HOCKEY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 19986, 29 June 1920, Page 3

HOCKEY.

NOTES BY CENTRE-HALF,

Position of the teams: Matches. Goals. f , , . SV. D. L. F. A. Pts Cranford . . j, j 18 x bydeuham • • J 1 21 u o'i fcelv.yn . . .12 1 73 Christchurch . . 3 3 1 11 >1 n V.M.C ; A . .113'7 26 It ■technical . ..1 0 5 35 21 3 Addington . . 1 9 5 11 25 i * Matcli against Addington won by default

Imho ivoather favoured the continuance ol the, competition matches ou Saturday, although the grounds were somewhat slippery and owing io tho min during the week. In most of the games the players found it- difficult to retain t-heir footing and too ball was frequently missed through a player taking an involuntary slide. At Lancaster Bark tho match between feelntn and Christchurch was controlled, by Air L. H. Norton a prominent official of the Auckland Hockey Association. Upon his anpointment becoming known there was a good deal of speculation as to the possible differences of interpretation of the rules, and many players called to mind the rulings by Air Kent, of Auckland in the Auckland v. Canterbury match'last year. M- Norton’s rulings on the game, however, Was •an interesting education, and pru\ed beyond all doubt that he is an expert at the game. .Seldom lias such, a correct interpretation of the rules been given m Christchurch this season, and .1 should very much like to see the focal Referees’ Asso--tialiqu call a meeting to hear Air Norton s ideas and method;, as it would, tend to open the way tor an interchange of ideas between the two Islands. dir Norton remains in Christchurch until alter next Saturday, 1 hoar, and will be officiating as referee again.

Speaking of referees I hear that Air 14. Hatch lias definitely laid aside the whistle, after giving Lis' services ior many years. Surely the Association or the players themselves a.-rc not- going to let him drop out without presenting him with some- remembrance of his very valuable services. 1 should say that there- are few men who have been connected with the game for so lung a period as the popular senior referee.

CHRISTCHURCH (l).v. SELWYN (1). The only match that'produced really good hookey was that, played a,t Lancaster Park between Selwyn and Christchurch. The referee soon gave evidence that any breaches of the stick or obstruction rule, would he promptly dealt with. 11ns attitude caused the players to settle down to fast, open hockey. Selwyn wore the first to become prominent in attack, hut the absence of H. Hell weakened their circle work ‘ considerably. The defence of the team left little to be desired, Morris, at centre half, standing out for his quickness and sure hitting. Roth hacks and the goalkeeper wore also fully keyed up and the goal scored wa.s well earned. The Christchurch defence again, included Ackroyd, " and he amP Martin were very solid after they had become accustomed to the ground. 1 notice that Darby stili persists in nursing the ball too long, but otherwise he put in a lot of useful work.

SYDENHAM (7) v. Y.M.C.A, (0), ’Sydenham were perhaps fortunate that, their opponents were not a very formidable lot, as they had to play no less than three emergencies, and they were equally fortunate in possessing three such stand-bys as Patrick, DuL field and Harrington. .Harrington played centre forward very creditably and was solid throughout. Patrick, as inside right, made circle uork his strong feature and shot with deadly precision, and with Sheriffs on the wing, made a pretty hot pair as Hie eolt appeared to excel himself against the ex-representative right wing. M ith the attack going to the, right Holland and Warburlon did not, show up with their usual, brilliancy, hut, both played line hockey.

Duffield. who took ii|> I’aseoe's position in tlie half lino, played as well as if he had not misled a match, and inns as tricky as ever. Neither of the hacks or Snook', in goal, took the game very seriously. Init managed to pm up a good defence nevertheless.

The V.M.C.A. team had a hard nut to crack, and despite a change of places at half time never succeeded in reaching the Sydenham goal.'’ 'Sisson was the most prominent, in initialing the attacks in the forwards, and both Hale and Wcrren'placed good hard hockey, but the shooting was pom-. Giasson and Volvin were the he.-l of the halves, and had plenty of work. Gnu and Bugg made an exchange, the former at ' half time • going ~ hack where ho played much better. ’ C. Werren should indulge in less talking and strive to improve his game. 1-1 is feeding is very poor and usually results in profit to the opposing foil backs instead of to his own front"rank. Clojk, iu goal, had an unenviable task. He bad no chance of stonnimr some of Fa trick's shots. =