HOCKEY SHIELD

NZ Truth, Issue 1284, 10 July 1930, Page 19

HOCKEY SHIELD

It May Come North Next Week

(From "N.Z. Truth's" Christchurch Rep.) CANTERBURY still retains the New Zealand hockey. shield, but its hold on the trophy is not very secure. The drawn game against Otago gave the red-and-blacks a fright, and the next challenge match, which is against Wellington on July 19, will result m the shield going to the North Island, unless the Canterbury forwards show a big improvement. Canterbury's weakness has been shown up, and now strenuous efforts are being made to get the forwards fitter for the next match. But more than this is necessary. At least two of the. forwards, W. Bell and W. Gracie, should be dropped. Grade has been showing, indifferent form this season, and only his reputation gained him a place m the team to play Otago. •He' gave a shocking exhibition, and Canterbury cannot afford to carry him again. Without a good right wing-forward, the Canterbury attack was crippled and ineffective. Jack Mounsey is the most promising right-winger m Canterbury to-day, and he is worthy of "rep" honors.. He* is a natural wing player and centres splendidly. Wally Bell also has had his day, and should give place to Roy'Neate. Although m his first season at senior hockey, Neate has proved himself to-be a coming champion. The sooner he gets into Jhe Canterbury team, the better. He is very young, but he should fit iii well alongside the heady ex-N.Z. rep., Stan. Bell. ,' There is nothing wrong with the 'Canterbury halves and backs and if the above two alterations were made m the forward line, then Wellington : would be compelled to put up a great I performance to wrest the shield from Its present Holders.