HOCKEY.

Otago Daily Times, Issue 19473, 7 May 1925, Page 5

HOCKEY.

By Centee-Half. “Compliments of the hockey season” was a remark from one player to another on the Oval last Saturday. May I borrow tho expression in conveying such happy sentiments to all interested in the game. While sticks have been in evidence about tho playing areas for the past few weeks—during which time players were getting in preliminary practices for the more serious business to come, last Saturday was the official opening for club matches, The sun shone brightly all the afternoop, making the condition very pleasant for outdoor games. Unfortunately the grass, as is usual when tho season opens, is too long to permit of tho best results, but wo hope that the City Council will be, ablb to give some little attention to improving the grounds in that direction. In senior hotkey this year there nro five teams only—our old friends (Gymnastic Club) having at last succumbed to the hardships and difficulties of keeping a club alive when it has no association of boys or other body to recruit from. Wo mourn the loss cf the “Reds” from our midst. Vin Fleet has joined the ranks of University and will till a long-felt, want in their A team —viz., a solid left full-back. He donned the new colours for the first time last Saturday. Eric Patterson intends to throw in his lot with Albany, so wo expect to hear good ot him ns the season progresses. I have heard nothing of tho rest of lust year’s Gymnastic team. Seven teams have entered tho junior grade—the. newly-formed High School Old Boys’ Club playing a team in this section. Tho association cordially welcomes the now club and wishes its players prosperity. To justify themselves they opened with a handsome won by defeating University C by four goals to nil. Keen interest was centred on the University and City match played on No. 1 ground under tho control of Messrs Wallace and Hewitt. The game was fast from start to finish, and the result was in doubt right up to tho final whistle. For an opening match it was a first-class exhibition, auguring well for a high standard of play during tho season. Both teams have made changes from lust year’s combination. Conspicuous alterations in tho Blues’ ranks were Bernie (right wing), Fleet (back), and Smytho (goal). Other players are playing in new positions. Watson is not available in the meantime for tho forward lino, Edson taking his place on the left. In the City team Les Ireland is occupying his old position as right back in company with his brother Len. Juniors are playing as left-half and inside right vice Mnyston and M‘lvor. Tlie final result of throe goals all was a very satisfactory conclusion. City gave their opponents a shock within the firsr, few minutes when Woodfiold netted a goal. Quarter of an hour Inter Duncan got possession and manoeuvred the ball into tho corner of the net while University had not scored, though they had possession of tho Blacks’ circle for quite a time, but careless breaches of the rules by tho Blue forwards enabled City to relieve The hiirdost workers on the field were the respective centre-halves, Leonard (University) and Harry Gurr (City). Tho latter on his form was tho best player oh the ground, his clever stick and footwork being features of a splendid exhibition —he is the type of player that can put hockey in Otago on a higher plane. Leonard has not lost any of his dash, ho is not yet at his best, so we may expect to see him again an oustaudmg figure in his team within the next week or two. Fleet played a solid game ia tho back line, but ho had tho weaker side of City line to oppose, so was not put to a serious test. Next to H. Gurr in tho City team may bo mentioned Woodfiold and Duncan in tho front lino, and Les Ireland at full back. Some of tho latter’s stopping and clearing was almost, marvellous. More than once ho outplayed three or four opponents in succession, and eventually got in a clean relieving hit to his forward line. , The prettiest passing rush of the game was put on by City, T.cn Ireland initiating on the twentylive yards’ line, thence to Gurr, juu., zigzagging to 'Mnyston and finally to Ifughio Duncan. No score, however, resulted, though tho movement was very prettily executed, to the embarrassment of tho opposition. I hope to see much more of this class of combined action daring tho season. The other senior match, Albany v. University B, also ended in a draw. 4 goals all. Tho game was of a rath or ragged nature in parts —too much hard hitting and little science—but both teams can lie excused for lack of combination so early in (he season. I noticed Button and Millar (both ex A men) playing for University B team. The Albany team is very similar to last year’s eleven. It was pleasing to note that tho referees were enforcing the five yards rule on a roll in. Strict observance of this rule will make representative players more at homo when testing them strength against other provinces. Complaints are being made about tho men trespassing on the grounds allotted to the ladies and interfering with tho starting ann play of their matches. It is our duty to help the Indies and not binder them. I trust this reminder earlv in tho season will he sufficient to warn all men players that they must not practice on the Indies’ grounds nor in any way interfere with the successful progress of their matches. Tho local committee has boon considering its weak financial position seriously, find at last reluctantly came to the conclusion that with its present meagre income it could not afford to pay for the services of a secretary. Mr J. A, Robinson has been prevailed upon to undertake the duties as non. secretary and treasurer for the year. It 'is now up to those, who will derive the benefit of his work—i.e.. the players themselves, to rally round and assist him and tho executive in making tho season a very successful and prosperous one. Assistance can bo given in many ways, some ot which are- - protecting and caring for the up-keop of the association’s property, exemplary conduct on and off tho field of play, and playing the game every rime in the best sporting spirit. The executive has had a busy time in organising the season’s programme of matches, and. to give every consideration to some of the officials, have already appointed tho selectors for the season. Mr J. A. Robinson has again been appointed to, and accepted, tho position of solo selector for senior representative teams, and Mr H. F. Payton selector of junior teams. Both these gentlemen nro enthusiasts, and from their knowledge of the play and players should give satisfaction to everybody when they make np their respective “honours roll."