HOCKEY

Waikato Times, Volume 97, Issue 15272, 23 June 1923, Page 15 (Supplement)

HOCKEY

(By "Left Hal

The following Ip. the position of the teams in the senior competition:— Goals Won. Lost. Dwn. For. Agst. Pts.

Goals' Won. Lost. Dwn. For. Agst. Ptr.

JOTTINGS. The rain during the past weeks has rendered the grounds at Sedtlon Park into an almost unplayable condition. The nature of the ground makes it impossible for the water to get away quickly, with the result that in a few minutes the whole playing area is badly stirred up. Play last week was very difficult from every standpoint. It was almost impossible to maintain a foothold, and any attempt at good hockey failed signally. It was a day of individual effort, and from this standpoint some fine runs were witnessed. In the Hamilton-United game the former got to the circle on numerous occasions, but several good chances were lost through attempting to pass to an un-

marked player instead of shooting, the ball usually sticking in the heavy going. United made good use of their chances, Carde’s second goal being of the brilliant order. C. Goodwin was the outstanding player in this game. His played at centre half is great, and on Saturday in the mud he was unbeatable. He made several fine clearing runs for his team.

Old Boys and Y.M. had a good go, hut the former were playing short In the backs, this tending to put Y.M. offside. The practice of playing other than the formation set laid down in the rules of the game is, I think, not good. It spoils the opponents’ play, and at the same time gets a team into bad habits which do not tend to improve the standard of the game. Y.M.’s goalie had a day out, and despite repeated attacks on his line, kept them out in a solid manner. The one that heat him screwed in off his pads. Frankton and TPouri had a good game, and although beaten by 7-2 the former gave the country team an anxious time towards the end of the game. A couple of scoring forwards would make a difference to this team. ’Pouri continue to meet with success. They play a solid game, with the pace on all the time, and are never beaten until the whistle has gone.

The junior games are very keenly contested. The spirit which permeates the players in these games is very fine Indeed, while the standard of play is quite good. The seniors could profitably assist the juniors with a few lecturettes on various points. For instance last week very little use was made of the “roll in.”. This part of the 'play is most important, and is, if properly used, a point in favour of the team who takes the “roll in.”

The tendency of the forwards to crowd a team mate with the ball in the circle was also a noticeable fault. Ba'ptists lost two goals through this error.

I noticed G. Fifct (erstwhile Waikato rep.) is doing well in Palmerston North with the stick. He “netted” twice for his team last week. Club colours are still bad. There is no excuse for this at this time of the season. In one match there were five different coloured jerseys last week—and then they growl at the referee!

Nga’pourl 6 — 1 ?7 0 13 8 Y.M.C.A. 4 3 — 20 8 Old Boys 3 2 2 11 12 8 United 3 3 1 18 1 3 Hamilton 1 4 2 18 18 4 FrariKton 1 6 — Junior. 6 40 2

Hamilton 4 — — 25 3 8 Baptist — — 2 4 7 V Y.M.C.A. 1 1 4 1 5 3 Old Boys 1 2 1 6 14 3