HOCKEY.

New Zealand Illustrated Sporting & Dramatic Review, Issue 1318, 29 July 1915, Page 20

HOCKEY.

(By

“Right Wing.”)

The eighth series of matches in connection with the local championship furnished one of those encounters that demonstrate that a game is not decided until the final whistle has sounded. The chief contest at Remuera provided an encounter in which the fortunes of the two teams underwent a great change. Areta from a twopoint lead were gradually overtaken by University, and then, despite the fact that the game waged fast and furious between the goals, University ran out victorious by the odd goal in five. It was a splendidly strenuous and keenly-contested game, and was a kaleidoscopic illustration of what can be accomplished. University and Areta have met three times this season, and on each occasion the students claimed a narrow victory, but each game has been so close that it is no wonder that the losers, though dsappointed, are still by no means disheartened, and are again looking forward and confident of lowering the students’ colours. An unpleasant incident in connection with Saturday’s game was the summary treatment of the Areta right wing forward, and it seemed as if it was rather harsh. However, the matter will be dealt with by the Association.

The match on the adjoining ground was not marked by such keenness as the other game, as Auckland practically held the upper hand throughout the play and finished with a threegoal advantage. Auckland have now secured six points out of their total of nine at the expense of Mt. Eden. The goal crop in the competition reached a total of eight goals. Five were scored in the University and Areta match, and three by Auckland. University’s victory has gone a long way towards deciding the championship, for they have now a lead of four points from their very old adversaries Auckland, and five from last year’s champions. So both Areta and Auckland rest upon Mt. Eden as their forlorn hope to make their chances more possible. The following table shows the positions of the competing teams: —

Areta’s work consisted of frequent and sudden efforts, while University’s reply consisted of more sustained though not so numerous attacks. The players on both sides did very well. That Areta displayed the superior tactics there could be no doubt. Their forwards were quicker on the ball than the students and the backs were often puzzled when Areta’s forwards got within the vicinity of the goal. When one of the latter’s dashing onslaughts produced another goal matters did not look promising for University. For the remainder of the spell both teams hammered away at the defences, but i'o further score was registered, and Areta had a twogoal margin wit .1 which to commence operations after the interval. Such a margin at half time suggested that Areta had most of the play; certainly they did have the better of the argument ; nevertheless it had been a very keen struggle, and University had also chances of scoring, but their forward work would not have such a productive finish. There was a general improvement in the students’ play in the second spell. There seemed to be a much beter understanding between the forwards, and the backs all round seemed more confident, with the result that the Areta defenders were compelled to cope with more dangerous onslaughts than they had to accomplish in the opening half. It was soon apparent that University intended making a big bid to maintain the r position at the head of affairs, and to their credit gradually succeeded. When they scored a second time the spectators eagerly anticipated further developments, and they got them, too. Both teams attacked vigorously in the failing light, but the students were not to be denied, and shortly before time Areta’s goalkeeper failed to stop a short from Rowe. The game did not last much longer, and University, as the outcome of an uphill fight, secured a victory. Shortly before time was called Preston (Areta) was ordered off the field without notice or warning, and it happened without even some of the players on his side being aware of his departure. Jacobsen made all the difference to the students’ forward division, despite the fact that he was handicapped by a bad knee. His speedy runs along the line frequently penetrated the

Areta’s last line of defence, and a couple of powerful shots missed by inches.

Mahony was the cleverest forward on the. field, changing attacks by cleverly guiding the ball and passing judiciously. Somers, at centre, was much in evidence, and showed to more advantage in the second spell. Grice made some capital runs, and was responsible for many invasions. The halves played much better in the second spell, and without a doubt Rennie was the best on the field. The greater the work the better he performed. Speight seemed a bit stale at the start, mis hitting a good deal, but when stirred by the Areta van he revelled in the work and gave a good exhibition. West played steadily, showing sound defence, while Cotterill kept the goal intact in the second half.

Moginie played delightfully right through the piece, and he was the/ most conspicuous figure in the Areta attack, not on account of height but for his magnificent runs at the head of the Areta Ime. White, on the left wing, has improved considerably, and made many good moves along the left, of the line. Thomas worked hard throughout the game, and his clever stick work was always useful.

Areta’s half line worked solidly in the first half, but found the students’ vanguard a most difficult proposition to hold in the closing stages of the game. Curtis, at centre, was more useful than in the previous match, but still requires to improve in hitting. Stanton was a hard and vigorous grafter, and wandered several times to get rid of the ball. Areta’s main defence was in the full back line. Again England played excellently, eliminating “those” tactics. and his work was therefore more scientific. Ellison was a dogged opponent, and frequently smothered attacks if not altogether successful in making a good clearance. Had Areta’s goalkeeper shown good form quite a different result may have resulted, as a couple of goals were within the powers of any decent custodian. Auckland’s victory over Mt. Eden was devoid of any particular brilliancy and the exciting incidents of the previous match, in which they figured so prominently. From front to rear, with perhaps the exception of the half-line, where the contestants were more evenly matched, Auckland dominated the situation, especially in the second spell. Though Auckland did most of the attacking in the first half Mt. Eden succeeded in keeping their goal intact, partly on account of fine defensive work and partly owing to indifferent work in the circle by the Auckland vanguard, who frittered away many chances throughout

the game. Mt. Eden were seldom dangerous, and notwithstanding that they gained the Auckland circle occasionally their attacks were only of brief duration and not carried out with the grit and determination that marked their play on the previous Saturday. After the re-start Auckland at once attacked, and seldom his a defence been so overrun as that of Mt. Eden. Time and again Auckland were on the attack, and the Mt. Eden backs were utterly bewildered, but a conspicuous weakness in front of goal by the Auckland forwards saved Mt. Eden from an overwhelming defeat. The Auckland forwards, Osborne, Snedden and Haase, harmonised so well that they completely baffled the Mt. Eden backs at times. Haase requires to accelerate his movements to make the trio more perfect. He just dallies too long before parting with the ball. Steele was a host in himself at centre half. His stick work being effective, O’LoughMn showed more repose and cleverness in his play. The two Auckland full-backs. Baker and Sloman, again gave an excellent exhibition of full-back pay, which was a treat to witness throughout, and no wonder the Mt. Eden vanguard could make little impression.

The Mt. Eden forwards were up against something solid, never heless they did not play w.th their usual dash and abandon. Jansen, left wing, was the most conspicuous, making some capital runs along' the line. Johns, at centre-half, had a nexceptionally busy time, and made gallant efforts against ' the Auckland line. Garrett and Hunt were patchy, nevertheless they gave the Auckland wingers a lot of trouble. King seemed over confident at times, and did not hit so well as usual, although his defence was conducted on sounder principles. Tidd suffered from lack of experience when the Auckland attack was at its strongest. However, he is a most promising player, and emerged from some awkward positions. A new arrival in Invercargill is a half-back named McKay, who hails from Wanganui, and, judging by the form displayed in the first match, should prove a valuable acquisition to the Y.M.C.A. Club, whose ranks have been depleted by the call to arms. The annual tournament in connection with the New Zealand Ladies’ Hockey Association will be held at Wellington this year, commencing on September 4th, and will last for a week. Entries will close on August 14th, and early indications promise a successful function. The Otago Hockey Association contemplate arranging a couple of representative fixtures in aid of the Wound-

ed Soldiers’ Fund. So far it is suggested that a match be arranged with Southland, and the latter have decided to send a team to Dunedin.

A lengthy report of the English Women’s Hockey team is to hand, and gives a full description of their lengthy tour. The statistical portion was published last year, but a summing up of the New Zealanders may be interesting:—“Generally speaking the New Zealand teams showed any amount of pace and vigour in their play, but little science, but they were sporting and jolly to play against, and the test team representing New Zealand was a really good one, playing a good game in good style.”

W. L>. D. Gls. for Gls. Ch. agt. Pts University (, 1 1 — 12 13 Auckland -1 :: i IS 1 S !.i Areta 1 21 ill s Mt. Eden 0 G 1 10 •> •) o