HOCKEY NOTES

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 83, Issue 144, 21 June 1939, Page 4

HOCKEY NOTES

Spectacular Displays On Saturday COMMENTS ON PLAYERS (By "Onlooker.’') Bright, spectacular hockey was the feature of both the senior games on Saturday, with the play changing from one end of the field to the other in quick succession.

At times the stick play was good, and some of the players have developed this style of play to a nicety. How much easier it. is to do it when playing with a nice white ball!

There appeared lo be a good deal of doubtful play at limes and quite a number of kicks, smashing sticks, and stopping the ball with the foot, escaped the referee’s notice.

I am rather surprised, because the rule is so definite in the matter. The worst offenders were the older players, who should set a better example io the younger players. A few remarks on the various players will be taken in the right spirit because the onlooker can always see more of the game than the players. The game ended in Wesley’s favour by 4 goals to nil. For Wesley Connett (goal) played a nice cool game and is not easily bustled. He hits well and is very seldom caught napping. He would be a hard man to kep out of a representative team.

Greenfield and R. Hughes in the fullback positions got through a lot of solid work and were a source of annoyance to the Technical forwards when they tried to score. Both men hit well and feed their forwards. H. Hughes does a lot of work and never seems to tire. He was ably assisted by J. Broad, who intercepted and spoiled some promising movements by the Technical forwards.

Tizard, Thrush and Bidlake combined very well and played good hockey, the last-named scoring two nice goals. Cullimore, Mackie and Robbins worked consistently for their side. For Technical College the whole team played well but just could not score, possibly from the fact that the half-backs were playing a little too far back and were unable to help the forwards in the .tight for possession of the ball.

It was repeatedly noticed that if the forwards were beaten for the ball the Wesley backs had no difficulty in turning defence into attack and to the cost of the college team. It was remarkable to see these diminutive players tackling their older opponents and in many cases beating them for possession. » * * * Isted (goal) at times played well, and was responsible for some brilliant saves. However, he has a habit of rushing out too far from his goal and leaves an open goal for his opponent. This should be rectified before it gets him into trouble. Goldsbury and Jeffery played well and were responsible for getting their side out of some- awkward situations. Capp and Harkness had a hard time trying to keep the fast-travelling Wesley forwards out of their circle and performed the job very ably. Harkness is a big fellow and never seems to tire. 1 should think he would catch the selector’s eyes. Nicholls, Barnett, Subharwal, Tiini and Kilroy played well for their side and it is unfortunate that their efforts did not prove more successful. The game between Hinemoa A and Hinemoa B was very fast throughout and was anybody's game right up to the final whistle. The first stages were rather willing but. the referees, with judicious use of the whistle, soon had this under control. With two fast sets of forwards it was only natural to suppose that the pace would be a cracker throughout.

Up to half-lime no goals had been scored but soon alter the second half had been started E. Wallace took every advantage of an opportunity and scored a nice goal. L. Stewart was playing well and following up fast before the “A” backs could clear. He nearly had them in difficulties several times. His equalising shot was a nice one and he was very unlucky in oneor two more attempts. The game ended in “A’s” favoured by three goals to one. and would appear to indicate the difference in the two teams on the day’s play. For Hinemoa A Connett (goal) playing as substitute, played another nice game and kept the score down. Breed (full-back) was very good and saved his side many times. He was ably assisted by S. Hughes. The "A” halves were not particularly brilliant but were able to help when necessary. The forwards played a clean, hard game, in which E. Wallace, P. Wallace and Pengathy stood out well above the others. W. Moosman shaped well and is rapidly becoming a great help to his team-mates.

For Hinemoa "B” the outstanding players were L. Stewart and H. Rees, both these men being in most movements. Pope, in goal, saved his side and was responsible in keeping the score down. The two Mclntyres did not play as well as on previous Saturdays, but considerably helped. E. Hughes and P. Hughes did a lot of work and materially assisted their side. Another young player who was assisting the "B” team was a great source of help. He was only a lad but did some fine work. The clubs should watch these young players and rope them in.