HOCKEY SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19959, 30 May 1928, Page 16

HOCKEY SEASON.

FIRST ROUND COMPLETED. SOMERVILLE AGAIN LEADS. COMMENTS ON THE PLAY. The first round of senior grade matches was completed on Saturday, and the competition is left in an interesting position. When the bottom team on the list can defeat the top one, as North Shore did on Saturday, it must be recognised that the future course of the competition is full of possibilities. All the teams have settled down now into something like permanent form, and a much improved standard of play may be confidently looked for in the second round. Until half-time in the three senior A matches the grounds were in good condition, but the heavy, driving rain that then set in made the surface very slippery and uncertain, and it was a wonder that no accidents occurred. Mount Eden is a team that can be relied upon to show vigour and initiative. Its contest with Somerville was full of inqideht. The sudden effort it made at the last came a little too late, and, although the team put on two goals, it could not quite overtake the opposition score. Somerville was taking no risks, and went right into the game from the start. For the first three-quarters of the game the winners dominated the majority of the movements. Promising Young Players.

Mount Eden has many promising young players, who have the makings of a firstclass team, possessing enterprise and formidable combination.

Chiplin performed well in the Somerville goal, and the two goals recorded against him were scored when conditions had become very difficult. The play of Gardner, at fullback, was characterised by smart clearances and judicious hitting. Colo played a much steadier game than on the previous Saturday, ana was outstanding among the halves. C. Watts shone out in the forwards, playing probably his best game this season. He was well supported by E. Watts, at centre. The remainder of the line worked well, with the exception of Seccombe, who seems scarcely to have reached his best form, and who missed chances in the circle in a way not usual with him. In Vail, Mount Eden had an excellent custodian, who dealt with many hot attacks in the first spell in confident and convincing style. Mainland, the active little fullback, was instrumental in breaking up many movements of the white vanguard. Among the halves Hedges was conspicuously useful. Surman is a hard worker, if not brilliant, and did much reliable! service. Penman, left wingforward, made a number of good runs, but he would often do well to centre a little earlier than he does. Fletcher, at centre, was good, and Chaplin- was very effective when brought up to the forward line, exchanging with Kelly. Ash has been seen to better advantage this season. A Hard-fought Game.

The North Shore-St. Luke's game was a very hard-fought one. North Shore early established a lead, arid from then onwards it was purely on the defensive, fighting against the desperate attempts of St. Luke's to retrieve the position. North Shore is now a very evenly-balanced combination, its display on Saturday being a decidedly creditable one. It was remarkable that North Shore's first win of the season should also be St. Luke's first defeat. R. Frater, at centre-half, makes a capable, captain, and his experience of the game has much to do with the success of the team.

St. Luke's failed to reproduce its form of t.tie previous Saturday, and, especially in the closing stages of the game, its movements lacked cohesion. Lack of mutual understanding marred chances of success.

Rankin gave another pood display in the North Shore goal, and F. Anthony and R. Frater also deserve special mention. Frater fed his forwards in fine style. Lucas, who scored one of the goals, played a good came. P. Anthony battled hard among the forwards, and was probably the pick of them. A very good exhibition was given by Williams, the St. Luke's fullback, but the half line in front of him were playing below their usual standard. Kellev, in the forward line, failed to be of much assistance to his side, and if lie does not strike hotter form it will be surprising if he retains his place in the team. the inside right, was,the steadiest of all the forwards. A Ragged Exhibition. University and Areta gave a ragged exhibition of the game. Areta was*handtcapped by having to play several substitutes. One of these, however, Peachey in goal, gave a very satisfactory account of himself. Hughes, at centre half, was a great source of strength to his side, while Taylor and J. Carter were the pick of the forwards. In the University team Brown made a good showing at fullback. The halves showed improvement, and the forwards played 1 probably their best game so far this season. Outstanding among them was Hay, on the right wing, who, working well with Seelen, made a strong combination. Owing to the absence of the student team in Wellington over the next weekend, its fixture with Somerville will not be played on Saturday. The team will leave on Thursday to contest in Wellington with the other three university teams for the Seddon stick, of which Auckland is the present holder. The matches with the other centres will take place on Friday and Saturday, and on Monday a combined university team will meet a team representing Wellington province. Unfortunately the Auckland University cannot send away its full strength, and Philpotts is a notable absentee. Radcliffe, Brown, North and Hay are among those making tha trip. Judging by reports the strongest bid for the stick is expected to come from Otago. King's Birthday Tournaments. The Auckland Association has planned the usual King's Birthday carnival to take place at the Remuera grounds next Monday. It will begin in the morning with primary schools races and a primary schools seven-a-side tournament, to be followed by a series of ladies' and lower grade tournaments. In the afternoon there will be a number of other races and a men's senior seven-a-side tournament. Owing to the Training College students being still away on vacation, and having to default to Epiphany, the only senior B match on Saturday was that between Somerville Colts and University Whippets. Somerville forwards gave evidence of distinctly improved form, Crocher on the left wing showing great keenness and considerable ability with his stick. Sawyers and he combined well. Both the goals fell to the credit of Edwards, inside right. The game as a whole was patchy and ragged. The students have not learned to keep their places, and were frequently getting in each other's way. Hubble, Taylor and Adams were probably the most useful in the forward line. The ladies' senior matches did not reach a high standard on Saturday. Both the losing teams were two players shoi't, and the rain that fell toward the close made good hockey out of the question. The junior games also may be fairly described as scratchy. The Ladies* Association has arranged a blackboard lecture for ladies on the game of hockey by Miss P. H. Dawson, to take place to-morrow evening. An offer from Mr. Bernecker to present a medal has been received by the Ladies ? Association, and is now under consideration. A proposal has been made that it shall be given to the most consistent player throughout the season, the selector to be the judge.,