HOCKEY SEASON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXX, Issue 21505, 31 May 1933, Page 18

HOCKEY SEASON

IMPROVEMENT IN STANDARD HARD MATCH FOR ST. LUKE'S / .—. — DISAPPOINTING FORWARDS There was a noticeable improvement tn the standard of play in the two senior grade liockev matches decided at Rcmuera on Saturday, and the game in which St. Luke's and University divided the honours was probably the most interesting of the season. With only one more series of games remaining in the first round of the Davis Cup contest, St. Luke's has seven points, North Shore six, and Somervillo five, and it appears certain that there will he close competition throughout tho two rounds in the contest. , Neither forward line played up to its best form in the St. Luke's-Lniver-Kity game. St. Luke's was probably the /more disappointing of the two. Both wings, Giles on the right, and Grace, left, lacked judgment in their centred passes, and were no match for the University fullbacks. They nevertheless worked very strenuously throughout the game, shifting play from the danger zone time after time. As right inside, Torbet was another hard worker who weakened an otherwise good game by rather hasty shooting in tho circle. Vipohd, centre, did not shine to full extent but, in combination with Corin, left inside, who played a greatly improved game, lie troubled tho University half-line. Stalwart Fullbacks T. Clark, who played with his usual pound tactics, was the pick of the St. '"'Luke's halves. Brodie, centre, had an off day, while Robertson, right, playing an aggressive game in order to push the forwards oil, rather weakened tho defence, tho brunt of which fell on the two stalwart fullbacks, F. Clark and Williams. Wattam, in the goalmouth, /was not given a hard day, but he coped adequately with several tricky shots. Of the University forwards, the best performance for the day was possibly that of A. Broun, whose goal was a fine piece of solo play. Ross, left inside, was disappointing. He played too much of an individual game and marred it by many infringements, principally of the sticks rule. Philpott, left wing, played with judgment and ability, although not with the same effect as in earlier, games. Dowliug, right wing, ami Burnett, inside, were two hard and useful workers.

The halfback line, in spite of the absence of Radcliffe, whose knee is giving him trouble, played splendidly. N. Broun, centre, was the most experienced member, but Watson and Frascr, two promotions from lower ranks, fulfilled the promise both had given. The final line of defence was also very Bound, both fullbacks, Brown and Robinson, playing solidly. Captain Brown, in the goal, was responsible for several good saves. Fine Gcalkecping Training College played perhaps its T>est game of the season against North Shore. The team was seen in many nice -'movements, and it showed that it has the makings of a strong combination. / The solid defence of the North Shore goalkeeper, Rankin, and the two fullbacks, Parker and Allen, was principally responsibl6 for the younger team's defeat. Allen played a particularly steady game. M. Jones, centre, was the pick of the halfback line, Logan being inclined to dally too long with the ball. Thornton was good on defence, but hit too hard when on attack, and the ball got out of control of /his own forwards. The transposition of A. Anthony, formerly centre, and P. Anthony, inside right, resulted in an improved line, P. Anthony demonstrating better and directional hitting. Harland, right wing, displayed pace, but spoiled his game somewhat by offside plav. H. Jones and Reid, on the other wing, did not show up to any great extent, although Jones' goal was a fine effort. The most outstanding game of the Training College team was played by* Chadwick, in the students' goal. His work with the pads showed almost uncanny anticipation. The fullbacks were not very steady, Miller in particular being inclined to specidate dangerously. Pickens, centre, was the best of the halves, but both his supporters, Brooking and Boswell, gave good exhibitions. Blamires was a notable absentee from the students' forward line,, although McNaughton, in his place, played promisingly. The line as a whole gave a good account of itself, Crawley and Floyd still retaining honours. Both wings, Pybus and Forster, played .aggressive and useful games. Erratic Centring

The match between Somerville and Papatoetoc, played on the Papatoetoe grounds, was marked by greatly strengthened play on the part of the new team, and it was unfortunate that Bay had to retire in the early stages of the game. Nield, in the goal, played a stronger game, while Leonard was outstanding as right half. His clean stopping and hitting relieved many opposing forward rushes. Lushby was also reliable as his,partner. As centre half, MeKenzie played a good game, while Kerr was a hard man to pass on his right. V. Smytheman, as right wing forward, made some good runs, but was rather erratic in centring. Williams played a good positional game as centre, but lias yet to speed up his hitting. Hamilton, inside left, did not sufficiently feed his wing, L. Smytheman, who showed pace and good control.. Vaile was reliable in Somerville's goal, while Smith was the better of the fullbacks, McNab being somewhat uncertain. AVilmott shone in the halfline. He was always hard to pass and his clearances to forwards were good. E. Wa its was probably the best of a good forward line. Wellborn-no and C. Watts made some typically tricky runs, but found the opnosing backs were usually ready for them. Glanville niad'j some fast runs and his centring was good. Gregson was always in place, and his goal, the result of a clover foiiow-in, was a good effort.