HOCKEY NOTES.

Timaru Herald, Volume XCVIII, Issue 18084, 26 June 1924, Page 8

HOCKEY NOTES.

(By “Circle.”) The tournament is over, and as a result there are many wiser teams in the district to-day.' In many of the ladies' games there seemed to be a lack of understanding between the players. Bunching was very much ‘in evidence, and too many gaps were left in the defence. The. great point in a tournament is speed. Six speedy players, who should have a fair idea of both solo and combined work, will always win. The teams that impressed me most in the ladies’ senior, were Orari A., Marist A., Stafford A., and Star. Any one of these teams was capable of winning, and it was only the extra speedy wings that enabled Orari to emerge as winners. It seemed that quite a number of the players were not conversant with the tournament rules, and this laxity on the part of Stafford, cost them 'he game against Orari. However, > e learn only by making mistakes, so better luck next time Stafford. Tho final game in the ladies’ senior section was a very tame affair, being devoid of interest and good hockey. Last year’s final, between the same teams, Orari A. and 8., was a totally different exhibition. In the ladies’ ‘junior section, Winchester proved themselves to be a good side, but were not quite strong enough for Celtic A. Well done Celtic. I am much impressed by this team’s efforts to play open and attractive hockey. This type of game is lie only style worth adopting, and thanks to the efforts of the energetic club captain (Miss E. Rodgers), the Celtic teams aro fast producing a combination. i

In tho men’s senior section, Geraldine, C.F.C.A., and Cambridge each entered two teams. Geraldine B accounted for G.F.C.A. B. in the first game, and C.E.C.A. A. had to lower their colours to the redoubtable led and blacks. Cambridge A. had an easy victory over their B. team, whose chief fiuilu \vas ‘'one handed hockev *' ilino and again tho B. forwards lost excellent chances through not nsiim two hands. C.E.C.A. A; were a < isappontting side. Rawstorn and Robinson were exceptions, and practicallv did the bulk of the work. Stonyer had very hard Inch in falling with a certain goal in reach,. Dockrill was off colour, and played too much with one baud. flic final in this section proved a last even game, and, 1 think the fittei team won. At one stage of the game Geraldine were two goafs up, but fast combined play by the Cambridge for, wards produced two goals. Geraldine - ? third goal caipc as the result of hardhitting and following up. In the Geraldine team, Prouting, Voss, and Maitland \yoro the pick. Maitland seems to have tons of stamina, which counted for a good deal in the final. Sharpe, the new centre, promises to develop into a good player, but at present is weak in tho field. D. Turner played a good solid game, but lack of speed cost his side ‘a brace of goals. Nevertheless, he can still show some of us points in the game. Hearty’ congratulations to the Geraldine A."team. In the junior grade, Geraldine entered four teams, and Star Football Club two. The final game, Star A. v. Geraldine proved to be one of the host and most exciting games of the day: The Star team’s lack of knowledge of the rules was balanced up by the energy they put into the game. Geraldine wero very unlucky, but lacked speed. Head, Cullen, and Leopold, were the pick of the Star side, and worked like Trojans. Well done Star. We hope to see .you again next year. It was very pleasing to see so many of our old hockey supporters and players i.i evidence at the Park on Saturday last. Messrs F. Palliser senr., and G. P. Wood were responsible for the handling of the ladies’ games, whilst Mr A. G. Hamilton, assisted by Mr IL Cole, efficiently manipulated the men’s games. P. Clarke and J. Anderson put mi a great day with Gie whistle: Tt is a pity that these two gentlemen arc not available more often.

Dressing accommodation was taxed to the utmost on Saturday, and the men had to use a marquee for this purpose. I understand that one referee had reason to complain of one player’s ;e----marks from the side line during tlio men's junior final. This is a pity, as refereeing is a thankless job, without having to put up with insults from a section of the crowd. It is to be hoped that the Management Committee will take steps to prevent a recurrence ol this behaviour. Saturday next will see the representative trials played, in anticipation of’ ladies’ and men's games with Otago, at Dunedin on July 12th. Both selectors are having a trying time. Tlroo will. I think, he a few surprises, and in both teams reputations will not obtain a player a place. In the ladies’ teams I should imagine that the country will have a fair share of players included. Rumour has it that tho Management , Committee contemplate purchasing caps for the men’s representative team This is a good idea, and should urge some of our younger players to greater efforts.