HOCKEY SEASON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23044, 23 May 1938, Page 16

HOCKEY SEASON

IMPROVED DISPLAYS former champion beaten ANOTHER WIN FOR ST. LUKE'S More ideal weather could hardly be imagined than that which prevailed for the third series of matches in the Auckland hockey championship decided at Remuera on Saturday. The grounds were firm and smooth, and open play was general in all three of the closelycontested games. St. Luke's prevailed narrowly over University in the main fixture, in which many fino forward rushes kept interest keen. This leaves St. Luke's the only team which has not yet been defeated, for the Grammar Old Boys side failed to reproduce its dashing finish and went down by a small margin to United. In the other contest, Mount Eden showed improvement to make Somerville fight hard for its final advantage. The results of the games were as follows: St. Luke's, 2; University, 1. United, 2; Grammar, 1. Somerville, 3; Mount Eden, 1. * EXCITING CONTEST UNIVERSITY LOSES NARROWLY Although play in general was bright and interesting in the game between University and St. Luke's,, there were many movements which broke down at critical stages through bad stiekwork, a fault which can hardly be excused considering the excellent condition of the grounds. University was the main offender in this respect, repeated speculation by the halves and back's and poor control of the ball by certain of the forwards playing a considerable part in the result of the game. As the play went University had more opportunities, but in many cases chances were thrown away. The forward line of the winning team was always efficient and made more of the chances offering than did the University attack. Carroll played a fine game at, inside right, while Corin and Vipond were also up to forui. Cameron showed plenty of dash on the right wing. Not so much was seen of the halves as usual, and, although they gave their forwards good support, they must be held responsible for the great freedom that the opposing forwards were given. Clark and King, as fullbacks, again gave model exhibitions. while Wattam, although none too sure at the beginning, played well in the second half. For University, Fulton mad# a good showing at centre forward in place of A. Broun and led many attacks down the centre. Of his supports, Cooper was a tireless worker, but was inclined to wander a little too far in search of the ball. Nealc was given many openings, although he generally ended up by over-running the ball. Yule was very serviceable oil the right wing, but Walton, playing on the other, did not use enough force in sending the ball in. Among the halves, Herriott was -outstanding, particularly on defence. while AVatson pleased several tunes with clever stiekwork. Hogben was the better of the backs, although he, too, showed a tendency to wander up among the halves. Henderson saved many times with powerful Corin and Vipond scored for St. Luke's and Fulton for University.

Messrs. T. Clark and G. Wells were umpires.

GRAMMAR'S DEFEAT EVEN PLAY WITNESSED \fter suffering its usnal early setback, Grammar could not pierce the strong def<'m;c of United in the second half and suffered its first defeat. The game was not as sparkline as the teams competing could have uiade it but it was hard-fought all through and provided plenty of. interest. United showed a superiority in finish which was not onset by tlie more vigorous play of the opposing 3t The United forward line played good constructive hockey, having an excellent control of the ball and co-ordinating to good effect. Cooper gave a competent display at centre forward, while Torbett showed to advantage at right wing. He was given plenty to do, and until the game was drawing to a close, failed in nothing that was asked of him. In a line of hard-working halves, Miller stood out on many occasions. Ihe backs proved to be too solid for the (xranimar attack, .Tones in particular breaking up a great number of promising movements, while Butler stopped some hard shots in goal. Up against stiffer opposition this time, the Grammar attack did not show up to so much advantage. .The inside forwards, however, were an efficient trio and needed but a little more of that essential good luck to have greatly increased in effectiveness. Dare centred strongly from his left-wing position, while Armstrong also made some good runs up the other line. . When Oldham was. injured and had to leave the field early in the game the_ half line was definitely .weakened, even although Golden played valiantly in replacing lnm, and La wry did well to keep the .United forwards from seeing too much of the call. The fullbacks, Hay and Robinson, were again very solid but a little slow and the former wb* inclined to play too far. back o" defence Sale was none too certain at first, but settled down later to defend solidly. The scorer for Unitejtj was Cooper (-). while Floyd netted for Grammar. Messrs. R. Carson and D. Maxwell were umpires.

INTERESTING MATCH FIRST WIN FOR SOMERVILLE In a game not devoid of incident, but hardly as fast as those witnessed on the main ground, Somerville showed a slight superiority over Mount Eden in all departments and finally gained its first win of the season. Two penalty bullies, one against each team, broke the even run of play, but Herriott failed to Utk'e advantago of the opportunity offered to Mount Eden, missing the goal after a-tussle in-the circle with Marshall. Once again it was in the final stapes that the losers weakened, a fact that would seem to indicate that there is something missing in fitness in the team. Wyatt was again the best forward for Somerville. with Watts and Nicholson also showing out. Showing last week's form again, Stewart gave an able exhibition at right half, being especially prominent in supporting the attack, while Burt also played keenly. Tho defence was well served, with Ecvell and Martin clearing strongly, neither forward being afraid of playing well up. Marshall gave his usual vigorous display in goal, gaining great length with his kicks, and going well out to meet the attack, generally successfully. Mount Eden showed an all-round improvement. the forwards working with more understanding and the backs clearing to better effect. Herriott is still the hest forward, al.hough more accurate direction with his shoot:ng would greatly increase his value. J Horspool j*avo a reliable display on the right wing. Hughes did well in the halves and Rowe played his usual steady game in the centre. The fullbacks gave an impression of more solidness, Moore being the better of the two. Carson did a lot of work with hardly a mistake. Wyatt scored all three goals for Somerville and Herriott goaled for Mount Eden. Messrs. E. Michel and W. Grace were the umpires. OTHER GRADE RESULTS Second Grade. —Y.M.C.A., 3, Somerville, 1; Training College, 5. Grammar, 3; University A 3, Albertians, St. Luke's, 3, I'apatoetoe, 1; Wcßtley, WaitematH, 1; University M, &, Air Base, U; St. George's. (J, Mount Eden, 3 Third Crude. —Tamaki won from Training College by default; Auckland Grammar, 12, Grammar Old Boyr, I; Mount, Albert Grammar. Somerville, o. Fourth Grade.—Wesley, 5, Somerville B, 0; Somerville A,- 8, Mount Albert. (J; St. Luke's, 4, Auckland Grammar A, 2; Mount Eden, 4, University, 3; Papatoetoe won from AucHand Grammar B by,default. LADIES' ASSOCIATION Following were the results of games played under the control of the Auckland Ladies' Hockey Association on Saturday:— Senior Grade. —Mount Kden. 1. University, 0; Technical, 5, J. Intermediate Grade. —University won from Training College A by default: Technical B won from Training College B by def'iuU; Technical A, 3, Mount Eden, 0. Junior Grade. —Clevedon, I. Technical, 0; University won from Training College by default. COUNTRY COMPETITIONS [FROM If Kit ALI) COHKKSI'ONDKNTS] Whangarel.—Some good games were witnessed in the competition played under the Whangarei Hockey Association. Tho grounds were all in goud order and the majority of the matches keenly contested. Men's A grade: Mangapai, 2 (A. Byles 2), Taurnroa, l (J. Bullott). Men's B grade: Ramblers beat Hikurangi; Kara, 3 (Shepperd 3), Maungakaramea, 3 (Bird 3J. Non-competition match:

United, 6, Bargain Stores, 0. Ladies' A grade: Horahora, 3 (E. Hichards 2, D. Saul 1), Kara, 2 (P. Attwood 1, E. Attwood 1). Ladies' B grade: Hikurangi, 4 (T. Adams 2, A. Cunningham Bargain Stores, 0; Otaihu, -1 (E. Pitman 3, K. Dobson 1), Horahora, 0. Hamilton. —The date for the annual. Waikato seven-a-sido tournament was fixed for June 6 at Steele Park, at a special meeting of the Waikato Hockey Association, held in Hamilton. It was stated that the tournament was open to all club teams in the Wnikato. including Thames and Piako. It was decided to appoint Mr. F. B. L. Craig sole selector for the Waikato Association. A match is tc take place at Hamilton between an Auckland and a Waikato team on June 4 for the purpose of seeing material available for the forthcoming match against the visiting Indian team. The Dominion selectors will be present at the game. Waiuku. —Matches were played in the Franklin Hockey Association's competition. A section: Kohckohe, 3, Waiuku, 0: Waiau Pa, 6, Patumahoe, 1. B section: Glenbrook B, 5, Kohekohe, 0; Glenbrook A, 7, Waiau Pa B, 5. Thames. —In a hockey match at Thames Tararu, 2 (B. Morgan and E. Warne) defeated Kaihere, 0.

TRIAL MATCH

AUCKLAND NOMINATIONS The following players have been nominated by the Auckland selector. Mr. h. Watts, for the trial game at Hamilton on June 4 between Auckland and South Auckland, when the New Zealand selectors will be present to watch the form of players in view of the Indian team's visit:—M.\\ attain (St. Luke's), H. Jones (United , F. Clark (St. Luke's), C. Stewart (Somerviile),. S. Robertson (St. Luke's), L. Watson (University). W. Armstrong (Grammar). R. Roughton (Grammar), L. Monteith (United).