MEN’S HOCKEY

Southland Times, Issue 23287, 25 August 1937, Page 14

MEN’S HOCKEY

OTAGO SUPERIOR TO SOUTHLAND (By CENTRE-FORWARD) Three representative men’s hockey matches were played at the hostel grounds at Gore on Saturday and Invercargill’s only win was in the primary schools match between Invercargill and Eastern-Northern. Otago was superior in both the senior and 3 u ™ or ir^s- - games, although the Soutnland teams were not disgraced. Ine fact remains that hockey m Invercargill has not reached the standard estabhs - ed in northern centres and it is that standard—or even higher—that players m While 6 there was not the difference between the senior teams suggested by the scores the Otago team was the better side. Most of the Southland players justified their selection but the team, even on paper, did not appear sufficiently strong to extend the visiting side. J. Chisnail gave a good exhibition between the posts and although he allowed a few shots to beat him he can be relied on to work hard. Lyt goe is a good type of back and has a fairly full complement of strokes. Hanning, the Eastern full-back was somewhat disappointing on Saturday. The halves were a fairly strong line, but Mayston, the right-half, was out of place there. However, he made the best of it and was instrumental m keeping out the Otago attack for a considerable period. Hurley was the weak link in the forward line. He should use more care in executing his strokes. The wing has been described as the most difficult place in the forward line. Pace is essential. Again a wing may make a brilliant run only to fail dismally with his centring shot. On either wing, the player is restricted to passing inward, but whereas the outside left is often awkwardly placed for passing and centring, the outside right is obviously much better placed. The Southland forwards were doubtless up against a strong half-line and their penetration was often checked at this point. D. Densem showed _ great ability in the Otago goal and is apparently a goal-keeper of considerable experience. Of the two full-backs, Boocock was the more impressive. E. Rennick possesses a good turn of speed and is capable of making judicious centres. Lawry, at centre-forward, played a very good game and showed initiative m passing at the right moments. . The Southland forwards played individually. Unless combination is attained the prospects of getting a good team are not bright. Players should remember that while a fine piece of individual forward play often secures a goal the success of a forward line depends entirely on its qualities of combination. TOO MANY INFRINGEMENTS The Southland juniors were not definitely out-classed, but they lacked the combination of the Otago side. The play was fast and but for the number of infringements and hold-ups the game would have been interesting. Obstruction, kicks and too frequent giving of “sticks” stopped the match repeatedly. _ , L. Anderson and H. Poole were the best of the forwards. They are dependable at most times, and they also form a very safe and effective combmation. Cooke was alert in goal, though he did not show the ability to clear with his feet that he revealed in the match at High School recently. Probably he could improve if he was equipped with better pads. Carr showed to advantage in Otago’s goal, although he was not pressed and the full-backs made a solid defence. , The interception of the Otago halves and the shooting of the forwards were excellent and Henderson, on the right wing, was impressive. He has pace and employs a wide range of strokes, each of which he appears to use with facility. PRIMARY SCHOOLS MATCH In the primary schools match Invercargill had a win over Eastern-Nor-thern. It was a bright exhibition of hockey. In the Eastern team Roy gave a good display on the left wing and Simmonds (centre-forward) scored Eastern’s only goal. A common fault among primary school players is the habit of bunching in the forward line. When forwards converge or in any way get close together the players marking them will also converge and get close together with the obvious result that a crowd is created and speed, and perhaps accuracy too, becomes impossible. At the conclusion of the second round of the club competitions, the position of the teams is as follows: —

JUNIOR Goals Ch.

* After playing one game in the junior competition, High School A was given a trial in the senior grade.

SENIOR P. W. L. D. Goals F. A. Ch. Pts Central 8 6—2 44 11 14 Collegiate 8 6 11 32 8 13 Civil Service 8 4 3 1 16 24 9 High School 8 16 1 17 34 3 Central Blues 8 — 71 9 41 1

.P. W. L. D. F. A. Pts Technical College A 10 9 1 — 94 10 18 Collegiate 9 5 4 — 31 27 10 High School B 10 5 5 — 22 50 10 Murihiku 7 3 4 — 18 30 6 *High School A 1 1 11 1 2 Technical College B 9 — 9 — 6 64 —