HOCKEY SEASON

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23780, 7 October 1940, Page 5

HOCKEY SEASON

DEVONPORT SHIELD UNIVERSITY A IN THE LEAD SIXTH AND SEVENTH ROUNDS With two wins on Saturday to its credit, University A, with 12 points, is leading liv one point from St. Luke's in tlio Devonport Shield competition of the Auckland Hockey Association which was continued at Hohson Park. The grounds were very hard, and fast play was seen in all the matches. Control of the hall, however, was difficult and the impression was gained,-'from the general standard of piny, that an earlier termination of the season would have been to the advantage of a great majority of the players.

The sixth and seventh rounds were played on Saturday and next week-end should see the conclusion of Devonport Shield games. Following were the results: —Sixth round: Training College, 4. Mount Eden, 1; Albertians, 1, United, 0; University A, 4, St. Luke's, 1; Grammar and Albertians won by default. Seventh round: University A, 3, Albertians, 2; Grammar Old Boys, 3, Somerville, 1; St. Luko's, 3. Mount Eden, 0; United and Training College won by default. Unlversily A v. St. Luke's—Much depended on the outcome of this match, and play moved at a fast pace throughout. University's forwards had control in the first spell, combining efficiently and employing sound stickwork. B. Broun, centre, was noticeable for several fine solo runs, and he combined well with Cooper, inside right. The score at half-time was:—University, 3; St. Luke's, 1. A feature of the game was the superb defence of E. Appleby, in St. Luke's goal, whose great speed saved many likely scoring moves. Scorers for University were Cooper (2), Crawley and B. Broun. Sell netted for St. Luke's. Messrs. H. Watts and A. Jackson were the umpires.

Training Collexe v. Mount Eden. —This game also was very open and fast, although the players iiad difficulty in controlling the ball ori the rough ground, a point which was particularly noticeable among the Mount Eden forwards. Greater finish in the Training College vanguard was responsible for its final margin of three goals when the team had been down at half-time by the only goal scored. Tho winner's territorial advantage was not as great as the score indicates. Dlprose (3) and Elliott scored for Training College, while Chambers netted for Mount Eden. Messrs. R. Roughton and W. Flack were the umpires. Albertians v. United. —A mild surprise was caused when Albertians upset the Davis Cup winner, United. Albertians set the pace from tho beginning, scoring early. At half-time the team led I—o. There n,is no further score in a game which was marked by dogged play and very even exchanges. A feature was the fine goalkeeping of Butler, United's custodian. McLisky was responsible for Albertians' goal. Messrs. E. RouKhton and P. Robinson were the umpires.

Grammar Old Boys v. Somcrville. —A fast and very close contest, which held the interest of spectators throughout, resulted when Soinerville met Grammar. Both teams fielded strong forward lines whose effectiveness, however, was countered by the particularly stubborn defence offered by the opposing rearguard units. At half-time there was no score, lv. Lawry, centre-half for Grammar, gave a very bright display, while I. Wyatt, a newcomer, was steady at left half. Crichton scored for Grammar and L. Wyatt netted for Somerville. Messrs. F,. Roughton and A. Jackson were the umpires.

University A v. Albertians. —Mid-field play opened this match and neither team could gain any decided advantage. Showing more confidence, University's forwards gained the upper band shortly before half-time. The score then was: —University, '2; Albertians, 0. In the second spell there was more very even play, Albertians having slightly the better. Albertians played well, but the forwards lacked finish. For University, B. Broun. Cooper and Wallace scored, while for Albertians Kelse.v and N- Bennett netted. Messrs. T. Clark and W. Flack were the umpires. St. Luke's and Mount Eden.—St. Luke's all-round superiority was evident. The defence, however, was stubborn and at half-time no goals had been scored. Prominent on defence for Mount Eden was Hughes, right fullback. After the interval the St. Luke's forwards were rewarded for their untiring efforts, three goals being scored. Pearson C2) and Sell were the scorers. Mr. P. Robinson was the umpire.