HOCKEY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19551, 6 August 1925, Page 5

HOCKEY.

By Centee-Half.

Otago supporters may well feel proud of two of their leading players, viz., Les Ireland and Harry G.urr (both of the City Club), who have been selected to play for New Zealand in the big test match against Australia on Saturday next in Wellington. In extending to them my heartiest congratulations on attaining such high honours, I feel sure I am voicing the opinion of the hockey world in Dunedin when I suggest that the New Zealand selectors will have no cause to regret their choice of these two young players. It is certainly a unique distinction for them, as it is the first occasion in the history of hockey that Otago players have secured a place in the New Zealand team, and it is considerably to the credit, nl the players here that we have produced two of such quality and calibre as Ireland r.nd Gurr. In my own mind I am confident that they will worthily uphold the reputation now placed on them, and will bring credit to New Zealand and Otago hockey. Ireland has previously bad big hockey experience, having played in representative games for some years past, and was also a South Island representative in 1922. Though only a boy in years, ho is without doubt a master of full-back tactics. The apparent ease with which ho breaks up the opposition and clears is quite an impressive feature of his games. To bo entrusted with the most important position on the field is surely a compliment to Harry Gurr. He is_ an ideal centre-half, possessing all the genius of a veteran, although. like Ireland, he is os vet quite a lad in years. His brilliance with the stick, and his safe and sound defence, should prove of incalculable service to the New Zealand team.

May I suggest hero that the local enthusiasts should see to it that some official recognition is made of this unprecedented incident in Otago hockey history, and fittingly record the honour done to the province by our New Zealand selectors. The most important event in men’s hockey circles hero last week was the departure of the representative team for Wellington on Saturday last. The executive and members of the team had spent much energy and enthusiasm in arranging the necessary finance and other details, but as all worst'd cheerfully and harmoniously, the result of their efforts has been most satisfactory. It must bo extremely gratifying to the officials and the selector, that every player first selected for the team was able to travel, and that two of the three reserves chosen also accompanied the team. The only alteration in the original selection was necessitated by Berney not being available. The local committee (wisely, I believe) decided to fill the vacancy, and the selector’s choice fell on K. P. Tompkins (University). It is to the credit of the latter that, with only very short notice, he succeeded in making the necessary arrangements, and left with the team. K. P. Tompkins (right half, University dub team) played in the forward line last season, transferring to right half this year. He started off quietly, but has very rapidly developed and improved his play in all departments. He is a steady, consistent half, always difficult to outplay. He wins Kis representative cap for the first time. The team, as previously published, loft by last Saturday morning’s express, and were given a cheerful send-off by the nonplaying officials of the association and a small party of their respective club-mates. Mr J. Hogg (president of the 0-H.A.) expressed the best wishes of the Dunedin hockey friends for their success in a brief speech before the train steamed out, for which Mr D Woodfield (manager) thanked him. By the time these notes are published, the tournament will have reached a semi-final stage. The final will be played the day these notes appear. I can only express the hope that the Otago team will prove themselves more than the equal of any of their northern opponents. The prospect of a representative team from Canterbury visiting us this year seems not very hopeful,, as our neighbours are having a particularly busy season entertaining tho Australians, as well as competing in tho tournament at Wellington. But they hope to send a team down early next year while the Exhibition is still in session Canterbury’s primary schools team (Hatch Cup holders) are arranging to bring the cup down here and defend their title to it against our lads on Saturday, August 22. Now can wo induce some of our leading senior players to devote a little time to tho coaching and training of our schoolboys, so that they may be in a better position to grasp tho opportunity of winning and retaining, for a season at least, the coveted Hatch Cup. . Judging from reports received, the assistance proffered to the representative team in meeting its financial difficulties has been quite substantia], and the thanks of the players are due to tho public generally, and especially the ladies’ association. When the time comes to reciprocate, I trust and feel certain th© men will not bo found wanting in their support of our sister players. ... Tho generosity of Mr Smith m organising and conducting two euchre parties for the benefit of the association funds is very much appreciated by the officials. Just before sending these notes to the press very pleasing news came through from Wellington, to the effect that Otago had won their first game in the tournament by defeating Canterbury (the present holders of the shield) by 2 goals to 1, Mayston and Woodfield scoring. By this success the Otago boys have established another precedent by breaking the long chain of reverses at the hands of Canterbury. it is quit© possible that this is the first occasion on record of Otago beating Canterbury’s best on equal terms, and I trust is the forerunner of better days for Otago in interprovincial hockey. Isow that Otago has started so well I trust they will goon and bring the shield to Dunedin and thus add to their laurels.