HOCKEY

Manawatu Standard, Volume LX, Issue 118, 17 April 1940, Page 8

HOCKEY

A hockey match was played on Saturday at Hokowhitu between the new-ly-formed Ohakea Air Force team and a Palmerston North team selected from players of the Broadway, United and Phoenix Clubs. In a hard-fought game Palmerston North emerged winners by 2 goals to none, Donaldson scoring both. Although the hockey was not of a particularly high standard, the game was never dull, both sides fighting hard all the way. The Air Force team have some fine material and will develop into a good side. Their style of play is very similar to the University team's —fast, open, clean hockey. Their positional play will have to be improved, particularly during the roll-in; the opposing centre-half was continually left completely unmarked. The Air Force forwards were fast and the inside men showed good stiekwork. There was, however, a decided weakness in the circle which with practice will be overcome. This was in evidence in the opposing side also. The halfbacks were hard-working and kept their position well, Abraham, at centre, being outstanding. He has improved his play immensely since he was last seen in action here. The full-backs were sound and O’Brien, particularly, played a fine game at right full-back. In the Palmerston team Beale was a clever and versatile centre forward; Donaldson and Nesbit ably supporting him. Hoare, on the left wing, although playing out of position, made some fine runs and some of his centres were brilliant. Jn the half-hack line Stewart was sound at centre, although a little slow at times. Nuthall, on the left, produced some good stiekwork, but wandered too much. Winks played good hockey at right half, and his positional play and stiekwork were really firstclass. Harris, at full-back, was the best back on the ground and was ably supported by Swectman, who, however, must overcome his tendency to speculate ■