HOCKEY SEASON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22109, 15 May 1935, Page 18

HOCKEY SEASON

HIGH STANDARD SHOWN AN OPEN COMPETITION SURPRISE BY UNIVERSITY A remarkably high standard of hockey was witnessed in the second series of games for the Auckland Hockey Association's championship on Saturday. The competition now bears a very open aspect, and it seems probable that it will be far more keenly contested than it has been for some seasons past. Grammar Old Boys, a newly-promoted team, is the only side which has won both its games. Somerville, last season's champion, has had one draw, and St. Luke's, last year's runner-up, has been beaten by Wesley. The good stand which University made against Somerville was the most surprising feature of the day. After its indifferent showing the previous week it appeared certain that Somerville would have little difficulty in securing a victory. University, however, with some slight reorganisation in the forward fine, played like a new team. A greatly improved understanding existed among the backs and halves, as woll as among the forwards, and the team gave the impression that it will be capable of better performances later in the season. The inside forwards, Floyd and Cooper, were responsible to a large extent for University's fine showing. Floyd played right up to the form which gained him representative honours last season, while Cooper, who has been absent from the game for some time, also did some very fine work. A. Broun played better and much steadier hockey than was his custom last season, and he may soon be recognised as a firstclass centre. Fraser and Bennett, on the wings, were unsteady. They both played excellent hockey during the game and made many fine openings, but there were occasions when opportunities were lost. Good Hall-line University's half-line was particularly good. Hogben, perhaps, was the outstanding man. He has a very pleasing style, and with more experience will go a long way. N. Broun played a very sound positional game and was never wanting. Watson showed a tendency to wander to the centre, but apart from this he acquitted himself well. Robinson and Halliwell both played steady games and broke up many dangerous movements, but F. Brown was rather weak, especially when compared with the sound tactics of Airey, in goal for Somerville.

Somerville's forward line was, as usual, very stroag, but did not receive the customary support. The left of the line bore the brunt of the attack, and Wellbourne, in company with the Wafcts brothers, was seen in several fine movements. Cochran and Glanville naturally did not show the same anticipation as the older combination, but nevertheless played well. Of the halfline, Long, at centre, was the best. Heard and Hedges made several good rallies, and performed some strenuous work, but the University forwards were always worrying them. Smith was definitely not up to form, but Stewart showed a good style, and thoroughly justified his promotion from the third grade. Hard-Fought Match The match between Wesley and St. Luke's was hard-fought from start to finish. St. Luke's attempted to play its usual orthodox hockey, but the bustling tactics of Wesley upset its balance completely and on the rather rough ground proved the superior method of attack. Chapman was the outstanding forward in the Wesley line. He made repeated sallies down the right wing and played a game which, if maintained, will probably gain him representative honours. He received sound support from Bcere, while Andrew and Neate were both conspicuous for forcing home the attack. Kiff was perhaps a little erratic, but did not see as much action as the other forwards. Pickens performed the best of the halves, although Miller and Dalley were never lacking in support. Burton and Surman formed a solid wall of defence, while Airey, in goal, played an excellent game. He showed accurate judgment in coming out and his high clearing kicks frustrated many determined attacks. St. Luke's lacked its usual co-ordina-tion. Of the forwards Corin played the best game, but his shooting in the circle toward the latter part of the match could have been better. Vipond was not up to form, while Fenton, although playing well at times, was offside too often and spoiled a number of chances. Grace made a number of good runs down the line, but failed to put some obvious opportunities to good effect. Players Below Form The half-line, upon which a great deal of work fell, was not .up to standard. Brodie failed to keep in position, while Robertson neglected to mark his man, with the result that a number of attacks were commenced by Andrew without opposition. T. Clark had a great deal of work to perform, but could not keep up the pace until the end. King gave a sound display, but F. Clark did not strike form. Wattain also gave a good display, exercising sound judgment, the two goals scored giving him little chance. The match on the No. 3 ground produced little good hockey, due largely to the rough surface of the field, and the disappointing display, by the newlypromoted Mount Eden team. Although Grammar Old Boys had little difficulty in registering a high score the forwards revealed inaccurate shooting and a tendency to bunch badly on the left flank. Jerram, whose speed on the wing is often marred by off-sido play, paid attention to this weakness and as a result the whole line benefited. Jones played a vigorous and enterprising game at centre-half and received sound support from the wing halves, although Herriott, by clearing and passing down the centre or across the field, made it difficult for Ross, on the wing, to keep position and also cramped the insido forwards.

BY-LAW IN GOLF MARKS BY HIPPOPOTAMI In Uganda, South Africa, there is a golf club at Jinja, a town on the bank of Victoria Nyanza, which has a unique by-law. At night hippopotami come up from the lake to graze on the greens and fairways of the course. These beasts are not exactly fairy-footed, and so the club has had to institute the bylaw that players can pick up their balls from the hippos' footmarks without penalty. How necessary is this rule can be understood from the fact that the footmarks, in soft ground, are about 12in. wide and Sin. deep.