HOCKEY.

Dominion, Volume 3, Issue 852, 25 June 1910, Page 12

HOCKEY.

(By "BtrHT-oir.")

To-day is an important one amongst hoekeyites—in fact, it may be safely said that most Wellington sport lovers will be interested in the shield event, which takes place between Hawke's Bay and Wellington, tho former team being the challengers. Hawke's Bay will endeavour to win the much-coveted shield 'which Wellington only laid • claim to last season, when they won from Auckland by 3 goals to 2. This gamo was claimed— by those who were fortunate enough to witness it—to bo a magnificent and spirited event, the attondanco being a record for Auckland—and the northerner's do pride 'themselves as being good exponents on the hockey field. However, Wellington were victorious on that occasion, nnd, if "Bully-off's" opinion is worth anything, Wellington will come out on top to-day by a fair margin; that is, providing- every man plays as well as ho lias done during the last three weeks. Soon after Auckland lost tho shield to Wellington last season, Manawatu sent in a challenge, feeling, of course, that they had a great chance of securing tho same, but their luck was out for the timo being, and so, once again, AVellington wero victorious by 3 goals to 1. This season will be remembered as an important one from every point of view—because it is the first occasion on which Wellington havo had to defend tho shield. Moreover, ton challenges have been received, but, so far, only tho following dates have been arranged:—Poverty Bay, July 9; Wairarapa, July 23; Canterbury, August (i; Waugauui, August 20; Auckland, September 3. ; . . From present indications, -At ellmgton should be ablo to hold their own against !> most of the challengers, the only two in doubt being Canterbury and Auckland. Much interest is thrown into the game by Wanganui, however, as great headway has l)cen made by that association. •- Included in the Hawke's Bay team today is an old AVellington player, Tim Brewer, ex-representativo player. lie played for tho AVellington Club as right lull-back. There is also a Manawatu representative man in tho visiting eleven to-day, named Fraser, who, I believe, plays centre-half. ' • Regarding tho team chosen by Mr. H. V. AValton, sole selector, to represent AVellington to-day; Hickson, it is to be regretted, cannot play, owing to death in his family, and all will be exceedingly sorry on learning that such a splendid full-back cannot take part in the first shield match of the season. Ifibblowhite will play in his stead, and he should give a good account of himself. The remainder of the eleven, it is hoped, will holp to make up a creditable team.. Personally, tho writer is doubtful about Jones as centre-forward. Then, again, supposing Bcero (Victoria College) wero given a chance, ho seems uncertain in the ciiclo, whereas Jones (United) has this point in his favour. It is also most unfortunate that Jones has been indisposed this week. Referring to tho half-back line, "Bullyofl" is not yet satisfied that tho best tlireo halves have been chosen; still, Mr. Walton will probably see fit to put Dawson (Y.M.C.A.) in later on. There is no doubt at all that Claude Campbell (Karori) deserves representative honours, but Nathan Smytlio makes light of. many chances. If he only puts into the gamo that amount of vim and enthusiasm which he could show if ho liked, ho will play a good game indeed. The forward line as picked is a good oiie, with tho exception already noted, and its showing should provide the spectators with plenty of excitement. The position of goalkeeper has been talked of a good deal. Morpeth (AVellington) realises his responsibility, and doubtless will plnv his best game to-day. Leo Davies lias, unfortunately, been put aside by illness, and fortunately for the representative team, Morpeth has been training, and also had somo practice on Wednesday last with the others at Day's Bay.

It is fairly ccrtain that a largo crowd will go over to tho Bay to-day, and given fine weather both the ladies' representative) match, Wnirarapa v. Wellington, and the men's shield match, Hawke's liny v. Wellington, will provide splendid amusement for the spectators. Special attention has been paid to the grounds, also seating accommodation. At timo of writing it is definitely stated that his Worship tho Mayor (Mr. T. Jr. AVilford) will be present, and also tho Mayors of Eastbourno and Karori, and perhaps his Excellency the Governor, as well as Sir Joseph and Lady "Ward. Last Saturday tho A and B teams played a trial match at Day's Bay, on No. 2 ground. It was a fast and willing game, the A team (practically tho representative eleven) holding tho upper hand all through: ITarty, left full-back, Christie, left-half, and Claude Campbell, centre-half, wero well up to form, and played really good games. The B team at 'half time led by 1 point, the scoro reading 2—l in their favour. The second spell was run through in great style, tho B's having acquainted themselves with the circumstances. The selector's ambitions were realised, inasmuch as tho combination of the B team improved as the game woro on, and, with tho assistance of the two Straclcs, the B forwards put tho A forwards to a really good test. As was anticipated, little alteration has been mado to the A team for to-day. A. T'arton, right full-back, who played in llickson's place, drops out, and ICibblewhite takes his place. Morpeth goes ingoal instead of Leo Davies. Tho combination of to-day's local team should please everyone present. Last Saturday's trial match gave every man comprising the two sides an opportunity to prove his capabilities, and, from a spectator's point of view, the teams seemed well balanced. It would bo correct to say, however, that tho A team had what littlo advantage, there was—contrary to (lie score. Guy Smytlie and Godfrey Davies (A's) were indeed pleasing, and tho old tricky work, well conducted bv these two wings, told heavily on their opponents, Organ and Murpliy. The two last-named played a grand game, especially Organ, for it was ho who put the finishing gilt-edge touch Ib tho game. He cleared Iho whole length

of tho field, and the goal which was then secured by Murphy actually resulted through tho splendid and individual ; effort of Organ. Uarty, left full-back, ! played .a splendid game. A. Parton (B ! team) seemed to loso form in the second spell. Aitken, right-half for B's, gave a j good account of himself, and so also did Christie, right-half. Dawson, left-half for B, saved many hot shots. In fact, tho back division of the B team played exceptionally well. With tho exception of Jones, as centre forward, the A forward lino wore in good fettle, li. Parton has at last earned prominence and distinction, $ind his form, pace, and accuracy in centring more than pleased everyono interested. Tho quick and decisivo manner in which this right forward delivers his shots and passes has created for hira that personal and representative distinction which is credited to Elliott, ex-Welling-ton representative. ■ R. Parton tried some difficult shots at the net on Sautrday, and although ho occasionally failed to register the desired point, nevertheless tho obstacles, or rather awkwardness of position, made up for the loss. Smith,' inside right, is a genuine plodder and a really good partner for Parton. Organ, Murphy, Beere, also the Strack brothers, all played well for tho B team. Ashbolt saved well on many occasions, and should be in fair form before long. G. Aitken, B's right half, was very fast and energetic, but he seemed too light for his opponent, N. Smythe. P. Burbidge, centre half, was up to form also, but his opponent, Campbell, is a superior man, the latter's hitting and quick stopping being excellent. Leo Davies, A's goalkeeper, warded off many hot shots. Had Beere, B's centre forward, been quicker in the circle, however, Davies would have had more goals registered against him. On Wednesday most of the shield eleven played a practice game, the opposing side being composed of odd players. The game'provided good exercise, and everyono enjoyed it. The ground was very slippery indeed. Mr. M; Luckie, an old United player, played in goal for the B side, and with tho exception, of one bump to earth, he apparently enjoyed tho game. It was amusing to sec tho way in which tho representative side pushed in upon tho opposing goal. Christie has been over-training, and was not feeling at his best on Wednesday, but he states that ail will bo well with him on Saturday.

Mr. H. V. Walton ployed as bully for the representative side, in the absence of Jones, and he fairly revelled in the game, scoring two goals. The first spell brought no score, but after Walton had registered a couplo of goals E. l'arton followed suit, and G. Davies came in with another point, making a score of four goals to nil in favour of the representative team. Jones and Smith, when in the circle, have a tendency to turn their backs to the opposing goal, and thus give a "foul." Campbell and G. Davies are in-, clined to do likewise. It would bo well for these players to watch this point today—in fact, always, There is likely to be somo trouble over the'method, adopted by Canterbury referees with regard to tlio interpretation of the off-side rule. Mr. Hatch, a Canterbury referee, who is acting in to-day's match, is almost certain to rulo as he has done in Canterbury. This is the point: If an attacker, off-side, receives the ball from a defender, -he should not 1)0 penalised, providing that ho gives the striker five yards. But Canterbury referees have ignored tho correct ruling, anil always—so "Bully-off" understands —rule against the player in .such a case. So long as the off-side man who is attacking gives the opponent five yards he is safe, but to, take a pass from his own side without having three men or,more in front of him would bo wrong. It is understood that this point and others will be discussed with tho referee,