HOCKEY

NZ Truth, Issue 1127, 7 July 1927, Page 15

HOCKEY

A Dunedin. Diary (From "N.Z. Truth's" .Special Dunedin Rep.) Despite the one-time prejudice against hockey m the southernmost parts of New Zealand, the game is now taking a good firm grasp on public interest, especially m Dunedin. THE ultimate ownership of the Gilray Cup has been practically decided, and the bid which Technical Old Boys have made for the trophy is not likely to bring disappointment. .Over-keenness, the foible of all youthful players, seems to be the chief failing among hockeyites m Dunedin, but this will gradually disappear and the promising youngsters who from week to week are learning team-work will soon develop into seasoned wielders of the curved stick. Those of the confederation who are worthy of note may. derive not a little benefit from a few observations on their play. Firstly, the poor grounds available; secondly, indifferent methods of coaching and training. Take the Oval, for example. After a heavy rain this ground — the name is a mere courtesy title when it comes to hockey or Soccer — is barely more than an undulating morass. It is, then, little wonder that budding talent has very little encouragement to bloom and develop. Bathgate Park — it is difficult tc imagine a more aptly-dubbed ground — develops into a. slough of despond following a few showers; yet the City Council still continues to shear off its pound of flesh, with no apparent regard for the rights or requirements of a sporting community. This ground is often unplayable for two, or sometimes three, Saturdays. Surely the Dunedin City Council car do better than that? Generally speaking, the stick wort is very fair, but the facilities for training are so meagre m point of suitable pitches that after -work training is, foi the most part, confined to running, as despite the electric-lighting systems ir operation on the various grounds, 'th< surface is too rough for fast teair training m tactics. More likely than not this condition accounts for the only fair showing the reps, are able to make