HOCKEY

Evening Post, Volume XCVII, Issue 127, 31 May 1919, Page 12

HOCKEY

(By "Sticks.")

Karori A played another drawn game on Saturday, their opponents on this occasion being . Wellington, who defeated Ramblers on the previous Saturday. Although a fairly, even game was expected, it was th3ught generally that the suburban team would secure tho victory (on tbeir play against Central), but Wellington proved themselves a "stiff" combination. Both teams throughout played good hockey, individually and collectively, and from the point of view of the play the score must be regarded as satisfactory.

Champness, the scoring forward of the Wellington team, again played a sound game. He was always in his place, and his value in the circle cannot be too strongly stressed.

Another Wellington forward' who distinguished himself was Johns, who plays in the position of inside right. Johns comes from Auckland, and Wellington is fortunate in having secured his services, as his presence in any team would be welcomed.

O'Brien also played well for the Wellington'team, and it was he who sent in the two shots which saved his side from defeat.

For ICarori, Smith, Purvis, Davis, and Hood were prominent in the forward line. Together they took part in several excellent passing rushes, and individually they worked with a will. Smith and Davis, particularly, did good work. Purvis, as has been previously pointed out, is weak in the bully-off, and tho Wellington man on Saturday did not appear to have much difficulty in beating him for possession of the ball. Tulford (right half) again played a good game, and Lissirigton (right back) put in some useful work. Moore was safe in goal. A SCRAPPY GAME. The other senior men'a game—that between Ramblers and Karori B—was not a good exhibition. For one tiling it was scrappy, and as far as tho Karori team was concerned there was very little, combined play. In fact, it appeared that some of tie Karori players had not pre : viously handled a hockoy stick for any length of time. It was rather surprising that Ramblers did not inflict a more severe defeat than was the case.

Blackie, Smith, and Davies were always to the fore in Ramblers forward line, Davies, on tho left wing being particularly fast and clever. ■The centre-half (M'Gregor) also played a sound game, and it was seldom that ho let the ball past him. He was always prominent, too, when his side was attacking. In the backs, Clapshaw played -well for Ramblers. -. The Karon B team consists mainly of young players, and, taking this fact into consideration, it must be stated that they were not disgraced on Saturday. Cocks, Watchman, Hull, and Foster all playod well, and, with more experience, they should make big. strides in the hockey world. :BIG SCORE BY JUNIORS. . In the junior men's division, Huia "walked all over" Wesley A, and scored 20 goals to their opponents' nil. This score would occasion no great.surprise in Rugby, but in hockey it must be something of a racord. Karori mads their first appearance in the junior grade. Their team, however, failed them, and, playing a number of mere boys, ..they suffered defeat to Victoria College by 12 goals to nil. VARIED JOTTINGS. "Sticks" understands that the United team will make its reappearance in the second round. United held a prominent place in hockey affairs in pre-war days, and in the ranks were, many of Wellington's best players. Among those mentioned to play for the old club is M'Eldowney, who has been at the front for some years. When United comes back there will' be six teams in the senior grade, obviating the necessity of a bye each Saturday. . It is rumoured that an examination of referees is to be held some time in June. The Referees' Association is being reorganised, and, in view of the approaching shield games, all precautions arc being taken. Canterbury will probably be Wellington's first challenger for Shield honours. The Christchurch Sun states that the Canterbury Association has already sent in a challenge,' and it is generally thought here that this will be the first Shield game this season. Other chal-,. lenges, it 13 said, arc already in. Some difficulty has been experienced by the various players in securing the right shirts to play in, and this has resulted in some of the teams appearing in mixed colours. This is an unfortunate position, but evidently it is one that cannot be remedied. THE LADIES.. Very much improved form was shown by the ladies on Saturday. Tiw best game was that between Ramblers A and Victoria College. In the first spell Ramblors had much tho best oi the play, and when the whistle sounded for half-time they had established a good lead. In the second half, however, their defence went to pieces, and University came near to evening matters. Given a little more time it is very probably they would have done so. Although Ramblers' backs did not give a good display, the team's forward department made good. Those prominent throughout the game were Misses Lang (outside left) and Simon. Miss Lang is without, doubt the best wing that the Wellington ladies possess, and she has hau the honour of representing New Zealand agarnst the English team which visited New Zealand before the war.

Play in the'other games was also very promising, but there- is still room for improvement. It appears that tho Poverty Bay paper which made the announcement, that the ladies' tournament was to be held in Gisborne this year was.not correctly informed. "Sticks" has been informed that the meeting place has not yet been decided upon. It is for the New Zealand Ladies' Association to decide this point.