HOCKEY SEASON.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXVIII, Issue 20901, 17 June 1931, Page 15

HOCKEY SEASON.

ISTART OF' second round. JWET GROUNDS AFFECT PLAY. MOUNT EDEN'S FORCEFUL GAME. / The condition of the grounds 011 Saturday affected tho scoring in the particular games, but it cannot bo said that any surprise victories were gained. Mount Eden, on its form in the previous two games, seemed likely even 011 a fast ground to gain a win over Somcrvillo by a narrow margin, and on tho heavy ground $OOll showed its superiority. Naturally it was forced to discard the scientific hockey it had played in the preceding game and revert to a more forceful typo of play, which proved very successful. Wellbourne played a splendid game 011 1 lie left wi:ng. and lie was well assisted

by Fletcher inside. Another prominent forward was M. Jones, who found tho heavy conditions to his liking, but through over-eagerness lost two good chances in tho first few minutes of the game. Hedges, the centre-half, played a good game, his stick work being particularly effective. Jenkins was also useful, but Jl. Jones could not play his usual game on tho rough grounds. Tho back line was a tower of strength, Mainland playing one of his best games this year «ml Logan again showing the form that made him conspicuous tho previous week. Vail was not given very much work to (do. Appeals Against Decisions. Somorville, whoso chief strength is in Its accurate team-work and clever tactics, could do very little in this lino 011 jthe day. Schneideman kept his position Letter than in past games and he mado several useful sorties. C. Watts played jwell but was disconcerted by conditions, although 110 appeared to find McNab a good colleague. On tho other flank, Hunter and Heard did not show up as well as in the splendid game they played against North Shore. The halves were not strong but Willmott in t,hc centre played a fair game.

Cole, on the right, found Wellhourne & hard man to block. It was unfortunate that throughout tho game ho appealed against the decisions of the referee, Mr. B. C. Avery, and finally, just before the end of the game, ho left tho field. Js'o good purpose ' could bo served by such appeals, which, in any case, aro better voiced by tho captain of tho team. Gardiner was perhaps tho sounder of tho two backs. Butler in the goal was given plentv Of -work /and he stood up to it .veil. Wesl9y Extends North Shore. Wpslov, which has given its opponents Rood games in all matches, extended North Shore in tho first match of the day at Western Springs, although for two-thirds fcf the game Haggett, the North Shore centre-forward, was off the field with an injured shoulder-blade, which has given bim trouble in previous games. The best 'forward game was undoubtedly played by Anthony, who, after some time in Ilawke's Bay, lias returned to Auckland and will play again in tho North Shore van. As Tight inside, ho /was always on the ball /and ho worked /well in combination with Monfeith. The other flank did not show up so well 011 the day's play. The halves, fitorrie, Wilson j and A. Frater, all put in very useful work, Wilson in particular showing to advantage. Allen was a little

off form ns left fullback, but Parker played his usual consistent game. Rankin made several good saves in quick succession. «. A former well-known player, Toss, reappeared on the left wing forward for Wesley. He was for some time in Manawatu, where he was a respresentative

player. He will bo a valuable member ••of the Wesley team. A. B. Burton and Hayson both made ground for Wesley in a number of fast runs. Hayson's form showed improvement, hut it is likely he would do better as left inside, in which position he has shown up so well in both games against the Navy. Slaney, on the left, was keen and useful, but spoiled his play by wandering in too far. Surman disappointed on the day's form. Alley, Ipft half, was a promising recruit from the second grade team. The rest of the defence line put up a good fight. A Past Game. The game between University and S£ Luke's was fast and open, but St. Luke's had the better of the game by a slightly greater margin than the score, two goals to ons, would indicate. Failure to finish off ccst it one or two likely goals. Wattam, the new goalkeeper from second grade, was not given very much opportunity to show his capabilities, but be made at least one good save and the two shots he let past him were tricky. The fullbacks played a sound and careful game. The best of the halves was Robertson, who found Bay a hard man to mark. T. Clark was not up to his usual, form and Brodie was not given very much to do. Brown, the centreforward, put in some splendid work. Stuart, the right wing, showed a turn of speed, combined with clever stick work, but did not finish off satisfactorily, while Grace, on the other side, tried to carry the ball too far down tho field and lost possession to the opposing defence. For University, Crawley, in the goalmouth, played a fair game. A new player in the right fullback position, Robinson, showed up well, but Burt was patchy. Chambers was the best half on the day s game. Bay, centre-forward, was up to form, although carefully marked. Lamb also found the opposing halfback, 1. Clark, a check on his usual play. The notice of motion concerning amendments to rule 7 of the King's Birthday regulations, which Mr. 11. Watts brought before the last meeting of the association executive, draws attention to so obvious a deficiency that it should meet with unanimous approval. In tho time extensioii granted when scores are equal at the end of the game under the present rule two points are allowed for a " penalty corner " and one for a " corner," but no allowance is made for an extreme breach giving rise to a penalty bully. Mr. Watts' amendment would provide three points for the penalty bully. ' A further amendment suggested would make the rule read that such points are to be awarded only if no goal results Irorn such corners or penalty bully. As this rule reads at present a goal scored from such corners or bullies counts so many points more than a goal sent in at the close of a straightout forward rush.

CROSS-COXJNTRY RACING. INTERNATIONAL HONOURS. Hie international cross-country championship was recently held at Baldoyle, Jjeland, and resulted in a wonderful win for T. P. Smythe, of Ireland, from the crack Englishmen, J. Winficld and I. Evenson. Although the race was first run in 1003 and won by the famous Alfred fihrubb, Smythe is the first Irishman to score.

It is interesting to note that England bas supplied the individual winner on 18 occasions, France four, and Scotland and Ireland onco each. The English team, with runners in 2nd, 3rd, sth, 6th, 7th nnd 9th positions, a total 32 points, easily won the teams race from Scotland and France, with 102 points each. Then -came Ireland 112, Wales 184, and Belgium 201 points.