HOCKEY NOTES.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1258, 13 June 1914, Page 4

HOCKEY NOTES.

Wednesday’s match did not create much interest locally as it was understood that the A’s., the renowned conquerors ol the redoubtable Moutoavians, would pile up a record score against the B’s., whom Mouloa had defeated by 12 —o. The A’s. marched on to the field and in an offhand sort of way prepared to show the B’s. how to play hockey. That is just what they didn’t do. Imagine the surprise of the “champions” when five minutes after the bully-off they found themselves fighting desperately to stave off a B. attack. Again and again the latter rushed the circle and it was pure hard luck they did not score on several occasions. Once Hamer had the ball right in the goal mouth, but through over-eagerness failed to bit it in. The experience of the older team enabled them to score 5 goals against 1, but the younger team bad just as much of the game. With a little bit ot practice, and a little more experience, they will give the best teams in the competition “a run for their money.” Their backs on Wednesday were particularly strong, the play of Read and Watson at full being far superior to that of the A’s defenders. Reuben in goal did some excellent iwork for his side. Noel Bryant, at centrehalf, played a very steady game, and helped his side out of many a tight corner. All the B forwards played a dashing game, but, as is only to be expected, were a little lacking in scoring ability. Very little can be said in praise of the A’s. By not taking the game seriously, they lost a splendid chance of perfecting their combined play. Goals were going to be easy, so each forward went on the field with the intention of scoring as many as he could, while all the backs seemed imbued with the idea that all they had to do was to walk up to the ball, whenever it came near them, and pot it up the field. As a result, combined play was conspicuous by its absence. Bryant, on the left wing, in his eagerness to score, often obstructed Negus, the inner, whose play was not improved thereby. On the other wing, Baughen was also often out of position. This, however, was partly the fault of Woodroofe, the inner, who was continually wandering into the centre of the half line. The whole forward line of the A’s bad a propensity for “loafing” off-side, while the fullbacks seemed to have the idea that they were there to keep the goalkeeper company. It is certain that if the A’s wish to give a good account of themselves in the next round they will have to pull themselves together. It is pleasing to see the way the ladies are sticking to the game. Although hopelessly beaten in every game, they continue to battle ou, in the hope, no doubt, that victory will one day come their way. So it will. A little less selfishness among the players would do a lot towards bringing it closer.

In the men’s competition. Moutoa are now leading with 8 points, Levin A 7, and Foxton 6.