HOCKEY

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 76, Issue 108, 10 May 1933, Page 4

HOCKEY

L. (B 3

"STICKS.")

In the series of men’s senior games on Saturday, in the Wanganui Hockey Association’s competitions, the ground was somewhat bumpy and this no doubt affected the play. Another factor was the failure of some players to prepare themselves for strenuous play. Strict training is essential in hockey as an most other games which may develop into strenuous tussles, and no doubt as the season progresses players will give bettr displays.

The “star” game on Saturday was that between Old Boys and Y.M.C.A. It was unfortunate that, owing to a misunderstanding, Y.M.C.A. were two men short at the commencement. Though they gained a recruit at halftime they were still short to the end of the game. Old Boys dominated play in the first half and scored four goals in spite of a stubborn defence. There might easily have been a greater total but for the tendency of the forwards to get offside with over-eager-ness. Though the second spell was again much in favour of Old Boys, Y.M.C.A. scored the only goal of the session, showing that with a full complement they would be a force to be reckoned with. Prominent in a spirited Y.M.C.A. defence were G. Howatson (in goal) and D. Howatson. The Y.M. forwards failed through the inability of the wingers to maintain the pace, their attack being concentrated on the centre instead of being spread to the wings. Old Boys, on the other hand, swung the ball about freely and it is a tribute to the defence that the score was not a higher one. Next Saturday Old Boys play Wesley, while Y.M.C.A. will'be opposed to Technical College.

The Star-Wesley game was not of high standard, both teams being below strength. Though the forwards of both sides showed some form the backs, especially the half-backs, were very weak. Consequently combined play was at a discount. N. Barlow, Thrush, Greenfield and Whitlock were perhaps the best for Wesley, while Rich, Latham, Hasler and Pitkethly were prominent for Star. Hinemoa will be Star’s opponents next Saturday.

It was confidently expected that Hinemoa would run up a big score against Technical College. However, the schoolboys adopted dogged defensive tactics, and without attempting seriously to score themselves, harassed the Hinemoa forwards so successfuly that it was only by strenuous efforts that Hinemoa were able to score three goals. In the closing stages, indeed, Technical College surprised by notching a goal themselves. Play was too unorthodox to be regarded as good hockev, the nature of the game making scrambling and wild hitting inevitable. However, Technical College are to be commended on their ability to hold their more experienced opponents to such a low score.

The ladies’ competitions will start in earnest next Saturday. Several practice games have so far been played for grading purposes. There is every prospect of a close and interesting contest being provided in the senior championship this season.

Teams would do well to bear in mind the King’s Birthday tournament at Feilding. As this big fixture is but little more than three weeks distant (June 3), plans must be laid at once. As usual, Wanganui will be well represented. #

The New Zealand Hockey Association has a proud record in international matches. It was stated at the annual meeting of the association in Chnrtchureh last week that New Zealand teams which had visited Australia had won thirty-four matches, drawn five, and lost only one. Out of all the international games that New Zealand had plaved it had lost only two. Speaking of the tour of Australia that the New Zealand team had made last year, the president (Mr. H. S. J. Goodman) said that much credit was due to Mr. S. G. Holland for the way he had managed the team. There was nothing definite yet. he said, in regard to a visit by an overseas team during either 1933 or 1934. He was very pleased to say that in all visits of New Zealand and Australian hockey teams there had nev.r been the slightest ill-feeling. • ♦ ♦ *

The amended rules as drawn up by the International Hockey Association and adopted by the New Zealand Hockey Association, contain several important alterations. The most drastic ia that all undercutting had to be penalised, even if unintentional. Other important alterations are that hooking sticks can only be done by placing the stick between the ground and the opponent’s stick. Players now have to stand five yards from the players who are “bullying,” instead of three yards as formerly. A player in an offside position shall be penalised if in the opinion of the referee he is by his position gaining some advantage or influencing the play of an opponent. Previously, such a player could not be penalised until he attempted to play the ball or to interfere with any other player. A penalty ~ully is now to be given for any intentional breech of a rule, inside the circle, by a defender, »r by any unintentional breach when a goal would probably hs\e been scored. The new ru'e stipulates that the penalty bully shall be played on a spot five yards in front of the centre of the goal-line. During the penalty bully, if the attacker breaks any rule, the game is re-atarred by a bully at the centre of the twenty-five-yard line. A breach by the defender means a penalty goal. Before a free hit is taken the ball must be taken at least five yard.-; from the goal-post. After striking the ball, however slightly, in taking a free hit, the striker must not approach within playing distance of the ball till it has been touched by another player. In the roll-in. the hands of the roller-in, as well as his or stick, must now be outside the side-line. Rough or dangerous play must definitely be penalised, in addition to any disciplinary action taken against the offending player. Nets and a goal board are to be attached to the goal-posts. The circle-line must be three inches wide. A ball of any description may be used if mutually agreed upon by the captain, otherwise a cricket ball is still necessary, the weight and measurement being clearly defined by the rule. The interval must not exceed ve minutes. There are also a number of minor alterations. One point is made very dear in the revised rules: if the ball has been struck inside the circle by an attacker and goes into the net it is immaterial whether it goes directly into the net or off the defender.