HOCKEY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19250, 14 August 1924, Page 4

HOCKEY.

By Wagges The junior representative team which played in Christchurch last Saturday was beaten by the wide margin of 7 goals to 2. It was hardly expected that our boys would master tho Canterbury team but, a narrower margin would have been more pleasing. However, Otago did their best, and were fairly and squarely beaten, and wo congratulate tho victors on retaining the cup. The selector has been advised that, the following players are not available to travel to Christchurch if selected —viz.: V. Fleet (Gymnastic), Barrett and Kdspn (University), and f/os Ireland (City), f and in the meantime Harris (Technical Old Boys) is uncertain. In consequence of such, further players have been given an opportunity of proving their worth, and others will bo played in the trial match next Saturday. An important: event next Saturday will be tho game between the local University team and a strong combination from Victoria College. It is hoped that arrangements can bo made, to have this match played at the “Cale.,” with tho senior trial match as a curtain-raiser. If this is possible, the public will have an opportunity of witnessing two games almost equal to representative standard. Juniors particularly should see that they do not miss these exhibitions.

Should the “Cale.” not ho available for tho above games, the Oval will bo used—the trial being probably timed to start at 1.30 p.m. sharp. Last Saturday's trial played between Technical Old Boys and an eleven chosen from tho other clubs gave opportunities of comparing prospects for rep. honours with those generally recognised as certainties. The game produced more material from which °a very strong representative team may be chosen. The most disappointing play was in the full-back divison. None of (hose playing demonstrated their fitness at present for a position in the Otago eleven. It was quite apparent that Lo.s Ireland was not in good training. Munro is safe, but should put more energy into his play and “carry on” the defence while the hall is near his circle rather than o.ase up when beaten by an opponent. The half lino was rearranged, Gurr playing as centre half, in close touch with his club-mate, Butler. I.oonard went out to loft half, and at once proved his versatility. In that position he found the duties less onerous than in the centre, and, being a hard worker and so conscientious, probably felt that he was shirking when tho plav was on the other wing. The other halves, Butler and Gurr, preserved their accustomed combination, keeping their forward line well served. .Tory, right half for Technical Old Boys, played his host game for the season. He was the outstanding opposition to the possibles. His sure and steady defence was a great factor in keeping down the score. In the forward line Dunning played on tho right wing. This wa 9 a try-out for him. A few minutes’ play sufficed to make him at home. I think tho selector has made “a catch” with Dunning for right wing. Tho other forwards playing are all tried men, and, if anything, played better than ever together. Mayston, I notice, is now more observant of the offside dangers, and consequently enhanced his value as a left winger.

The Technical Old Boys played C. Sow Hoy inside right, with Titchencr (a junior) on tho wing. Charlie was good in the position, willing and ready to combine, but the support was lacking. Both goalkeepers had a busy day, each defending for one spell against the stronger combination.

It is somewhat unfortunate that the University players will not bo available for a trial match next Saturday, ns they will ho engaged in an equally strenuous game against Victoria College. Their presence in the trial would be a material factor in perfecting the. combination of the representative team, but Otago supporters can rest easy knowing that they are in active training, are all versatile players, and can readily adapt themselves to tho style iff others. Any of tho LTniversity men selected will not bo wanting in efficiency when put to the big test in Christchurch. For the rep. team the forward and half lines as played last Saturday can hardly bo improved .upon, being equal, if not superior, to any previous combination in Dunedin. The full-backs will require to he chosen from Gardnier, lies Ireland, Munro, and Lockhart. Eric Patterson should bo the man selected to wear tho big pads as goalkeeper. It is good to learn that the local executive is interesting itself again in tho matter of procuring rep. caps for selected players, and inquiries are being made ns to the number required for past and present seasons. Every effort should be made to supply the next Otago team with this coveted distinction before travelling to Clirislchurch’ on the 22nd. Notes from the selector; All players chosen for next Saturday's trial must he on the ground sharp to time, otherwise their places may bo filled, Tho team finally chosen must, then be prepared to meet on the ,vnl at 5 p.m. next Tuesdav for a run and some practice, when a further practice on the following evening may also be arranged. Tlie team will leave by the 8 a.m. express for Christchurch on Friday, 22nd inst. , Ladies’ Hockey.—The following team has been selected to represent South Otago in their match against Southland, to be played on the 16th inst: —Goal, Miss N. Ayson; backs Misses Stewart and Burgess; halfbacks—Misses Johnston (captain), Fnrquhar, and Sargeant; forwards—Misses I.'itta, Beattic, Christie. Burn, and Casey. Reserves are Misses E. Ayson and Magon (forwards). Misses Brownlee' and Munro (hacks). This is considered as a fairly strong combination, and should give a good account of itself in the big -fixture. Tlie South Otago ladies are honing to conduct a soven-a-side tournament in their district before the end of the season, and extend a cordial invitation to the Dunedin Club to send teams down. Further information on this subject can he procuied later on. If anv reader possesses a spare copy of rules of ladies’ hockey and would like to do a. good turn will he or she kindlv address it to the writer, care Times Office, as I have inquiries from outlying districts for copies. Thank you.