HOCKEY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19202, 19 June 1924, Page 4

HOCKEY.

By Waoges.

After the heavy rains last week it was expected that the playing areas on the Gval would be unfit for play on Saturday, but they were surprisingly dry, though-., perhaps, somewhat greasy in parts. The conditions overhead were very pleasant by i> o’clock, so the action of the Match Committee in deciding to carry out the Senior and Junior (trade programme was justified.' University B team deemed it wise to default to Albany on account of several of their players not having returned to the city after their vacation. They intend to keep their engagement with the City team next Saturday. All the other University teams should again be in the field for this week's matches. The principal game on Saturday was that on No. 1 ground between City and University A, when the Blacks repeated their first-round performance against the Blues — this time by the margin of 4 goals to 2 in favour of City. As the Technical Old Boys added to their list of successes by defeating Gymnastic, they and City are still level on top with a lead of five points over University A, who now appear to be out of the running for the championship. However, anything might happen witlnn tlie next three weeks to swing the pendulum in their favour. The Blues’ next match is Sgainst Technical Old Boys, and the possibilities are that they may sneak a victory, as, while the Old Boys have been weakened within the past two or three weeks, the students will have a considerably stronger team than was available last week. The competition is becoming decidedly very keen, and whichever team eventually wins, it will have thoroughly deserved the honour. University missed the services of four regular players, otherwise the result of the match may have been different. Bridgman turned cut for the first time this season, and played in Watson’s position; he was not in his usual form, nevertheless he proved himself the most prominent forward for his side, and was at the head of several promising attacks. Leonard (centre half) did not appear to bo at his best, though lie did a great deal of useful work. In the half lino he was ably assisted by Barrett. The full-backs had a full share of duty. North being the more prominent of the two, while the goalkeeper (Mit ford' was called upon for all his resources. He executed some splendid saves, but the clever combined play of the opposing forward line is more than equal to the smartest goalkeeper’s ability. For City the honours must again bo placed on the shoulders of the forward and half lines. Were it not for the solid defensive play that Butler, Gurr, and Ma.vston are capable of. City would find themselves in very dangerous positions when opposed to a strong forward combination. The inside forwards - Duncan. Woodfield. and MTvor—have apparently a keen understanding of one another, the result being perfect harmony and combination. None of them adopts the selfish stylo of solo play. Duncan has more than a passing acquaintance of the game, and is quick to exercise the full extent of his resources Several goals scored by his club have been Ihe outcome oP clever tactics instituted by him. His colleagues, Woodfield, and MTvor, are always at hand, and get their share of successful shots. The Mayston brothers an improving very perceptibly—each seems to possess a keen eye, judging by the way they slop the l 01l with their sticks in almost any attitude. They are putting more dash into their play than formerly. Gurr and Butler were as safe ns ever on Saturday. No one disputes the fact that these two halves are hard to beat. Despite Gardiner’s injured shoulder, his defence was solid until weakened by a bump which almost put him out of action. It was noticed during the latter part of the game that he could barely swing his slick. His speed is of great assistance when com>iiff to the help of Len Ireland. The Technical Old Boys versus Gymnastic did not develop into the one-sided game that was expected—the final result of 2--0 in favour of the “Boys” being a fair indication of the respective merits of the teams. This is, of course, after considering the strenuous defence put up by the never-tiring Gymnastic backs, Fleet and Templeton, and another wonderful performance of Patterson in goal. Some of his work gave Johnson and Co. no hope ot netting, and I must commend Patterson for his exhibition. Templeton, considering his affliction, plays-a sound gave as full back, and, with Fleet in better form than ever, they kept down their opponents’ score to a reasonable figure 1 am pleased to know, that the “Reds” arc improving and demonstrating that cricket scores are a thing of the past. The Technical Beys played their usual good game, Harris being a prominent figure throughout as centre half. The left wing forward, Bastion, is worth his place there, and is rapidly coming ahead. Johnson fought hard to pile up a score, but Patterson decided otherwise, and carried too many guns to permit a huge net full of goals. It is pleasing to note that the best sporting spirit dominates these games. The unbiassed refereeing of Messrs Wal- ’ lace and Mitchell on No. 2 ground and Messrs Norlhcy and Starr on No. 1 being a material factor towards that end. The junior grades are' pursuing their series of fixtures, and, like the seniors, are a,pproaching the end of the second round. Some of the players in the second and third grades require coaching—there being too much obstruction and too little combination. Frequently a junior is s een to obslruct his own side by being over eager to got possession of the ball. Let me advise junior players to keen your position in the field and not encroach and thus cramp your ether players. We all know that hockey is an expensive game to play in Dunedin, but players carmake the referee’s duties easier by adopting a uniform somewhat approaching their club's colours if unable to procure the regulation jersey. I police that senior players are as lax as juniors in observing the five yards’ line at roll in. Referees should insist on this rule being respected. Another matter of detail —but of great value to the referees; —is the absence of 'lags on the side lines tp determine the corners, 25 yards and half way {joints. The captain of each team should be charged with the responsibility of seeing to it. that flags arc in the proper positions before the commencement of a match. Another loss to hockey circles is shortly lo happen, when Mr T. S Mitchell will ho leaving Dunedin to take up a business in Waimate. “Tom” has been associated vith the game here for many vears and ■■ various official capacities. Ho ha s fulfilled the duties of chairman of executive of 0.H.A., chairman and president of Referees’ Association and selector, and has ■ll through been a strong supporter of the “game lhat grows.” He has also -riven his Saturday afternoons in the inI crests of Ihe players by refereeing the club matches for several seasons. To Mr Mitchell, on behalf of all hockeyite.s, I tender very best wishes that the new venluro may eventually prove a very success(ul and prosperous one. The tickets for the picture benefit are now for sale, and I ask ovei-y vdayer to use. nil means to dispose of all tickets supolied him. Give your girl friends a treat, and induce vour friends to follow vour 'xample. The committee of the 0.1J.A. does not desire any tickets being returned is unsold, so do vour best in your own interests and for the sake of the hockey Mayers of the future.