HOCKEY

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22022, 3 August 1933, Page 4

HOCKEY

By CENTEK-HALr. POSITIONS OF TEAMS The positions of the teams engaged in the First Grade competition are now as follows:

CUP PROSPECTS The results of Saturday’s matches disclose no substantial alteration in the positions of the First Grade teams, and it is now practically certain that Albany will bo the winners of the cup. University A are still four points behind the leaders, who, with High School Old Boys B, have only one more match to play before the end of the second round. There is a big gap between the second and third teams, although from then on the positions are fairly close. With nine points, High School Old Boys A are leading Balcluthn and High School Old Boys B by one point, while Technical, due to their win on Saturday, now have s.ven points. University B remain stationary with four. Saturday saw the biggest scoring that has been seen in the competition so far this season with two teams gaining victories of 7 goals to nil and 8 goals to nil respectively, and it is also worthy of note that to date there has been only one draw, that between High School Old Boys A and Technical Old Boys some weeks ago. FIRST GRADE COMPETITION The game at Oval No. 1 last Saturday between University A and High School Old Boys A was a very even one, and the former’s one-gqal victory may be attributed to their superior forward work, which enabled them to finish off their movements where Old Boys failed. It was a very interesting game, and it was not until fairly late in the second spoil that University managed to draw ahead. Bickerstaffe, the students’ goal-keeper, played a fine game, and was responsible for some particularly good saves. The full-backs, however, were not so impressive as usual, and there- was a weakness in the halves. The forwards played a fine combined game, Walton again being prominent with some well-directed centres, of which full advantage was taken by the inside men. Duckworth, in goal for Old Boys, w'as weak. 1 In the full-backs Brebner was right at the top of his form, and gave what was probably his best display this season. Penny, however, was lacking in certain- respects, and was wasting too much time in getting back to defend. The Gurr brothers, the right and left halves, again played well, and in the forwards Gallon,- the inisdc-left, was outstanding. Hardcastie (centre) and Martin (inside-right) were also in good form, while Grey, the right-wing, did his part satisfactorily when opportunity came his way.

The match between Albany and High School Old Boys B was played at Oval No. 3, and the play was of a very poor standard. The Old Boys’ team was short and suffered through having to play men out of their usual positions, and therefore the team had little or no combination. Tyreli and. Steel, Old Boys’ full-backs, played well in the first spell, only one goal being scored, but they faded away in the second half, when Albany added six goals. The goal-keeper was very weak. Bennett, in the halves, was solid, but should direct his clearing shots better. W. Hanning, the centre-forward, is fast and plays well, but should remember that he has four otlier forwards. The Albany forward- line played well, but their goal shooting was very poor, Rennick being the worst offender. The halves didnot play up to standard, bad placing being their chief fault. Whitburn and Kilpatrick (full-backs) played well, and Twose in goal had little to do. From Saturday’s display it is evident that the Albany team has gone off.

SECOND GRADE COMPETITION The following table shows the positions of the teams in the Second Grade competition at the end of the second round: — Goals. Cup

LADIES’ TRIAL GAMES South Otago players visited Dunedin on Saturday, and it must be said of the country players that they showed really good form, both in the forward and back divisions. The former had a good understanding of each other’s play, and the backs were very good on defence. Of the local players, the backs showed the better form. The forwards had no idea of combination, and were far too individual in their efforts. In the local trial, prior to the game with South Otago, much promising work was shown, and it augurs well for Dunedin hockey in the next year or two. All the young players chosen did remarkably well, and their time will surely come. The eleven which met South Otago in the first spell was probably the best that could be found in Dunedin, and they held the country to a no-score draw, a good performance. In the second spell both teams were considerably altered to allow others to get a game, and the form showed was just as good as in the first spell. The newcomers all gave a good account of themselves, and on Saturday s form it should be a first-class eleven which makes the journey to Dannevirke. There are one or two alterations in the team which made a bold bid for cup honours last year at Logan Park. It is quite evident that a number of the young players have been rather unfortunate to miss inclusion, but their time will come, and another year’s play will find them better able to take their place as Otago representatives. It should be realised right now that the tourney is to be no picnic; it is a hard week’s work for all concerned, and no time should be lost in getting the team into training. The best team in the world is no good if the members do not understand each other’s play. Now is the time to start. In Mr Farrell the team has an ideal coach, and it is a wise move on the part of the powers that be to place him in this responsible position. Next week I shall endeavour to give a few notes on the Otago representative eleven. An ordinary round of matches will be played on Saturday next, and on August 12 further trials will bo held. The following Saturday the seven-a-side tournament, which was postponed from June 3, will be played. ’

NEW ZEALAND TOURNAMENT It is reported that teams will be sent» to the ladies' tournament at Dannevirke by the following:—Otago, Ruahinp (2), Bush Country (2), Feilding (2), Eastern Southland, Wellington, Akitio, and Taranaki. There is also a possibility of teavns being sent by Central Otago, Southland, and Wairarapa.

Goals Cup P. w. L. D. F. A. Pts. Albany 11 ,10 1 — 40 6 20 University A 10 8 2 — 34 10 16 H.S.O.B. A 10 4 5 1 21 16 9 Balclutlia .. 10 4 6 — 11 31 8 H.S.O.B. B 11 4 7 — 16 40 8 T.C.O.B .. 10 3 6 1 16 13 7 University B 10 2 8 — 12 32 4

P. W. L. D. F. A. Pts. University C .. 10 9 — 1 46 12 19 Caversham Presbyterians 10 7 3 — 36 17 14 H.S.O.B. Colts 10 6 4 — 41 19 12 Albany .. .. 10 5 4 1 47 20 11 T.C.O.B. B .. 10 1 8 1 14 38 3 University D .. 10 — 9 1 7 85 1