HOCKEY SEASON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23124, 24 August 1938, Page 21

HOCKEY SEASON

UNITED CHAMPIONS SUCCESS IN FIRST YEAR REWARD OF CONSISTENCY Club competitions in the hockey code finished on Saturday, nnd United, with a close win against University, maintained its position well ahead of St. Luke's. University showed out with several juniors and sliould do well next season. United has shown efficiency throughout the 'season, and, although its general play lias not revealed marked superiority in individual games, its steadiness assured a commanding lead in the later stages of the competition. United's success in its lirst season is remarkably good, for, although the players were experienced, they had to work into a sound combination. The all-round ability of the team enabled it on numerous occasions to score the few goals that were really necessary. A feature of the game against University was the high scoring, both the former matches between these two teams having been low-scoring draws. There was a noticeable weakness in the halves and a tendency among the inside forwards to concentrate too much 011 individual play. The latter fault was remedied only toward the end of the season, when the players developed far better understanding. In

Fenton and Wellbourne United had two fine wings and got good service from this quarter. Jones, at right fullback, was always cool and exceptionally clever with his stick. He proved a difficult man to pass at any time and also did a lot of work in opening up movements for the forwards. On one occasion on Saturday he came right through the University side to hit the post with a shot at goal.

St. Luke's, always a pood side, was much superior to Somerville. even with two promoted juniors. Burt impressed in tho left half position for Somerville with a keen and tireless game, and Stewart, tho other wing half, also showed out for clever play. In the same position for St. Luke's. Brodie gave a fine exhibition of clean hitting, and by his positional tactics helped materially to give St. Luke's its command of the game. King was very sound at fullback for St. Luke's, and Clark is fortunate in having such a player to support him. These two men have a good understanding and are very clever at putting the opposing forwards off-side. The coming Saturday will see the big event of the season, when NewZealand will meet the Prince of Maitavadar's Indian team in the third test at Eden Park. Two weeks ago Auckland was able to snatch a victory over the visitors in a great game on the same field, but the Indian team has since scored an overwhelming win by 10 goals to nil against AYaikato, a team that drew with Auckland recently. For brilliance of stickwork and constructive play, the visiting team has no equal in the country, and it is doubtful whether Auckland could reproduce its winning dash. The visitors have won both the tests already played by a fourgoal margin, but more regard has been paid to combination in the present team, and a very keen contest can be expected. Auckland, by its fine exhibition. has won a large representation in the side and the Xew Zealand team should show combined as well as individual merit. As far as tests are concerned Auckland has an uneven record. The Tndian Army team was held to a draw in 1926, but the 1935 All India side had an easy victory by 7 coal-; to.]. On only one occasion, in the second test against the Tndian Army team, have visitors from tnat country been defeated in a test match by New Zealand. The Prinee of Manavadar's team is as strong as any others that have toured this country and to date has scored 206 goals to 18. The defeat bv Auckland is its onlv reverse.