ON THE HOCKEY FIELD

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 176, 28 July 1942, Page 7

ON THE HOCKEY FIELD

HIGHLIGHTS OP SATURDAY'S GAMES After starting oft in the second round of the Davis Cup Hockey championship with a two point lead, it was unfortunate that Training College was unable to field a team against St. Luke'siton Saturday. Owing to the call made upon its members for the forces, it appears likely that the teachers may have to withdraw from the competition. University, by its crushing defeat of Wesley (10—1) again shares the leading position. Somerville was a trifle lucky to scrape home against Grammar Old Boys (6—5) and thus be elevated to second place, one point behind the leaders. A.S.C. had a win (5—3) at the expense of Mount Eden, while Air Force played C.R.O. and finished up with a 6 goals to 2 margin. i

A Capital Recovery.—Although W. Splcer (3) and M. Honeycomb gave Somervllle a four goal lead in the first spell, the match looked like ending In a runaway victory. Grammar Old Boys played well in the second spell and narrowly missed equalising before time sounded, leaving the final score at 6 goals to S. Much of Grammar's success was due to the forceful play of R. Mayhlll, the ex-Training College forward, and M. Larsen. who certainly infused dash into the Old Boys' onslaughts. On defence, J. Buchan, at full-back, bore the brunt of stemming the attacks and repeatedly repulsed the invasions with clever blocking and neat interceptions. L. Braund. who was playing as an extra full-back on account of Grammar being without the services of a goalkeeper, stood up fearlessly to several hot bombardments, and made some great clearances with his feet. These were all the more meritorious when it Is remembered that he was playing without the use of keeper's pads.

Veteran Reappears.—With so many players now serving in the forces, quite a number of older players are turning out a?aln to help the game along. When C.R.O. turned out against Air Force at Walker Park on Saturday one veteran — E. Burton—was out to assist the soldiers. "Eddie" gained New Zealand honours in 1926, and also represented Auckland in the same year and in 1927. On Saturday, playing in his old position on the left wing, he showed that although he had slowed down a little in pace, he was stUl as elusive as when he won his spurs 16 years ago.

Tfte New Ground.—All doubts about the suitability ot S»r»wla Reserve as % hockey ground were quickly dispelled on Saturday, and players can be considered fortunate In securing such a splendid playing area. The surface is something on the lines of the old Day's Bay (Wellington) field, without question the best ever known In the Dominion. The true running surface was responsible for clever stickwork and movements, and no team was seen to greater advantage than University. Some of the teams used to the hard slogging methods will have to remodel their play, and doubtless this new ground will quickly raise the standard o£ local play. The University captain. W. H. Cooper, was in great form on Saturday, and collected five goals. Just half the score by which his team defeated Wesley. The 'Varsity tally was. despite its size, all the more remarkable when it Is considered how many goals the Wesley custodian (Butler) turned aside. He stood up to a terrific bombardment at times, but. having little support, he could not alone cope with the rapid shooting.