HOCKEY.

Dominion, Volume 5, Issue 1497, 20 July 1912, Page 12

HOCKEY.

[Bx "BuLLY-orr."]

TABLES TURNED ON AUCKLAND. Good dame to Watch. The event of the week was the representative game against Auckland. It was regrettable that the weather was bo unpleasant, us both of our contests against Auckland this soasm nave been played in rainy weather. Tho first match., at Auckland last month, resulted in a. win for the Northerners, but at Day's Bay on Tuesday the home team turned tho tables after a. spirited contest The game was played in excellent spirit, and players and spectators (somo 30) all said after the game: "It was good for us to be here." There were three players now to representative tonours in tho home team, and they passed with honours. Theso were Birch, Reid, and Boyd. The first-named did all that Was required of him, whilst the last-named shot two goaU— the last one being a very ilno effort. Birch also got Wellington's first goal, eo between the two of them they made up Wellington's tally. The other forwards all played well. Boyd showed himself to be a very active little player, and was nippy with his stick. The two Stracks were always in the fray, and towards the end of the gamo George Strack was conspicuous for his keen cfi'ofts to goal. In the half lino Thompson was first choice. During the first spell ho excelled himself. Campbell and Aickeu were a little off '.heir game, but nevertheless gave a creditable display. Both the full-backs (Baker imd M'Eldowney) got through their afternoon's work well, whilst Dwyer, in goal, Btopped some very warm shots.

Auckland's Eleven—A Pleasing Style. In. the Auckland eleven, Reynolds, Porter, and Speight were conspicuous all the time. It is interesting to note that Porter has been playing hockey for fifteen years, and seems to have another 15 years play in him. The Auckland forwards aro a smart set, their clever etick-work beins quite a revelation. They will have played Canterbury ere this appears, and it is to be hoped that they will lift the shield, as their liockey is the kind we like to see —clever aid clean.

A Popular But Surprising Club Event, In club games last Saturday Wellington surprised everybody and themselves by defeating Karori. It is quito true that Karori were minus Davies and Loader, but Wellington, too, were without tho services' of M'Ewen and Hollis, so both sides were at a slight disadvantage. But the Wollingtonians seemed to have "a day out," as the saying is.. After, having frvo goals put up against, them in five minutes, things wore gloomy, but, when the eky of adversitv lifted, the Blue and Whitos worked with a. ■irill."-It is'hard'to'individualise, as all 'the team performed well, and their meeting with College today should be higWy interesting. On the Karori side, Campbell, Aickin, Parton, and Markey played best. Pardon, however, is a little selfish, and ehould not forget that he has his forwards to feed. On several occasions the Blacks might have scored had he passed tho ball, instead of keeping it to himself. In the last few minutes of the , game the suburbanites strove hnrd to goal, but the stolid defence of tho Blue and Whites stood the onslaughts, and the sound of tho whistle left Wellington the victors—a popular and well-earned conquest.

Another Surprise. In' the Wesley-United game, Wesley also surprised everybody. They are a rising team, and deservo to prosper, as they have proved themselves true sports.' TJnited's displaywas rather disappointing. After vanquishing College on the previous Saturday, it was thought that they would prevail, but their play was poor.' The Metropolitan-Government Life contest palls for little comment. The latter are improving steadily, their forward passes on Saturday being quite creditable. The Metropolitan team are a very uneven combination. Cleave, Muldoon, Baker, and M'Gregor—all are in a class above the others. On the whole, however, they constitute a etrong- eleven, and always extend tho leading teams.

Senior Saturday Grade. The following table shows the positions of the teams in tho men's senior grade:— i ■ 1! at* 4 i TCarori 7 G 1 0 28 11 12 United 8 4 2 2 30 15 10 Wellington '... 8 4 2 2 l! 022 10 College 6 4 2 0 31 18 8 Metropolitan 8 3 5 0 23 21 C Wesley 8 2 4 2 7 29 0 Govt. Life 7 0 7 0 7 30 0 The Wednesday Elevens. ' The following will prove interesting to "Wednesday players :— : ' o oil j I I 111 Petone S 3 3 0 14 11 9 Pakeha 7 2 4 1 16 13 8 TCarori , G 2 2 2 U 13 6 Hui Mai 7 1 4 2 11 12 G Hercawa ......... 6 1 1 4 12 18 3