HOCKEY.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 27 June 1919, Page 2

HOCKEY.

I OTAKI <3) v. TAINUI (e). " The championship fixture! were adgvanced another stage on Wednesday, when the above teams met. The day wtis wintry, and players, eager for the fray, proved anxious to do a good siiwrn of work. The gamo opened briskly, and some very fine play was noticeable in both spells, members on each fide exhibiting good staying powers, while their knowledge of the game showed improvement. The splendid hitting if several of the "colt*" wax pleasing, and although there was tendency with some to give "sticks:" breaches were not frequent. Player* also stopped in. good style, passed cleanly, and on the whole put in solid work. There was a decided tendency, however, to pass to the side-lines when attacking, and this is a fault that should be remedied. The tendency should be to centre, ami then by short, crisp passing, to enable players to shoot with advantage. Another fault was off-side play. JROt due to "pointing," but through overeagerness. Players, it ihay be mentioned, made frequent appeals to tke referees, aad in future it. would be jttrt as well if they saved their wind a-as* played without appealing. Referees are there to do their be*t for sport, aid not to shut their eyes to breaches «f the game. The first spell ended ia favor of OtaV.i, Joe- Ay re, by a. welldirected hit, storing a ni«« g*aL The second half was well contested, aa<J [although Adsett scored two fine goals for Otaki, the opponent* by no Were outclassed. They ia fttm challenged the opposing baeks, oftimei reached the circle and shooting, but the ball cither went v,-ide or was cropped in good style. The backs on both" sides were very alert and went >« th? assistance of their goal keeper ia a proper way, while the forward* kepi more to their positions, than in previous garaei«. To individual!)!* the rSayeri on either side would be unfair, a» the nsajority " played splendid hockey. Eeaiana. aad Nieoiscm wer* re-