HOCKEY SEASON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22822, 1 September 1937, Page 20

HOCKEY SEASON

CHALLENGE REPULSED AUCKLAND WINS AGAIN POVERTY BAY FAILS TO LAST Once again Auckland successfully defended the New Zealand Hockey Challenge Shield on Saturday. The Poverty Bay representatives made a great bid for the coveted trophy, and had they been abb to maintain the pace, combination and stick-work shown in the first half, they would have won. Auckland took some time to settlo down, but once in its stride the local team appeared quite safe. Wattain, in the Auckland goal, was not at all impressive, being too easily beaten by the visiting forwards. Jones played a useful game at fullback and overshadowed lii.s partner. The Auckland half lino was only fair. Too often it failed to intercept the opposing halves' passes to the forwards, especially in the first half. La wry was the best half, often saving his team with last minute tackles. Considering that he is comparatively new to the centre position, he swung the ball about well. Of the forwards Armstrong on the right wing, with liis forceful runs and useful centres, was outstanding. Twigden and Braithwaite were the best of the remaining forwards, who as a whole did not combine as well as a representative side should.

The. Poverty Bay defence had plenty of work, particularly in the second spell, but it could hardly be said to have come through with flying colours. Oxham,'while making many spectacular and good saves, did not reach representative standard. Neither of the fullbacks was impressive. They failed to clear effectively. Lowe was the best of the half trio, in the opening stages of the match lie produced excellent stickwork and with clean passes evenly distributed the play. Like Nicol and Douglas, however, Lowe lost his dash in the second half. The forward line did not show to any great advantage. Watchman and Slado were the best of the line, both proving very elusive. Neither of the wings was given much of the ball and consequently did not have many chances.

CLUB TEAMS WEAKENED LITTLE ENTHUSIASM SHOWN With the majority of teams weakened by the absence of representative members, littlo enthusiasm was shown in the first series of games in tlio Devonport Shield competition. Somervilie was superior to University, but could only force a draw. I'iner was the better of the backs, while Long was the best of the halves, who, however, were inclined to wander too much. Watts played an outstanding game in the forwards, although Ronghton also gave a dashing display in the first half. On the University side Cawkwell was the better of the backs. The forward line lacked combination, Cooper and Yule being slightly more prominent than the remainder. A large • number of lower grade players appeared in the Grammar —St. Luke's game. Pounsett gave a good exhibition at fullback for Grammar, although he was inclined to speculate. Ross and Nicolson deserve mention for their work in the halves. Both King and Williams gave fair exhibitions in the St. Luke's back position. T. Clark was the deciding "factor in his team's success. .