HOCKEY

Timaru Herald, Volume CXXXVII, Issue 19308, 8 October 1932, Page 15

HOCKEY

NOTES BY “SHINTY.’ 1 Players and supporters will be sorry to hear of the illness of E. Hawkey, of South End Club, and will join the writer in wishing him a speedy recovery. M. Besley, the Albury goalkeeper, shows great promise, and should go far though “Shinty” would advise her to procure cricket pads for next season. They arc more useful and reduce the risk of injury. The officials and players of the Albury Club are to be congratulated and thanked for the hospitality extended to the visitors. The writer can say with confidence that the visit was the most enjoyable ever experienced.

The last game of the 1932 season was played on Saturday at Albury and proved a most exciting one, Timaru scoring a very narrow victory. It seems certain that these Albury ladies will be well represented in the provincial team next year. O. Mcllrick again demonstrated her defensive abilities, while the play of S. Simpson, N. O'Brien and E. Brown left little to | be desired. “Shooting” seems to be the team’s main weakness. The defensive work of V. Guthrie, K. Button, and J. Doyle for Timaru, was mainly responsible 1 for the prevention of more than one score by the vigorous Albury : forwards. J. Orr, also played well, although in an unaccustomed position, ; the forward line. The absence of infringements was : noticeable in the Albury side on Satur- : day, which reflects great credit on the ; coach. The side also shows an evii dence of team spirit and comradship 1 which is to be admired. The writer i understands that most of the members of the team travel many miles, (some

on horseback) to attend practices and games, yet never fail to attend. One wonders how many of the local players would do likewise?

“Shinty” would like to endorse the remarks of McGow and Miss Doyle, that the games with teams from Mackenzie have been most beneficial. It is friendly rivalry such as this, thatr stimulates interest and makes for better play.

These being the final notes appearing in this column this year perhaps a short review of some of the outstanding players, and play generally ! throughout the year, will not be amiss. Generally speaking, the standard of Club hockey has not been high. The oft-quoted phrase that games should not be taken seriously is quite sound, 1 up to a point, but there is a limit. Often keenness is mistaken for seriousness,and, as such, discouraged. The writer is sure, that if a little more seriousness was shown, play w’ould improve, as a study of the game must make for greater efficiency, which should be the aim of all players. “Shinty” is aware that lack of good coaching is responsible for a lot of loose play, but not for all of it. The fault lies mainly with the players. A practise that is most admirable, from the writer’s point of view, is for Club members to inaugerate discussions among themselves, perhaps one i night a week, on rules, tactics and general play, in fact a sort of “blackboard” lecture. There are quite a number of text books, written by explayers, which can be procured very cheaply and these would help players immeasurably. It would certainly be far mode effective in improving play, than the so-called “practises” that are at present indulged in, which consist mainly of hitting the ball aimlessly about the field with no definite object. This may be admirable as a physical j exercise, but it certainly will not imj prove play. It must be remembered that “brain” work is often of more I value than brawn work. In addition, players will find that working out various tactics both in theory and practises, makes a most interesting study. It will also do much to prevent the habit, very prevalent at present, of forgetting all about the game from Saturday to Saturday. “Shinty” would also like to again remind players that a recruiting campaign for next year could well be carried out with good results during the “off” season. ’ Perhaps the most consistently prominent player during the year has been M. Tobin, of Wesley, whose indomitable courage at all times, no matter how ' heavily the odds were against her, has won the admiration of both players r and spectators.

J. Doyle, a team mate of the lastnamed player, has also distinguished herself during the year. Her promotion to the captaincy of the representative team was well deserved, and proved a sound move. The experience gained by these two players on their trips should prove invaluable to their Club next year.

J. Orr, V. Guthrie, and K. Button, are real “bulwarks of defence.” The first-named should endeavour to cure

herself of the “sticks” habit, however, as this has more than once placed her team in an awkward position. The last named is now right back to her old form, and it is to be hoped she is again available for next year. I. Mackie has been responsible for many goals for Rata during the season. She is fast, has good control, and is a fine shot. V. Newman was missed by Rata on her enforced retirement through illness, and her reappearance will be welcomed. L. McCort did not develop as expected at the beginning of the season. This player is very unlucky on the field as regards injuries. Of the Junior players, D. Henshaw, L. White and H. Tobin are the most promising. The first named has developed into an aggressive attacker, and, with more experience should go far. L. White, if she will stay in her position, should make a good custodian. H. Tobin, however, has shown the most improvement during the year. Although perhaps not as aggressive as some, her knowledge of the game and her tactics in play, have earned her the distinction of being the most improved player of the year. “Shinty” has been advised that the stick presented by N. Gibson has been awarded to this player, and is assured that all supporters of hockey will join in congratulating “Hannah” on her success. “Shinty” would also like to offer heartiest congratulations to Stafford A on winning the competition with such ease. Great credit is due to each member of the team for the evident study and practice of the game. They have the advantage of possessing such a fiine centre as H. Weir, and three good co-operators in G. Sherbourne, and E. and M. Lindsay. May their success continue. Owing to space restrictions a comprehensive review is not possible, so, in conclusion, “Shinty” hopes to see all old players and many new ones on the field next season, and also trusts that this column ras been of interest and help to players generally. Finally he would like to extend thanks for letters of appreciation received.

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