HOCKEY.

Dominion, Volume 4, Issue 1150, 10 June 1911, Page 12

HOCKEY.

(By "Bui.lt-Off.")

ECHOES OF THE SHIELD MATCH.

It was a great game, that shield match, played as it was by two solid teams— Manawatu and Wellington. From appearances, after a few minutes' play, it would not havo been safe to venture an opinion as to tho ultimate result. Wellington wore, however, playing under a' "lucky star," and easily defeated tho visitors by six goals to two—a big margin in figures—leading ono to conclude that tliero was a considerable difference between tho form of the rivals. Well, the fact does seem to bo that Wellington won on form coupled with experience. From present indications no team in Now Zealand will take that shield from us.

The forwards, Loader, C. and G. St rack, G. Davies and Salek all played meritorious games. Loader's pace was tremendous and he deserved the applause which lio received. Others in the local forward lino gavo good accounts of themselves, t'oo. Concerning the halves—well, Aickin put in a lot of hard work, but hardly seemed the right man in the right place. A suggestion has been made that liurbidge should bo put in Aiclcin's place for the next representative match. How would young Burbidge shape? Perhaps ho is a wee bit small and light to como up against solid opposing forwards, so there is something to be said both ways. Aickin fed Loatlor on tho left wing all right—there is no doubt about that—but lio might have fed Davies more. Was he unable to accustom himself to the fact that his Karori confederate, Davies, had moved from left to right for Uio big match?

Unfortunately, Claudo Campbell got a very nasty smack, and naturally felt anything but inclined to play for tho remainder of the time. Congratulations to him anyhow for doing so well. "Reg." Thompson worked hard and gave satisfaction. F. G. Ivibblewhitc, full-back, was a sound man, and had plenty to do all through. Hickson stopped pretty well everything that camo his way, and, but for obstruction tactics, would have pleased the onlookers moro. ITo naturally felt anxious to save the association's fortunes, but he indulged in a rather dramatic style of play. The ground was slippery, we know, but this shoving with the left hand and driving with the right hand —one-handed play—well, it was very noticeable. Nevertheless, nickson's knowledge of tho fino points of tho. game drew rounds of applause from the crowd, and he certainly played a remarkably sound defensive game. Behopes the weakness for "lefthand pushing" will eventually disappear. Morpeth, in-goal, was splendid. Tho writer thinks that tho selector should arrange for "A" and "B" teams lo play at least ono trial match beforo Canterbury come on-the scene, and then some of the other likely representatives could bo given a fair and reasonable chance of showing what their actuai representative form might be. Instances are: Leo. Davies, left full-back; Burbidge, half; Dwycr, goal; Murphy, inside-right forward; R. Parton, right-wing; Hunter, goal; and others.

Regarding Manawatu: In fairness to Crump, inside-right, and captain of that team, it must be stated that he had, both prior to tiie match and during its progress, suffered from indisposition, and was really not in .condition to play. So ho deserves praise for his deep" and earnest consideration for his team. Manawatu did not play up to expectation. This was the opinion of Mr. Warden, their coach. Following is his comment:—He was satisfied with his team, but disappointed with Minogue, rightwing; Wellington was too good for Manawatu. Crump usually plaj-s centre, and ho is a very fine forward all round! Ho is a hard worker, with a good head for generalship. Fitt shoots well in the circle. Webb is n fast left-wing; ho is good all round, fields well, but cenlre's too soon at times. Minogue is a fast right-wing, and stops well. The forward line was tho chief feature of the Manawatu Bason,_ right-half, was new to the position, having played full-back during tho season, no is a good defender as a rule. Sorenson, centre-half, has tho reputation of being a good all-round back. 110 is not exactly brilliant, but is solid, and always takes his turn and does his share. Moore, as left-half, is the best in tho half line. He is fast and sure, and a great support to his fullbacks, as well as to his forwards. lie is considered by Manawatu critics to be the best, back in tho team. Of the two full-backs, ICerslako is a suro hitter. AValkley speculates too much. The two full-backs, and Shorlt, the goalkeeper for Manawatu. had lots lo do—too much, in fact. The challengers wero not so exporienrcd as Wellington, and, in addition to I his, most of them seemed to tire soon after the second spell had begun. ,