HOCKEY SEASON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22465, 8 July 1936, Page 21

HOCKEY SEASON

DAVIS CUP MATCHES REPRESENTATIVE PLAYERS TEAM TO MEET WELLINGTON There was little high-class hockey displayed in the first games of the Auckland Association's second round of the Davis Cup competition 011 Saturday. With the recent rain the grounds were heavy and most of the games were played at a slow pace. Over-eagerness, especially in the match between Papatoetoe and University, was predominant. There -were no surprising results with the possible exception of St. Luke's phenomenally high score of 18 goals to nil against Training College. The order for championship points remains the same. Auckland's sole selector, Mr. W. Newshain, was watching the Pa pa toe toeUniversity game and at its conclusion ho announced the side to meet Wellington for the New Zealand Challenge Shield next Saturday. Numerous changes have been made to the side which recently went to Palmerston North and the East Coast. Wattam (St. Luke's), who represented Auckland last year, but who was replaced this season by Anderson (Grammar), has again secured a place as goalkeeper. Wattam's exhibition in the brightest game seen this season, when St. Luke's narrowly beat Grammar, undoubtedly regained him his position. Apart from this, however, Anderson has been the more consistent performer and this change appears to be one of the few upon which opinions will differ. The fullbacks are still Clark (St. and Jones (Grammar) and there is little doubt that the pair form the best defence in Auckland to-day. In the halves \V. Ross (Grammar) lias been replaced by Dowling (Papatoetoe). Robertson (St. Luke's) and Watson (University) retain their positions. Dowling has been playing a fine game throughout the year and should greatly increase the strength of the line. Papatoetoe's other flank half, Edney, has been equally as good, however, and it is- difficult to understand why such a promising young player has not been encouraged by inclusion in the 13 team at least. The forwards have been well- shuffled. [. Ross and Twigden (Grammar) have been replaced by Wellbourne and Chapman. Wellbourne, who could not travel with the team earlier in the year, was assured of a place. Ho has not been seen at his best with an inexperinced Somerville team this year, but he is still one of the best left wings in New Zealand. La wry, 011 his present form, also deserved to retain a place in the line and as Chapman and Montieth havo both been playing well for Papatoetoo two men had to be dropped. Houghton, with a better distribution of the ball, promises to make a fine centre forward and there are few first-class centre forwards in Auckland at the present time INJURED PLAYERS REPLACEMENT ALLOWED The replacement of players, a matter for which the rules make no definite provision and upon which both Australia and New Zealand prefer to stand aloof from the rest of the world, has again been discussed by the management committee of the New Zealand Hockey Association. Earlier in the year Ihe Canterbury Association requested a decision on the matter. The reply was forwarded that all associations be recommended to allow players who were genuinely injured to be replaced up to half-time. A motion was then given to rescind the resolution, but at the most recent meeting of the committee a full discussion ensued and tfye resolution was retained by four votes to three. That it is in the interests of the game to have a full team on the field, positional tactics being impossible without 11 men, was one of the principal arguments put forward for the decision. The actual rule (1.a.) states that "the game shall be played by two teams of not more than 11 players each" and this, apparently, is interpreted in all hockey playing countries, with the exception of Australia and New Zealand, to mean that players should not be replaced.

GAME IN AFRICA GROWING IN POPULARITY " Hockev is firmly established in South Africa and is growing in popularity," states the Bulletin in quoting an article from a recent copy of the Hockey World. Hockey was introduced into the country after the Boer War bv the British army regiments tvhicli remained and those which came out to relieve them. The big event of the season is the inter-provincial tournament, which was commenced in 1926 and has since been held annually. Jit is held at the headquarters of each province in turn, and almost every tournament has been fully supported by the affiliated associations. They have been held in Johannesburg, Blocnifontein, Capetown, East London, Port Elizabeth, Durban and Bulawayo. A glance at a map reveals this to be*a remarkable achievement. At the tournament held in 1935 at Capetown the Rhodesians travelled 3000 miles, and the Natalians a similar distance. It is impossible to make a comparison with tho standard of play in Britain, but an occasional inter-pro-vincial or county player gives a lino through individual performance by which it is claimed that the standard of play must rank quite favourably with that obtaining in other countries. The game is played 011 turf in some towns and 011 hard clay pitches in others. In tho interior it is practically impossible to have turf. The players are 011 a strict amateur basis. Every player attending the inter-provincial tournament has to meet his own expenses, and while gates are taken the income goes to the association holding the 'tournament, and a share of the profit to the national body. In the majority of provinces the game is organised on a competitive basis, but trophies are not allowed.