Hockey Leaders Meeting Today

Press, Issue 31095, 25 June 1966, Page 7

Hockey Leaders Meeting Today

After 10 matches the outcome of the senior men’s hockey championship is still shrouded in doubt. Harewood, High School Old Boys and Hagley Old Boys are equal on seven points, one and a half points clear of Woolston A and University.

A definite contrast in style can be expected this afternoon when two of the leaders, Harewood and Hagley, meet at Williamson Park. C. Broadhurst, on Harewood’s right-wing, is probably the fastest runner in the senior competition and the Harewood side plays a game suited to his speed, to seize opportunities. Hagley, on the other hand, is more deliberate in its actions, with the Thomson brothers on the right flank content to probe the opposing defence, then slice it open with tactical passing.

This method can become too deliberate and Hagley has on occasions been troubled by stacked defences. However, if more use is made of the centre-half, K. Thomson, the

attack can be varied and Hagley may find this sufficient to give it victory. The remaining competition leader, High School Old Boys, meet Sydenham in the early game at Burwood Park. The first round encounter resulted In a draw and Old Boys could be hard pressed to improve on that result.

The improving Selwyn side has shown it is capable of upsetting the more experienced teams and this could prove to be the case today against Woolston A. However, Woolston A will start favourite.

University meets Woolston B at Ham. A win to the students would not surprise, although Woolston B showed a glimpse of good form when it scored two quick goals against Sydenham last week.