HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume XXXVIII, Issue 154, 29 June 1907, Page 12

HOCKEY.

Last Saturday was an ideal day for hockey, and the grounds, both at Eemuera and on the Domain, were in excellent order. Some good and interesting hockey was witnessed in each grade. In the seniors, United and Auckland A met Training College ' and United was the attraction in the second. grade, and in the third grade Epsom and United. The match between United and Auckland A on the Domain resulted in the downfall of the champions after an unbeaten record of nearly four seasons. It was an exceedingly exciting contest, as the ground was all in favour of a fast open game, and that is just what happened. The winners played their best game, but it was the fine worlj of their backs that contributed in no small measure to their victory. Both in the first and second line their play was excellent, whether in hitting or stopping. The forwards all worked hard, and put the finishing touches on the good work of their backs. On the other hand, without detracting from the meritorious performance, of the victors, I do not Think the Auckland team were at their best. The forwards did not show the play that we are accustomed to, or the backs the hitting and stopping so characteristic of their play. It is very hard to individualise the play of the winners after a good display all round. Porter in the half-line never hit better, and his stopping was as good as ever. Sherriffs proved a great stumbling block in the full-back line, and often brought his side out of danger. Morpeth and Barry were perhaps the best of an even lot of forwards, and kept the opposing backs very busy, especially in the second half. University had rather a one-sided go with St. George's, notching 13 goals. This seems strange after the great fight St. George's made with United the previous Saturday, although they had -not their best team in the field. Owing to the referee not putting in an appearance one of the jurnoF matches had to be postponed last" Saturday. The Association 'should take steps to see* that this does not occur again, as it is a great disappointment to players to turn up and find no referee to control the match. 'One would hardly think that hockey fby moonlight was possible. Yet it proved a great success with the Ellerslie Club, who held a practice last Tuesday night, and, judging by the enthusiasm displayed, will be continued when the opportunity offers. Play commenced at 7.30, and many of the players had not had enough at 10 pjn. The principal junior match at Remuera last week, between Training College and United, was witnessed by a large crowd, and although a cold southerly wind swept the ground, spectators maintained their interest until the finish of a. highly interesting game. A very noticeable feature of the game was the entire absence of rough play. Both teams were bent on winning, and played the ball and not the man. Crispe, as centre-for-ward, played a great game, was always in position in the circle, and gave an excellent display of forward play. Webster and Masefield, right and left wing forwards, played nard games, and both being very fast, gave the United backs a lot of trouble. Rowe was again the best of the backs, his hitting and placing being very true. The backs of both teams deserve praise for their stopping, always using their hands and not indulging , in speculation. Amos was the pick of United's forward line, and was well assisted by Hamblin. Falconer and Carr as fulHjaeks, were very safe, ; continually relieving their side from tight comers.

The United Juniors are fortunate in possessing such a liberal supporter as Mr. Carr, who last week gave a hockey stick to the best player, the judging being left to the-referee, who decided on Amos. In a few remarks Mr. Carr wished the team every success, expressed the hope that the winner would score still more goals with the new stick, and intimated that later there might be another stick forthcoming.

I trust that when such junior matches as the game between Training, College and United are being played, provision will be made for the teams to have the use of the goal nets.

, A surprise was brought about in the ladies' match, Moana and Ladies' College, for after Moana's display against Kopana, it was generally thought they would score a win, but the College put up a stubborn fight, and a drawn game ■resulted. Ladies' College and Moana are now level for the championship. Whaia-a-Mau defeated Rauhiti very comfortably, and as soon as the former gain combination they should play a very important part in deciding the championship honours.