HOCKEY TEST MATCH

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 739, 12 August 1929, Page 7

HOCKEY TEST MATCH

SOME IMPRESSIONS OF THE PLAYERS N.Z.’S SUPERIOR FORWARDS The outstanding feature of the hockey test match on Saturday, in which New Zealand demonstrated superiority over Australia by two goals to nil, was the surprisingly good effort the tourists made under conditions which could hardly have been more adverse from their point of view. The playing area at Eden Park was in a deplorable condition from the heavy rains, and what might well have been a memorable international try-out was spoiled to a large extent both from the viewpoint of the public and of the players themselves.

Even allowing for the slushy state of the turf, and the consequent up- j setting of calculations based on hard fields, it was evident that this Aus- 1 trail an side was streets ahead of the team which toured this country in 1925. Compared with the Dominion eleven, Cormie’s men we.re not far behind. The forwards were lacking the concerted effort shown by Eddie McLeod’s vanguard, and most attacking movements were in the hands of the wingers and Nettleton as individuals. Tho Aussie halves and fullbacks, however, had little to learn from the New Zealanders about those departments. As McLeod said at the dinner after the match, when congratulating Australia on the very creditable attempt to capture the Manning Memorial Cup, the margin of two goals was more than his team deserved, but he felt that the better side had annexed the honours. Extending congratulations to McLeod and his men, H. Cormie, skipper of the visitors, said he was very disappointed that his eleven had not been able to get away with the cup, but his team recognised that the New Zealanders had played better hockey. SYMPATHETIC GALLERY The Auckland Hockey Association was naturally very disappointed that the playing conditions should have been so wretched when it was hoped to show the public of r „— ,

fcUUW uio Auckland something of the science of hockey at its best. Nevertheless, the game was npt .by any means devoid of exciting incidents and spectacular flashes, but what might it have been on a suitable

been on a suicaDie - ground? The people could have been shown sparkling passing rushes and elusive stickwork, to say nothing of speed such as is never seen in football. Tho football supporters, however, seemed to sum up the unfortunate position sympathetically, and were not unappreciative of the high lights of the match.

Australia had a pair of splendid defenders in Todkill and Ferguson, whose timely hitting and judgment in placing earned the applause not only of the gallery, but also of the New Zealand forwards themselves. These two seemed to sum up what was to be done in tho mud. and infused their stickwork with plenty of power, and this overcame the slowing effect of the sludge. The halves were a good deal put out at first when they found light passing to the forwards did not work, and when they hit out boldly, better results were apparent. Wanless, centre, was the man in the spotlight, and gave New Zealand’s van a lot of trouble. C. Co.rmie and Elliott were less in the picture, but made their presence felt more in the defensive aspect than in assisting the forwards. Stephens and C. Cormie, right and left wings respectively, effected many solo runs but relied too much on their own efforts. Comparatively few attacking movements were initiated by the inner three, Nettleton, inside left, Grant, centre, and Pulley, but in the circle these were not to be reckoned with lightly. Nettleton was a ways where the goals were to be got, but found the Spiers brothers difficult. Combination among the five was not strong, and centring not up to standard. O’Connor between the posts pulled off some good saves, and it was noticeable that the two which beat him were not hot shot?; but of the tricky order. It seemed that he ran out more often than was safe. McLEOD BRILLIANT The Spiers brothers in the New Zealand fullback sector were sound at all

times, and their hitting was forceful and crisp. The veteran Fletcher, wearing the pads, had one or two narrow escapes, particularly in the first ten minutes of the opening half. He still knows how to kick and should see good days et in big hockey. Eddie McLeod was

always worth watching as centre-half and skipper. He did a whale of a lot of work and fed his forwards, particularly Reid, with great industry. He is still the best half in the Dominion. Cole, of Auckland and Somerville attracetd attention by the clever use of his push stroke, and he made few mistakes. Mahoney was less prominent and did not appear comfortable in the mud. Eric Watts was a man apart in the forwards, and his goal was a characteristic of the most elusive forward seen in this country, with the exception of Dhian Chanti. Philpotts, left-wing, was the most spectacular forward on the field, but had the marked fault of not centring soon enough or, not at all when the very nature of the ground lemanded such tactics. He netted in the first spell, but was ruled out of order for “sticks.” Dave Iteid. on the extreme right, was well worth his place and was generous with his centres. The Aussies had him well marked, howcver. Robb worked hard but was erratic in tho circle, though useful up and down field. Clive Watts’s presence was most valued in the corners ft nd twice lie was unlucky in not getting his stiff shots past O'Connor. Darly in the second spell he stopped a r *sing ball over the eye and he had to have two stitches. P. Anthony, who came on, showed appreciation of the honour by goaling prettily soon afterward. These observations can of course only b* impressions gained during 70 minutes’ struggle under about the worst conditions that could have b**en endured by hockey players. Men who could not get the hang of the mud might have shown to advantage on a dry day, and only a general average of hierit can be attempted. The main thing was that the game served well and truly to strengthen fhe bonds of good-fellowship existing between the kingdoms of hockey on mis and the other side of the Tasman. More Australian teams of the calibre °f this In sproting spirit and in quality at play will receive a warm welcome in suture years.