HOCKEY

Southland Times, Issue 22351, 16 June 1934, Page 14

HOCKEY

LADIES’ NOTES CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE. Division A.

(By “Half-Back.”) Another fast and interesting game should be provided for the sideliners this afternoon when Union A meet ExHigh A at 3 p.m. When these teams met in the first round it was on that fateful wet Saturday and a hard-fought match ended in favour of Union by four goals to nil. Union will again be out to maintain their unbeaten record this season while Ex-High, on the other hand, are no doubt determined to avenge the previous defeat. The tussle should be full of incident throughout. At 1.45 p.m. Technical College A play Collegiate A and this game, too, should prove interesting. Owing to sickness in their ranks, Technical fielded four short last Saturday against Union but it is to be hoped they will be at full strength this afternoon. At the same hour Technical B meet Collegiate, B while Union B cross sticks with ExHigh B at 3 p.m. Entries close on Monday for the Southland Association’s seven-a-side fixture. At the executive meeting, the president (Mr J. Holland) reported that the committee had arrangements in hand and it was hoped the tournament would be strongly supported not only by local but by outside clubs. An inquiry, in fact, has been received from as distant a club as Alexandra. The local clubs have always endeavoured to attend the Eastern Association and the Southern Sub-Association’s annual fixtures and, only naturally, they are anticipating a like return of patronage at the Southland tourney. The tickets for the art union authorized by the Minister of Internal Affairs should be available for distribution at the next executive meeting and each club should pledge itself to dispose of a fair share. Every official, too, one has no doubt, will work hard for the cause. A determined drive should be productive of encouraging financial returns. The question was discussed at the last executive meeting whether Southland should support an outside nomination for the South Island selector (who has to later co-operate with the North Island selector and one appointed by the parent body in the assembling of the All Black team to tour Australia next year), or, on the other hand, send forward to Wellington its own nominee. The general opinion at the meeting strongly favoured the argument advanced by Mrs Royds that the Southland Association should stand on its own feet. Southland, she emphasized, had—not such a long time back either —held the Dominion supremacy for several years in the realm of ladies’ hockey; then the rot had set in, but now that the game and the province seemed to be coming into its own again, it was only right that Southland should itself advance its own claims for the inclusion in the touring team of such Maroons (if any), who might fairly be deemed worthy of such high representative honours. Southland’s best way of ensuring the consideration to which the province would be entitled could be achieved only by appointing a Southland nominee, she urged. The executive considered this argument was a forceful and sound one and Mrs Royd’s amendment along the lines urged by her was carried unanimously. Each of the selectors—Miss Guest, Mrs Royds and Mr Emanuel—was nominated for the position. Mrs Royds declined the honour on the ground that she would be unable to give the necessary time and, on a ballot being taken, it was decided that Mr Emanuel’s nomination should be sent forward to the parent body. The Union junior team seem keenness itself these days and they have just recruited the sendees of L. Sparks as their coach. Under his enthusiastic eye, an all-round improvement on the part of the players can be looked for and the Yellows will be determined to maintain their present position at the head of the B Division. A donation of £8 just received from the Ex-High Club should help to give the touring funds a bump-up. Union have forwarded another donation while Collegiate have given the assurance that they will do their fair share. No word has yet been received as to the Southern District’s activities in the money-raising line but, if their past efforts afford any criterion, then the Southerners can be relied upon to also hand over a fair quota. The venue of the forthcoming New Zealand tournament has not yet been determined. It may be a fortnight or so before the allocation of the fixture is finally decided as the rules provide that the Management Committee must meet for this purpose not later than June 30. Last Week’s Games. The best game in the B division last week was that between Union B and Technical College B. Though taking the field for the first time, Technical put up a good fight against their more experienced opponents and did well to hold them to 2-nil. Ex-High B could muster only six players for their tussle with Collegiate who comfortably won the day by eight goals to nil.

The ranks of Technical A were depleted when they played Union A, the absence of three players through illness and of another for reasons not yet ascertained by the writer robbing the game of interest. Union quickly ran up a 3-nil lead over the numerically weak opposing side and at this stage it was agreed by both skippers that the match be credited to Union. Some of the players were then interposed in the two teams and a practice took place. The Ex-High A rearguard presented such a stubborn defence to the aggressive Collegiate A vanguard in the first spell of that match that not only was there no score on either side at half time but many sideliners thought the issue would have been in doubt right until the final whistle. The Red backs tired, however, in the second spell and Collegiate asserted their supremacy to wrest a clear-cut victory from their opponents by six goals to one. The Collegiate inside forwards—D. Gray, E. Bell and I. Rewcastle—would have made a saint swear the way they lost almost certain goals in the first half by wide shooting. The Green vanguard maintained the territorial advantage and, even though they found the Ex-High backs yielding ground only inch by inch, managed to enter their opponents’ circle on at least four or five occasions when goals should have followed with anything like accurate shooting. An excuse may be advanced so far as I. Rewcastle was concerned, for she was suffering from an injured arm—the result of a bicycle accident that morning—and she rarely used her right arm. However, after half-time by their dash and enterprise both E. Bell and D. Gray atoned for their failure earlier. A word of praise is due C. Espie, the Ex-High goalie, who was responsible for saving three or four seemingly sure goals. She appeared very cool throughout. No fair comparison could, however, be drawn between her work and that of F. Baird, the Collegiate custodian, for the latter goalie was called upon only two or three times to show her

mettle. That, too, indicates the territorial advantage held by Collegiate on the run of the play. . The selectors will no doubt find it a difficult job to determine the Southland goalie this year now that C Crighton is no longer available. The ideal custodian is one who shows herself to be on the qui vlve throughout trying to anticipate the shooter’s intention. C. Crighton, besides being cool, was always very alert between the posts and never slow in deciding whether to run out to meet a quicklyfollowing in forward or to boot the ball away.

As was mentioned in Monday’s report of this game, the highlight of the ExHigh defence was the very reliable performance of B. Turner, who proved herself equally as safe in the full-back line as in the halves. When she is on her game she is most impressive and her one great virtue on such occasions seems to be the way in which she relishes as much defensive work as can come her way. A girl who was somewhat on the unlucky side in not gaining representative honours last year, her claims this season cannot be lightly passed over if she remains consistent in her performances. J. Ronald, her mate, played her best game this season in the first spell and shouldered a fair share of the defensive work. M. Woods, as centre-half, though she was fairly sound in defence, showed up more in endeavouring to send her forwards away. She should try and employ the lunge stroke more, however, as its use last Saturday would have resulted in some good spoiling work when she could not manage to quite reach the Collegiate attackers. L. Fraser’s presence in the forward line would have been welcomed as she seemed strange in her new position. Towards the latter half of the second spell, she broke away well as if about to lead counter-attacks on two or three occasions and then, remembering she was not playing as a forward, endeavoured to send the vanguard on. She would have strengthened the quintet considerably, but then, who could have been placed as left half? As a line, the Collegiate forwards were clearly superior to the Ex-High vanguard from the points of view of polish, clever stick-work, finesse and dashing combination (more particularly in the second spell). I. Dickson (ExHigh right wing) was always potentially dangerous, but the remaining four did not lend her the support which her aggressive work entitled her to expect. T. Strang (left wing) showed herself possessed of a fine turn of speed in flank solo bursts, but she seemed to peter out as soon as she encountered any opposition. With additional big hockey experience, however, she should gain further confidence. K. Breen again proved herself a deadly tackler and her effort in averting an almost certain goal when E. Smith, breaking away on her own into the circle, was just preparing to shoot, was a fine one. B. Turner, too, likewise saved under such conditions as did also M. Woods on one occasion when D. Gray approached the Ex-High goal-mouth.

Neither G. Mitchell nor L. Baird showed up in the Collegiate half line during the first spell, but L, Baird’s long reach made her display seem less disappointing than it actually was, for she frequently managed to just “get there” in time to clear. Both players, however, improved considerably after half-time. H. Myers, though never a showy half, worked solidly away throughout. An Age of Specialization. The efficient coaching cf A. Kidd, who has been working particularly hard with the Collegiate girls this season, seems to be bearing fruit well and already interest is mounting steadily in the return match against Union A which takes place in a fortnight’s time. All round, Collegiate are a much-im-proved team and the Greens have had the advantage of having taken the field each week in their same respective positions. Nothing so interferes with that combination which should always be aimed at than for changes to be made in positions. This is the age of specialization in sport as in everything else. MEN’S NOTES (By “Bully”). On account of High School’s promotion to senior status the draw had to be rearranged for to-day. The two evenly-matched teams, Collegiate A and Central A, have been drawn to play each other and a close and interesting game should result. Civil Service A should not be extended by Central B, but Collegiate B will have to play their hardest to defeat High School, who will be keen to make good in the senior grade. In the B grade competition High School B meet Technical and Collegiate C play High School C. The Sim Will Shine Again. What must be termed an unfortunate concatenation of circumstances resulted in last Saturday’s disheartening exhibition of hockey. The churned-up grounds, the cold weather, the lack of competition and the shortage of players available; all were factors in the general dissatisfaction felt by those who are desirous of seeing the game advance as it should. To-day the draw will have to be rearranged as High School have been promoted to senior status. Although any suggestion of cliquism is to be deprecated, when great difficulty is being experienced in raising B teams of a sufficiently high standard to compete with some measure of success in the senior grade, credit must be given to that club which can field a full team of enthusiastic players every week without combining with another club. Central are hopeful of being able to place a full team on the field every Saturday. There is no reason why this should not be so; a little enthusiasm is all that is required. Collegiate have probably the greatest number of players to choose from and should have little difficulty in fielding a sound team. High School deserved their promotion and the experience gained by them in playing against first-class players will prove invaluable Civil Service B are experiencing great difficulty in collecting enough players, and if a serious effort to augment the number of their playing members is not made very shortly, four of five promising players will be deprived of a game. One must look at this question from the viewpoint of the dissatisfied player. He arrives on the ground early, full of enthusiasm and energy awaiting the coming struggle. When the time arrives for the game to commence, he discovers there are only four or five members of his team who have turned up. The game, played with a scratch team on a wretched ground against strong opposition, rapidly becomes farcical. As this happens Saturday after Saturday, who can blame the player, his enthusiasm fast evaporating, for giving the game best? Let us not dwell too long, however, upon this depressing side of the picture, but imagine that once again the sun is shining and all is right with hockey in Invercargill. Players are attending practices once again, enthusiasm abounds and competition is keen; the grounds have been rolled and the weather is kind. Why should tins not be so? Thus, in optimistic vein, we look forward to the future, which is in the hands of the players themselves, for better or for worse

The lack cf enthusiasm evinced by members of the Central Club caused their defeat at the hands of their B’s. Sympathy cannot be extended to a team who field only four of their regular players—they deserve to lose. Collegiate A, and Civil Service A, are ever

faithful and always field full teams—an example others might well follow. Civil Service B played their best game of the season, their mixed team proving somewhat disconcerting to Civil Service A who did not have matters all their own way. McLean played as well as any half on the ground, although inclined to wander over-much. Wood played soundly at full-back, doing the lion’s share cf the work. Poole, Taylor and Kennedy were all prominent, but were unable to finish off their movements. The A’s were too good as a team, but individually were not brilliant.

Civil Service A arc now leading the A grade competition by six points and should have little difficulty in maintaining a sufficient margin of points to enable them to win the Doublebee Cup. High School A are still unbeaten in the B grade competition, but their B’s put up a stubborn defence and were only beaten by two to nil, both goals being scored in the second spell. Technical College are improving and will probably win the competition if High School retire. The forwards pass well and dribble correctly, but they have, at present, little finish. Challis should endeavour to remember he is an insideleft and so refrain from crowding his • wing and his centre-forward A wellbalanced side, they should be playing good hockey towards the end of the season. Collegiate C are triers, but they do not realize that combination is the secret of success in hockey, as in other sports. A little less haste, more snappy passing, less crowding and more combination will result in plenty of goals. General Notes. Being in Invercargill on business, Mr D. T. Woodfield, a nominee for the office of New Zealand selector, wended .ris way down to Queen’s Park to see if any local players showed outstanding promise. He could not have picked a worse day to visit us; no opinion as regards ability could be formed as the competition met by the best players was poor and the grounds a decided handicap. Perhaps he will visit us again in the near future. A former New Zealand representative player and for years an Otago stalwart, his inclusion as a New Zealand selector would be warmly welcomed by southern players. On account of the heavy rain ex- . perienced in Dunedin, all hockey matches were postponed last Saturday. A local referee, whose name must remain anonymous, discovered that a referee’s lot is not a happy one. Players began to grumble when they realized that they were still capable of breaking the most elementary rules of hockey in a most glaring manner. If the whistle had been blown but seldom, complaints about sticks, obstructions and knock-ons would have been rife—the perversity of human naturd. The rules, evidently, require occasional observance. The invitation extended by the Wellington Hockey Association to the Motueka Association for a senior team to play at Wellington in August has been accepted, (remarks the Evening Post.) This will be the first visit to Wellington of the Motueka representatives, and it is expected that an enjoyable match will result. The visitors will play a local senior B team. Last year was Motueka’s first season in men’s hockey, and the Wellington players who went across brought back pleasant memories of the game and were agreeably surprised at the high standard of hockey displayed by the home team. The following paragraph concerning the inspection of gear makes interesting reading. Acting on advice from the Umpires’ Association, the management committee of the Wellington Hockey Association has circularized clubs to the effect that in future teams must line up before games commence in order to give umpires an opportunity 9 of inspecting sticks, boots, etc. It has been found that many sticks do not comply with the rules, and the executive of the W.H.A. has advised the H.U.A. that in future players must be prohibited from using sticks which are illegal. Players should note that rubber rings must not now be used on sticks, and that the entire stick must be capable of passing through a 2in ring. The umpires advise that sticks will be inspected at an early date. Clubs should also endeavour to have their teams turn out in the proper club colours, and in this connection attention might well be paid to stockings and stocking tops. Where two teams of the same club are playing against each other, the club must take steps to ascertain that one team is turned out in a colour dictinct from the usual colours of the club. The Eltham Association is considering the sending of a representative team on tour at the end of this season. The tour would be as concentrated as possible—that is, as many matches would be played as could be arranged. According to the present arrangements the only test match of the tour is to be played at Dunedin on September 8 (remarks the Otago Daily Times). September 1 was the date originally selected, and it was decided that the match should be played at the Caledonian Ground, but when that da’te was submitted to the authorities in Australia they complained that it was too soon after the beginning of the tour, which is due to commence in August. In order to comply with the Australian Association's wishes the Otago Association has now arranged with the Otago Rugby Union that the match will be played as a curtain raiser to the Otago-Wellington Rugby match at Carisbrook on September 8. It is, therefore, difficult to understand the reference in the cable message to a desire on the part of New Zealand to bring the date forward, as action has already been taken to defer it for a week. As a result of their defeat of Trinity at Christchurch last Saturday, Varsity and Trinity now lead the competition with five points. Karori II are now leading by one point in Wellington from Karori I who are closely followed by Huia, who are now showing excellent form. A northern scribe remarks that there was plenty of excitement in the championship matches at Remuera (Auckland) last Saturday. The spectators had some recompense for the bleak weather conditions with the exhilarating hockey witnessed. Another blow was dealt St. Luke’s by Wesley, who gave the leaders all they wanted in a drawn game of four goals each. Papatoetoe extended Somerville, and it was only the latter’s experience that enabled a victory by five goals to three to be gained. University proved too good for North Shore. While we scrambled in the mud reports from Adelaide state that the hard grounds affected the hockey games played there recently, the play being shrouded in clouds of dust. Prolonged drought conditions have made play difficult. Full-Back Play. If playing on a winning side the back nay have a comparatively easy time, out in most representative games he will have periods of hard work. Moreover, the tendency to-day is for the backs to follow the halves up the field and this requires quickness in turning and speed, as well as the ability to turn quickly in retreating, and the necessary pace so as to avoid being passed, which is the chief aim of a back. In addition, much experience is required in order to become fully acquainted with the various moves and clever tricks of skilful opposing forwards. The general defensive scheme is for your wing halves to mark the opposing wing forwards, your centre half the opposing centre forward, and your two backs the opposing inside forwards. Although opinions necessarily differ as to. how close the backs should mark the inside forward—he must never be in front—always remember that he is your op-

ponent and it is your mission to tackle him and make him pass. If your opponents should be in your own circle, of course, you are then bound to tackle anyone who may have a chance of shooting. The result of those tactics is that your own halves have been able to fall back and cover off their men, and your fellow back should have placed himself behind you in order to get to the ball in the event of that usually dangerous “through” pass having been given. It will thus be readily seen that the closest co-operation is requisite between the backs and halves as well as between one back with the other. The occasion frequently arises when the back is close pressed, and then a “push” pass or a “flick” to his wing half will extricate him out of a difficulty which otherwise, at the best, would need much manoeuvring, incurring loss of time and no little risk. The reverse of this sometimes happens, and a back should be ready to receive a pass from a harassed half. Many of the finer points depend on the strength of the opponents and also on the score. Above all things, a back must be sure. Although he should aim at turning defence into attack quickly by finding time to see the best forward to dispatch the ball to, and then' sending forward his pass in the most skillful way, there are times when he must clear at once, either up the field or into touch. The understanding and combination between the one back and the other is highly important. It is very possible that one back may have more to do, or be presented with more opportunities than his partner. If you are the latter, just carry on keeping the position which you know is correct. You will be of far greater service to your side than if you take risks only to secure the ball. Conversely, if you are playing in good form, do not run in and try to perform your own partner’s work; you may, even if successful, easily upset the whole defence. The two backs should play en echelon, that is to say, one behind and a little to the side of the other. If the backs play too “square” a speedy forward, who runs straight, will have a fine chance of piercing the defence. Correct anticipation plays a great part in tackling, and you must not expect to gain possession of the ball every time. Keep your eye on the ball and your opponent’s stick as he approaches, and if you see he has lost control of the ball a second, seize the opportunity to run in and tackle. But never run in to tackle unless you are sure of getting there first. If in doubt, wait. A back should aim at hitting quickly, hitting accurately, and also hitting hard in the order mentioned. It is advisable to learn to hit with your wrists; this imparts quickness and control. Futhermore he should practise hitting quickly to any direction. A back, in ordinary circumstances, should never deliberately dribble.

JUNIOR NOTES Both Pirates and Blues (third grade) played good, hard open football in their match last Saturday. Although Pirates lost two of their players through injuries, they came out victors by 11 to nil, chiefly owing to the fact that they made better use of their openings than did Blues. The forwards on both sides were very evenly matched.

Spence and J. Calvert played their usual outstanding games for Pirates, as did Fraser, half-back, until hurt. Tinnock (Pirates) showed that a winger must have dash and plenty of speed. He scored two very good tries. A. McEwan, the young Pirate hooker, again revealed football ability when he was put on the wing in the second half. There he showed plenty of dash. He is a very valuable man to his side. Towards the finish of the game it was very noticeable that two or three of the Black forwards were not fit. The little homily above applies to Pirates thirds!

To full-backs: Do not be too cool, as you are often leaving yourself open to the attacking side, also open to injury. This was very noticeable in J. McCrostie’s play when defending for Pirates’ thirds against Blues last Saturday. It was very pleasing to note the solid and consistent tackling of both Pirates and Blues. Sydney Season Opens. Some fun was caused at the opening of the Sydney season at St. Paul’s Oval when members of the Western Suburbs team, watching Gordon v Easts remarked on the sound decisions of an unknown referee. He was swathed in oilskins complete with angling waders. Investigation brought the information that the well-disguised official was Mr Moses, secretary of the Metrop. Umpires’ Association. Hockey season in Sydney was commenced recently with enthusiasm and success (remarks "Ranger” in the Sydney Referee). The opening games revealed periods of brilliance under conditions that did not cater for the best in the game. Rain had so softened the fields that time and again players could not retain their feet at vital moments, and play was slowed up considerably. Nevertheless it was an interesting start in what will be one of the finest seasons the game has had. Prospects right throughout Australia are similarly bright.

The Outside Right Position. Most of the points touched on with regard to outside left apply equally to this position. In both the players are restricted to passing inward, but, whereas the outside left is often awkwardly placed for passing and centring, outside right is obviously much better placed. Moreover the opposing half, unless in front of him is compelled to tackle from the “wrong” or left side. To do so and dispossess him of the ball is no easy matter. It can be fairly said that this position is the easiest in the forward line. Normally outside right should keep close to the touch-line and be on the alert to take passes that may be sent to him. At the same time he must use his judgment, and should he find that he is being marked closely by the half opposed to him, it is advisable for him to edge in slightly in order that he may have more room in which to manoeuvre. It may happen that, when about to be tackled, a pass to his inside right may not be opportune if that player is marked by the back. Therefore, outside right decides that he must try to dribble past the left half. Nov/, if he is hugging the touch-line, this is no easy matter, his actions being distinctly circumscribed. If, however, he is some few yards inside the touch-line, he may be able to elude the half by hitting the ball past his opponent’s left side, he himself running round the other side. If successful in this action he should get a few yards’ start of the half, and here pace will tell, his aim being to get away far enough to put in a centre before being tackled by the half, who will be in hot pursuit. It should be distinctly easier for outside right than for outside left to give the three inside forwards accurate centres and he is also more often better placed to run into the circle and essay a shot himself. This is so because it may be that the left back is in an awkward position for tackling him. Right wing-forwards should adopt a plan of campaign with their half as regards the the roll in from touch. It is very much easier for them to turn the “roll-in” to their advantage than it is for their colleagues on the left. Normally, the half will roll the ball forward, but he should always be on the look-out for any possible opportunity to ring the changes, and inside right and centre-forward can help him if they are sufficiently alert to take up positions to receive the ball from the “roll-in.” Points to remember:—Keep your place; control the ball and pass ahead, not at a colleague,

EASTERN SOUTHLAND (By “Full-Back.”) Wednesday’s matches were of a onesided nature, the three strongest teams in the district playing the three weakest. Notwithstanding this the game between Ex-High and Wyndham played on Hockey Park was bright and open and quite interesting. Ex-High were much the superior team, their short passing and excellent combination being an outstanding feature. They were handicapped by the fact that they did not have a goalie and when Wydnham had passed the full-backs they had a clear goal ahead of them. The Ex-High forward line was too good, however, and Wyndham had little hope of emerging victorious. Mataura defeated High School quite comfortably, never at any stage of play being hard pressed. Hokonui travelled to Pukerau and scored an easy win over the home team after a very ragged display of hockey. The ground was in a very heavy condition making play difficult for the players. Judging from the general standard, a good Eastern team can again be selected for the Dominion tourney. For the forward line M. White, Mrs Campbell, C. Allen, I. Graham, M. Sherriff, K. Bond, J., Mcßain, M. Small, Mrs Maley, M. Maley, A. Stirling and H. Reid should be in the running. The most difficult position to fill will be that of right wing, which was filled so ably by M. Nicol for many years. The halves will be weakened by the defection of M. Gerken, who is now in Invercargill. F. Allen and M. Sansen should be certainties, while H. Maley and M. Shuttleworth should be well in the running. The full-backs will be the biggest puzzle. A. McDonald measures up to former standards, although it is doubtful if a better pair will ever be secured than C. Dempster and J. Wayte, who at top form a season or two ago were among the best in the Dominion. R. Mcßain is a useful utility back and could fill a position at either half or full back. Marion Maley, A. Stewart, Mrs Sim (Lumsden) and A. Taylor should be well in the running, while A. Bond (Waikaia) is full of promise. M. Wright (Riversdale) who has represented Eastern as goalie in past seasons should be included once again. She is a reliable goalie without being brilliant and an excellent stopper and if she possessed a stronger clearing stroke she would be up to the best standard. Altogether a useful side should be assembled, and it should again have an excellent prospect of annexing the K Cup. The position of the teams is as follows:—

P. w. L. D. Pis. Collegiate A 7 6 0 1 13 Union A. 7 6 0 1 13 Ex-High A 7 4 3 0 8 Technical College A 6 2 4 0 4 Division B. Union B 7 3 4 0 6 Ex-High B 6 1 5. 0 2 Collegiate B 7 1 6 0 2 Technical College B 1 0 1 0 0

P. W. L. D. Ttl. Mataura 6 6 0 0 12 Hokcnui 6 4 1 1 9 Ex-High 7 4 2 1 9 Wyndham 7 2 5 0 4 High School 5 1 3 1 3 Pukerau 7 0 6 1 1