HOCKEY

Dominion, Volume 14, Issue 160, 2 April 1921, Page 12

HOCKEY

PROSPECTS FOR THE SEASON

(By

"Off-Side.”)

Already the nip in the air is causing players to hunt out their sticks and make preparations for their winter sport. Judging by the large number of entries already forwarded to the secretary, the "stick” game is becoming increasingly popular. The large attendance of delegates at the annual meeting held: last week augured well for the success of the game this season. Ten of the eleven affiliated clubs signified their intention of entering senior teams. It was the opinion of delegates that such a large number of teams would make the competition unwieldy if it was essential that every team meet every otherfcteam at least twice during the competition.. Accordingly it was decided that an B grade bo played, the teams to lx* graded by lot. One round in each grade will be played, after which the three leading teams in the B grade will replace the three lowest teams in the A grade, thus forming a new A grade. This second and final round of the A grade will decide the championship. The association is endeavouring to obilain twelve senior teams, thus doing away with all byes. A similar proposal will also be carried out in the junior grade. It. is not anticipated that the entries in the third grade will warrant such an arrangemenV.

Lack of Grounds

The game was severely handicapped lost season by the want of grounds. However, tho prospects in this direction are considerably brighter this season as the association has gained the use of the Hutt Recreation Ground, on which there are three playing areas. This arrangement will in no way .inconvenience players, as the journey can be made in less time than it takes to reach Karori Park. Only those who went through the ordeal know what it was to seek some lost article of apparel in the dimly-litl and crowded dressing shed at. Karon last season. Players will indeed be thankful to hear that such "hunting days are now past, as the Director of Reserves has promised increased accommodation. A pleasing feature of the' annual meeting was the interest delegates in fostering school hockey. It uointed out that few boys could afford to furnish themselves with the necessary “impedimenta" for the game; but it was gratifying to sue the manner in which clubs offered to in direction. Several clubs “ "adopt” a school team, interesting thei selves in the boys’, matches, Fho lads when possible and assisti g em financially. Such efforts will bring their own reward.; the boys are the senior players of the future, and clubs will thus kept supplied with young material for their teams.

Six-a-Side Tourney. The King’s Birthday is to be cefo. brated by a six-a-side tournament m all erndps This proposal is a good <> ne * T Player 110 doubt a W r6Ciate of S of ro many clubs having unonr brilliant! "dark horse. e ft “ d 7“V WelHngtonl'Ould have no diffiX northern rivals. One of the J the clubs has entered . n much can be e- x P „ nior f play. Rumour hath it tnar funior grade, 'Tthat'Beere 5 RehXum and Co. and that Leere i fieW . will once more be seenre feed The first practice matches for to-day.