HOCKEY

NZ Truth, Issue 910, 5 May 1923, Page 9

HOCKEY

(By "Follow On.") A Wellington paper claims? tbat th# game of hockey is going back in the Wairarapa chiefly because the P. and T. Club has gone over to Soccer. "Rimutaka," in a letter to "Follow On," questions the accuracy of the conclusions drawn. He points out that there are five strong hockey clubs in the Wairarapa and whereas the hockey played is of a high standard and comparable with . that of the centres, the same can scarcely be claimed, for Soccer. He also hints that there is more than a mere desire to kick a soft ball round a bumpy paddock at the back of the P. and T. Club's defection. Also, that - the " Soccer playing team is not altogether identical with the eleven that last year won' the hockey championship. Five grades in Auckland *igain this year and many new players. The^northerners regard their chances of cap"turing:tlTe Shield as just a mere matter of sending a team that won't win by- tod big- a margin: ; ■ : ■ Eltham is ; strong for hockey. . ¥k Littlejohn, one 6f the nippiest halves that ever donned the jersey plays there now. He was one-time a member of the Huia^Club, Wellington. In fact he was one of the original Hulas, as he assisted to found the. club. Despite the loss of many star players, hockey in Nelson, has lost nothing in public favor, and /there were plenty of young players, to step into posltlorrs rendered- vacant. The North, v. South Island game if played in Sleepy Hollow, again this year would draw -the crowd all right. The stick game is looking up in Christchurch this year. Old difference* have* been sunk and new clubs are bringing new players into the game. Selwyn will again be present when th« Qjial whips are cracking. : The team which includes what is practically a family forward line, the three Bella arvd Jack Squires, all being related, will take a power of beating anywhere in New Zealand. West Coasters are not behind hand In matters of eport and hockey will probably bo revived there this year. Such a fast and hardy game Is sure to appeal to the Coasters and If revived will soon command a strong following. Ted Heaphy, still playing In Wellington and a holder of All Blaclc honors, is a product of the hockey played years ago in the golden west, as likewise F. D. Sargent, now quietly pursuing the uneven tenor of a firstclass law practice in Christchurch. Wellington championship for Wakatu tnla year. Karorl started favorites, but showed poor form. Hutt and United will trouble last year's winneri most. h - f