SOFT GOING

NZ Truth, Issue 1191, 27 September 1928, Page 16

SOFT GOING

Stick Game Neariiig The Final (From "N.Z. Truth's" Auckland Rep.) In spite of the elements, -some good hockey was seen m the Devonport Shield competition on Saturday. In only one match was the scoring high and m that game one team fielded a scratch side. NEITHER Epiphany nor Mt. Eden could place a full team m the field, but m spite of that handicap, both sides hit the ball about well. Throughout •■ it all the defence held, and neither team succeeded m scoring during the match. C. Mills played a great game for Epiphany. Combining the dual positions of full-back and goalie, he was never at fault, though a couple of hot shots were sent m by Eden. : • His partner m the back line, J. Mills, also shone out m defence. A tricky stick artist, it was on this he relied to relieve Epiphany's line, whereas C. Mills was noted more for his sureness and solidarity m stopping and clearing. , . The half line had a difficult task m holding 1 Eden's van, but proved a trio of bustlers, Winks m particular standing out, while on the other wing, Michel kept close on the heels of Fletcher. Also minus a goalie, Surman and Anderson shared the responsibility of keeping their goal intact, Surman being the more sure defender. Kelly did not seem certain as to whether he should field with the halves or the forwards, but finally occupied the centre-forward position, where, m combination with Fletcher and Ash, he at times had Epiphany hard pushed to effect a clearance. On a ground cut up as a result of the efforts of Epiphany and Mt. Eden, St. Lukes and University slipped and slithered m their attempts to gain the decision. It was the Saints' fine, all-round combination that told, and their goalie, perhaps fortunately on the exhibition he did give, had practically little to do. The Saints seemed to pin their faith to the ability of the right to. cut through the defence, while Varsity, m spite of the, fact that Philpotts early showed that tttven the opporunity he would be dangerous, neglected their left-winger and tried to go through m the centre. Of the Saints forward, Butler and Bay, inside right and inside left respectively, were playing well. Butler m particular seemed to be choosing his position m the field carefully and was usually, found slightly behind-the van, and just m front of the half. Hookham gave more glimpses of his old speed and ability, but it cannot be said that he has regained the formthat gave him a place m the New Zealand team a couple of seasons ago. Until he received an injury, Ellison, Varsity's left half, was giving a tjreat' display and several times when m. a duel with Hookham he made the exrep, look a veritable tyro. Radcliffe used his reach and speed to advantage m clearing, but would have . served his team better had he fed his wings more. ' ' With play confined to the inner three, Don, Seelen and Hamilton had a merry time with the ball, and it mjust be admitted so had the referee with the whistle.