HOCKEY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 16816, 19 August 1922, Page 9

HOCKEY.

VISIT OF AUSTRALIAN TEAM. NOTES ON THE TOUR. The Australian hockey team, which will play four matches in the North Island and four in the South Island, will bo made up as follows: Goal—H. Plockart (Corona ClAib). Backs—F. Ames (Bohemians) 0. Harry (Pilgrims) and J. Ayliug (Bohemians). Halves—P. B. Freeman (Buccaneers), J. M. Abel (Pilgrims). R. May (Fairfield), W. W. Crellin (Army) and L. Kendall (Army). Forwards—A. Seaman (University), A. Craig (University), K. M. Hughes (Bandits), C. R. Harwood (Buccaneers), W. Rothwell (Buccaneers), V. Kendall (Bohemians) and one to be selected. May, Crellin and L Kendall are Victorians. and the rest of the team are from New South Wales. >

In a letter to the secretary of the New Zealand association (Mr P. N. Quarterinain), an official of the Australian association writes: ‘ This is a strong side, much more so than we originally anticipated being able to send: but ,of course, it could have been, much improved if one or two others of our leading players had been able to get away. Flockart is a splendid goal-keeper, and hn.s been the State’s representative for many years up to last year (when he was in England), when his place was taken by W. Wildman, of Buccaneers. who is also trying to obtain leave for this trip. ’lf he is successful in obtaining leave, he will fill the vacancy in the team. Ames is another seasoned player, who has represented New South Wales on three occasions. Harry and Aj'ling are good backs, who have been knocking at the door for interstate honours for the last two seasons, and aro very little (if at all) inferior to Ames. In the halves J. M. Abel (who will probably captain the side) stands as the ablest man we have ever had as centre half, and knows his game from A to Z. A great player, and a splendid captain. Freeman (centre half here for his club) will play on one of the wings. A great grafter, solid in defence, and as hard as nails; he is also a first grade cricketer in this State. R. May, from. Y'ictoria, is another good half and has twice represented his State against New South Wales. Crpllin and Kendall are reputed to be real good men, well trained, and up to inter-Stflte standard. I do not know them personally. The forwards are an exceptionally fast lot. Seaman is the best centre forward in New South Wales. His stick work is particularly fine, and as an individual hockey player he stands alone in New South Wales, and T think New Zealanders will also like his play. He Is from Goulbnrn (a coxintry 130 miles from Sydney), but now playing with the University. Uraig, his club-mate, combined well with him. and is accurate in the circle Hughes is also a seasoned player, having had representative honours on two occasions. V. Kendall got his blue last year, as (lid rlbo Seaman and Craig. Harwood (outside right) is well in the running foselection against Victoria. He is exceptionally fast, having won several championship sprints. These five will probably constitute our forward line in the test match, and Bothwell will be reserve. Flockart. Ames. Hughes and Ttothwell have been playing hockev longer than the others hut all are well seasoned, and I am confident will give a good account of themselves. We quite recognise, however, that hookey is very strong in New Zealand, and that we will he ut> against tough propositions. but our team will he comprised of a splendid set of fellows, who. although anxious to acquit themselves well, will sportingly accept defeat when they come their way.”