HOCKEY SEASON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXI, Issue 21879, 15 August 1934, Page 18

HOCKEY SEASON

COLLAPSE OF SOMERVILLE CHALLENGE FROM WELLINGTON TOUR OF AUSTRALIAN TEAM As was expected the third match of the season between Somerville and St. Luke's drew a large crowd of spectators, who were rewarded with plenty of incident. The drawn result placed University in the lead for the Devonport Shield, but the team has yet to meet Somerville and St. Luke's. In the first half of tlae SomervilleSt, Luke's match Somerville was definitely superipr, but the collapse of the back division after the interval spelt disaster and St. Luke's gradually crept ahead. The Somerville forwards in the early stages had the St. Luke's backs disorganised, but the failure of the Somerville backs in the second half gave the St. Luke's team renewed confidence and it then gained the upper hand.

In the forwards the Watts brothers and Wellbourne showed fine combination, C. Watts sending out well-placed passes to Wellbourne, which the wing turned to good account. Wellbourne's shooting was particularly pretty. Hedges was the best of the halves, especially in the first spell, while at fullback Smith and Parker gave good exhibitions. In the second half, however, like other members of the backs, they did not reveal the same form.

Outstanding Forwards Vipond and Corin were easily the most outstanding of the St. Luke's for.wards, and once they had the measure of the opposition did some good work. Robertson held the team together well, while T. Clark catered freely for his forwards. F. Clark, although patchy in the early stages, improved later and cleared well. • Right on top of its form. North Shore created a surprise by defeating Wesley, and although the team was not particularly strong early in the season it now seems to be definitely, improved. Throughout the first half North Shore pressed home the attack, but after the interval Wesley improved and North Shore adopted defensive tactics. Moore played a splendid game, his deadly shooting being a great asset to his side, while J. Carter supported him well. ■ Anthony played a fair game but was inclined to hold on to the ball too long, while Vaughan and Williamson, on the wings, sent in some good centres. Savage was very solid at centre-half and Cox, although inclined to get out of position, worked hard. H. Jones was the better of the fulbacks, but L. Carter also was seen to advantage. In goal Vail did some effective stopping. Philpotts gave a good exhibition on the left wing, scoring bis side's three goals. Kiff and Neate did some good work, but they had no finish, and the latter showed the effects of his recent Beete and Chapman were both off colour. Fleet played solidly at centre-half and was well supported by Miller. The fullbacks, Burton and Surman, were not up to form. Ireland had little work in the goal.

Interest in Shield Game Keen interest is being taken in the Wellington challenge for the New Zealand Hockey Shield, which will be decided at Remuera on Saturday. Wellington, it will be remembered, wrested the shield from Auckland on its last visit, and only two weeks ago defeated Nelson by eight goals to one. The team is a particularly well-balanced combination and the Auckland side will have to fight hard to retain the trophy. Ground conditions are improving and if the weather remains favourable the Auckland forwards should be seen in some clever movements. The 'Wellington team, which is captained by 33. McLeod, a well-known Auckland and New Zealand representative, is as fol-lows:—-Moore; Perrin, Faulkner; Newport, McLeod, Joblin; Donald, Ferguson, Watchman, Wheatley and Williams. The first match of the Australian team's tour will be played against Waikato at Hamilton on Saturday, and as the visitors will be fresh from the boat the local team, which is very strong, should have a good chance. The team will arrive by the Wanganella on Friday and will leave for Hamilton the same evening. Touring Team's Itinerary The itinerary is as follows: — August 17. —Arrive at Auckland. August 18. —v. Waikato, at Hamilton. August 20.—v. Dannevirke, at Dannevirke. August 22.—-v. Horowhenua, at Otaki. August 23.—v. Wellington, at Wellington. . , 7 / V August 25. —v. Nelson, at Nelson. August 27. —v, Motueka, at Motueka. Jlugust 251.—v. Marlborough, at Blenheim. , , August 30. —v. Kaikoura, at Kaikoura. September 1. —v. Canterbury, at Christchurch. September 3. —In Christchurch as guests of the New Zealand Hockey Association. • September 4.—v. Malvern, at Darfield. September 6.—v. Geraldine, at Geraldine. September B.—Test, at Dunedin. September 10.—v. North Otago, at Oamaru. September 12.—v. Manawatu, at Palmerston North. September 13.—v. Hawke's Bay, at Hastings. September 15. —v. Auckland, at Auckland. September 18. —Match to be arranged. September 10. —v. Piako, at Te Aroha. September 21. —Leave Auckland by Marama.