HOCKEY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXII, Issue 22215, 16 September 1935, Page 14

HOCKEY

ST. LUKE'S AND GRAMMAR MATCH ENDS IN DRAW # < MOUNT EDEN'S FIRST WIN ' Ideal weather and ground conditions prevailed for the Auckland Hockey Association's 11th series of Karnes in the Davis Cup competition, decided at Kemuera on Saturday. The play was of a high standard, and the principal match, between Grammar Old Boys and St. Luke's, which resulted in a draw, was exciting throughout. St. Luke's is now in the lead, with 17 points, while Grammar and Sotiierville are next, with 15 points each. St. Luke's, however, has yet to draw a bye, which means that the three teams are practically on even terms. University, which last week was beaten by Papatoetoe, defeated Wesley by a margin of two goals, while Mount Eden scored its first success with a surprise win over Papatoetoe. The fields were all fast and the combination of most of tho sides showed a definite improvement. It was particularly pleasing in the main game to see the large number of players exploiting the push and flick shots, upon which the now famous Indian team relied so much.

Following were the results of tho senior games:— St. Luke's, 2; Grammar Old Boys, 2. University, 4; Wesley, 2. Mount Eden, 2; Papatoetoe, 1. AN EVEN GAME «l TWO GOALS TO EACH TEAM Contested keenly from atsrt to finish, the principal game between St. Luke's and Grammar Old Boys resulted in a draw, both teams registering two goals. Grammar did most of the attacking, but St. Luke's was in the ascendancy during the last few minutes. Both sides were unfortunate not to score more goals, Grammar being particularly unlucky. Grammar opened up the play in fine style, attacking fast down both flanks and passing the ball about freely among the forwards, Armstrong, who replaced Jerram, who was injured last week, Bent in a fine shot from an acute angle soon after the commencement of play, but the goal was disallowed. St. Luke's swept down the field in fast forward rushes, and Anderson was forced to save several times in quick succession. At this stage the play was swinging from end to end with great rapidity, and it appeared that Grammar had a certain goal, when T. Clark, dashing into the empty net, cleared in brilliant style. St. Luke's attacked strongly, and Grammar was forced to give a series of corners. The first score came when Vipond, who was always prominent in the circle, dashed in, smothered Anderson's clearing attempt, and pushed the ball into the back of tho net. Inspired by this reverse the Grammar forwards broke away from the bully. Armstrong taking the ball down the right and sending in a well-judged centre, which Houghton snapped up and Sent into the net to equalise. The remainder of the first spell was hard fought, Grammar having slightly the upper hand. Grammar commenced the second spell with a sustained attack, which lasted almost until the last quarter of an hour, when St. Luke's forced the pace. Twigden secured Grammar's second goal, hitting the ball from close range, following a melee in tho circle. It was not long after that Fenton equalised for St. Luke's in a similar manner.

Anderson, in goal for Grammar, gave a j fine performance, showing excellent judg- | ment in running well clear of his goal i to check attacks, and making some spec- ! tacular and effective saves with his pads. Wattam was not so impressive, although I he made several good clearances. F. Clark | and King were in top form, and were j largely responsible for St. Luke's stubborn i defence. Clark, hitting with powerful and j effortless drives, was one of the moat im- ! pressive players on the field. To Robert-, j son, however, credit is due for St. Luke's i last determined rally, which nearly spoiled j Grammar's chances in the competition. Backing up on attack and defending solidly ho was Grammar's stumbling block, and was responsible for Grammar's forwards seeing nothing of the ball in the final stages. Vipond was the pick of the forwards. He was always dangerous, and distributed the ball well. All Grammar's forwards played well. Twigden and Ross put in a lot of pretty work together, while Roughton, as usual, was the thnist of the line. Torbet also did some fine work, while Armstrong showed promise, and should make a first-class winger with more experience. The halves combined well, but did not mark their men towrfrd tl«& latter stages with any effect. Jones. playetr another sound game, although handicapped somewhat by an injury received last week. The final score was:—St. Lukes, 2; Grain"'Messrs. A. Williams and H. C. MoQuarrie were umpires.