doing hitherto this season, did not look like losing the match with North Shore. The young player Jones, on the right wing, was not given much to do, most of tlie passes going to Fenman at the opposite end of the line. Fletcher, Ash and Kelly, the inside forwards, all did good work. Mainland, at fullback, was of great value to his side, although suffering from a bad leg. Conspicuous among the North Shore players, who si ill require further practice to gain effective combination, were P. Anthony, the left fullback, and B. Frater, centre-half. Reid, on tho wing, played a fine aggressive game and frequently gained a long stretch of territory for his team. It was in the circle that North Shore's weakness was most evident, as it failed to seize such opportunities as came its way. The team has yet to score its first goal of the season, but it is only fair to add that the tally of goals against it is not very formidable. The match between Somerville and Areta is not the only game about which complaints of rough play are being made. In the B grade encounter between Otahnhu and Epiphany there was far too much illegal spoiling play and rough body work going on, and this was not all confined to one team. The knowledge that these things are being noticed ought to prevent a repetition of such tactics in the future.

The ladies' teams which won on the first Saturday of their season all went down last Saturday. Experienced lady players are not at all enthusiastic about the form shown by the senior teams, and say it was below that of the opening day.