HOCKEY.

Star (Christchurch), Issue 18208, 15 July 1927, Page 13

HOCKEY.

TO-MORROW’S GAMES. The eleventh round of matches, which will be played to-morrow, should provide some interesting hockey, as with the exception of Selwyn and Sydenham, the competing teams are evenly matched. The game between Sydenham and Selwyn, which will be played at Sydenham Park, should result in an easy win for the latter as Sydenham do not possess the experienced players of their opponents, who are playing better hockey than ever. The Selwyn team have the advantage of having played together for a number of years and so are thoroughly conversant with one another’s play. Certainly at odd timen there is a change in an individual player, but they have a few standbys that are almost as good as the regular players. In the forward line W. Bell may give place to F. Squire, and the change is scarcely noticeable, while in the backs 11. Grose may be replaced by M. Hill without weakening the defence. The main strength of the Selwyn team lies in. the half line, where the redoubtable trio, B. Hore, B. Morris and C. Ilore, consistently turn out and do yeoman service for their team. The effect of the absence in Australia of S. Bell, B. Ilore, B. Morris and A. Mahoney may be disastrous and the team may suffer a defeat or two, but winning the shield is not everything, and even should they be beaten they have put up even a better record than their nine years’ successive championship. in supplying foiir members for an All Black hockpy team. Their opponents for to-morrow are suffering from a few lean years through so many of their old players dropping out all at once. But they have some promising youngsters coming along in E. Dash, W. Rushbridge and L. Spiers, who will make good representative players in a year or two. At present they cannot expect to beat the combination and stick play of the Selwyn team.

At St. Albans Park, Technical B and St. Albans will try conclusions, and

the game should be a fast and even one. Unfortunately the latter team generally have a struggle to field a full eleven and their strength is often a matter of conjecture. The Technical B team, are all young players who are rapidly gaining knowledge, and their youth and fitness make them worthy opponent**. When Soper and Williamson leave with the New Zealand team next week the St. Albans team will be in sorry plight as Soper is a team in himself in defence, and while Williamson is not brilliant his keenness and (Enthusiasm would give him a place in almost any senior eleven. While it may not produce scientific hockey, the match between Trinity and Varsity will be fast and willing. Both teams play the hit hard and rim tactics and the result of the game is problematical. Both teams are likely to be at full strength, and Varsity are the favourites. NEW ZEALAND TEAM. J. Brennan, of Wellington, who was selected as goalkeeper for the New Zealand team, has notified the selectors that he is unable to make the trip. As D. Turner, of Timaru, was the only other player nominated for the position the selectors are endeavouring to secure his services, but as yet no information is available.