HOCKEY

Otago Witness, Issue 4029, 2 June 1931, Page 28

HOCKEY

SATURDAY’S MATCHES. DUNEDIN. CITY v. TECHNICAL OLD BOYS. • City met Technical Old Boys on the Oval No. 1 on Saturday when a fast game resulted in a win for City by 3 goals to 2. From the initial bully City attacked, carrying the ball into Old Boys’ circle, but off-side play spoiled a good effort. Up-and-down play followed, with City continuing to have the better of the play, until a nice forward movement, headed by Mayston, saw Gillespie net with a fine shot. From the resulting bully Old Boys took the upper hand, Silver carrying the ball into City circle, but Ireland, who was playing great hockey, cleared to Butler, who took the ball down the line, and a nice forward movement resulted in Mayston scoring from a difficult angle. Old Boys then took a hand in attacking, Swan and Silver taking the ball right through, giving the goalie no chance. Halftime was then called, the score being: City 2, Technical Old Boys 1. On resuming play, City pressed hard for about five minutes, but good back play by Technical frustrated many good efforts. Too many infringements were spoiling the play at this period, making the game patchy and without interest, until Bond cleared to O’Brien, who started a fine forward effort, which resulted in Swan scoring for Old Boys. City seemed to brighten up at this reverse, and kept Old Boys on the defence, until, from a nice pass by Ireland, Gillespie shot his second goal. Up-and-down play followed, with City still pressing, until the game ended:— City .. 3 goals Technical Old Boys .. 2 goals Messrs Chapman and Abernethy were the referees, OLD BOYS v. UNIVERSITY B. On the Oval the Old Boys defeated University B by 8 goals to nil. Owing to the University vacation the Blues could not field their original team. However, the substitutes played well. Old Boys’ defence was too solid for University, the Blues failing to score. Old Boys scored four goals in the first half and a similar number in the second half, the players placing tlie ball into the net being Callon 3, Martin 3. Smith, and Hanning 1 each. Old Boys did the bulk of attacking. The game ended:— Old Boys 8 goals University B .... Nil Messrs J. Starr and Sew Hoy were the referees. SECOND GRADE. H. 5.0.8. Colts 5, Caversham Presbyterian 1. Technical Old Boys B 5, H. 5.0.8. Toas 2. Albany B 3, University E nil. LADIES’ HOCKEY MOMONA v. TRIANGLE. Momona played a very good game against Triangle on Oval No. 1, where conditions were good. Triangle could not get going against sound defensive tactics. The game generally was disappointing, play being ragged from beginning to end. Momona .. .. .. 2 goals. Triangle .. Nil. Mr T. Bradshaw was the referee. OTAGO v. TECHNICAL OLD GIRLS. Otago and Technical played a very even game at the Oval, where conditions were first class for hockey. Technical held tlie Otago attack very well and kept the Otago defence busy throughout. A very wellcontested game resulted:— Otago 4 goals. Technical Old Girls .. 2 goals. Mr L. Fogo was referee. B GRADE. Otago 7, Momona nil. C GRADE. Technical Old Girls 2, Otago 1. Momona 4, Taieri 4. LADIES’ HOCKEY IN OTAGO. JUBILEE OF ASSOCIATION. An important event in the. history of ladies’ hockey is to be celebrated on June 3—the silver jubilee of the Otago Ladies’ Hockey Association. The actual date of the first meeting of delegates was April 2, 1906, when Miss Cora Clark presided over a small meeting representing the Dunedin, Otago, St. Clair, University, Waiata, and St. Hilda’s Clubs, and of these only Otago and University have continued uninterruptedly through the 25 years. It was decided unanimously at that meeting, that an association should be formed and from that date until the present the association has an honourable record of considerable progress. This has been achieved chiefly through the conscientious and enthusiastic work -of the association's executive officers during that period. In glancing back through the list of office-bearers it becomes apparent that the association has been exceedingly fortunate in its choice of presidents and secretaries. The list of presidents since the association was inaugurated makes interesting reading. In 1906 Miss C. Clark occupied the chair. Then came Miss Woodhouse in 1907 and 1908, Misses M Tucker, D. Lees, M. Marchant —each for one year—Miss F. Allan (principal of the Girls’ High School) for 1912 and 1913. Mr G. R. Ritchie was next fm seven years in succession, and from 1922 to the present time Mrs Richard Hudson, Jun., has occupied the office. It is particularly pleasing that Mr Hudson occupies the chair at' the jubilei period, for she has done yeoman service

for ladies’ hockey throughout Otago during her term of office with the association and also as president of the Otago Ladies' Hockey Chib. The list of secretaries also is full of interest. First of all in 1906 is Miss Woodhouse, and after her Misses Tucker, Dowling, and Lees, each holding office for one year. Then came Miss E. M. Blackie (now Mrs G. A. Nelson) with two years’ service, she being followed by Miss Wellstead for one year. In 1913 and 1914 Miss E. M. Blackie again held office (this was the strenuous year when the English team visited New Zealand). Miss A. W. Hastings followed in 1915. then Miss F. V. White for three years. From 1919 to 1922 Miss A. Henderson was secretary. In 1923 the late Miss L. Dewar occupied the position, and finally, from 1924 to the present time, Miss May Hill has been secretary. It is also particularly fitting that Miss Hill should be secretary during this jubilee year, for she has been an exceed ingly hard worker and is held in high esteem by members of the executive and players.

In looking through the records there is one name which stands out prominently above all others for special commendation, and that is the name of Mrs G. A. Nelson. Mrs Nelson was a player for many years, but it is as a member of the executive that she is best known. She has been a member of that body since 1910, and, besides being secretary for four years, has been chairwoman for many years. Much of the progress the association has made has been due to her rare powers of organisation and the personal influence she has with the players and ex-players. Prior to 1906 friendly games had for some years been played, chiefly between the secondary schools of that period—namely, Girls’ High School, Braemar House, Girton College, and St. Hilda’s College, and it was the many ex-players of those schools who were instrumental in forming the association. At first games were played every second Saturday, bur as the players became more enthusiastic matches were afterwards arranged every Saturday. From this small beginning the association has grown to such an extent that it now controls 24 teams in its three grades, 10 in the secondary schools and 14 in the primary schools, as well as its sub-associations.

It was in 190 S that the first six-a-sidc tournament was held at Forbury Park (the ground where all matches were played in those days), and in the year following the first representative match with Canterbury was played. In 1910 it was the opinion of several members of the executive that it would be advisable to have men on the associa tion, and accordingly a motion to that effect was proposed. This was defeated after much discussion, and it was not until 1914 that men were elected as officebearers. This was the year of the English team's visit, and Mr G. R. Ritchie was elected to the presidency, and the vice-presidents included Messrs T. Somerville, J. J. Clark, H. Hams, and H. E. Moller. All were on various committees and took a live interest in the game. The other vice-presidents that year were Miss Allan, the late Miss Fisher, and Miss D. Lees, and the executive included Misses V. Jacobs, A. Foley, M. Farra, and E. Riehdale and the secretary, Miss Blackie.

In 1915 a few more clubs had come into existence, due no doubt to the wonderful impression the English team had made. The clubs were University, Otago, Momona, St. Joseph’s, Waiata, Konini (which consisted of players from the North-East Valley district), Taieri, Columba College, Girls’ High School and St. Hilda’s. The Dunedin Club became defunct in this year and go did the Defiance Club (players from Ross and Glendining’s). Another club which existed about 1911 was the Albion Club, but in a few years that also became defunct.

The Waiata and Otago Clubs were the real mainstays of the Otago Ladies’ Hockey Association up till this period, and most of their members were enthusiastic workers besides providing the bulk of the representative players about this time. Some of the players and members of the executive of the earlier years were Misses K. Black and her sister, P. Crammond, M. and B. Farra, M. and E. Foster, D. Lees, V. Jacobs (a member of the executive for many years and an arduous worker), W. Spedding, F. Fisher, M. Hodges and most of these represented the province.

Round about the time of the English team’s tour some of the players of note were Misses M'Kenzie and her sister (St. Joseph’s), the three Murray sisters (also from St. Joseph’s), A. Aitken, D. Lyders, A. Morgan, K. Armour, F. Marryatt, T. Whitehead, F. White (High School), L. Bennett, C. Hansen, the late Miss L. Dewar (Momona), W. Worsdell, C. Morrison, W. Maitland, V. Wedderspoon (Waiata), I. Fraser, A. Foley, I. Rabbidge, E. M'Masters, A. Swift, K. and J. Stevenson (Otago), K. Simkin, E. Bain, E. Wills (University), E. Richdale (Ravensbourne). It would be impossible to enumerate all ot those players who have won representative honours for Otago in recent years, but among those who come to mind may be mentioned Misses Kathleen Miller (who now plays for Wellington, and who is one of the finest women swimmers of New Zealand), L. I ray, M. Hervey (now sports mistress at Columba College and also secondary schools’ representative on the Ladies’ xecutive), B. Grigor, I. Wallace (now 'aching Alexandra High School), L. awson and her sister, B. Yorston, K. Wills, 0. Brighton, L. Guest and her

sister, M. Kingston, M. Blagdon, M. Adams, A. Mackie, R. Gosney, etc. MATCHES AND TOURNAMENTS. The match with the English ladies’ team which was played at Carisbrook, was the first big advertisement that Otago had for ladies’ hockey. This match was played before a good crowd of spectators, the visitors winning by 6 goals to 1 goal. The visitors were absolute champions at the game, being possessed of remarkable speed and combination. Their stickwork was wonderful, and immediately a player drew her opponent she would tap the ball on to the next player and leave the opposition standing. The whole forward line espeeialy played like a machine and swooped down on the defence time and time again in one solid line. The English teams then and to-day seem to have their players for a longer period, for many play hockey when well past 30 years of age, while in New Zealand players are very much younger when, they cease playing. The Otago team to play the visitors was as follows:— Misses M'Kenzie (St. Joseph’s), K. Black (Waiata), D. Lyders (Girls’ High), M. Farra (Waiata), I. Fraser (Otago), M. Bishop (Balclutha), A. Aitken (Girls’ High), W. Worsdell (Waiata), E. Bain (University), K. Stevenson (Otago), and O. Murray (St. Joseph’s). Misses E. Richdale (Ravensbourne) and E. Wills (University), were the emergencies. Otago’s first appearance at a New Zealand tournament was at Nelson, about 1912, and since then teams have been sent twice to Palmerston North, once to Canterbury and once to Southland. In 1922, the New Zealand tournament was held in Dunedin, and the Southland team proved the winners. This victory was the means of bringing Southland into the New Zealand hockey world, as it was its first entry in a New Zealand tournament and the Southland team has kept its province to the fore ever since, having on several occasions won the coveted trophy. Otago has not so far been so successful, but of late years high hopes have been raised, for Otago has finished third on several occasions. GROUNDS. In the early years of the association there was a great scarcity of grounds. The principal one was situated on the present site r of the Anderson’s Bay tennis courts, and representative matches were always played there, Most of the grade matches were played at Forbury Park. Part of the track was utilised besides the inside area, and many a game was interrupted by a harrier race, the players having to make off to the fence until the runners sprinted past. Another ground was situated in front of the grand stand, and whenever'the ball happened to be hit up the steps the ball was out of play, but if the ball went under the steps it was still in play. That was the rule on that particular ground, and many tussles went on under that dark stairway. The association is much better off for grounds than in those days, and now has four grounds on the Oval. There is a ground at Jubilee Park, three at Logan Park, and one at the. Domain—all a great improvement on those of the past. SUB-ASSOCIATIONS. In 1911 the South Otago Sub-associa-tion was admitted as the first to come under the jurisdiction of the Otago body-. One of those responsible for its formation was Miss Farrell, who is still an active member of the South Otago Executive. Vincent was the first of the Central Otago sub-associations to come into existence, and then came Tuapeka and Maniototo. Two years ago Vincent and Tuapeka withdrew and formed the Central Otago Association, but as yet this association has not competed at a New Zealand tournament. Miss Hilda Keddell was an outstanding Central Otago player and a member of the first Clyde Club team. Her brilliancy soon caught the eyes of the Otago selectors, and in consequence she represented Otago several times. In 1922, when the New Zealand tournament was held at Tahuna Park, she was a member of the Otago 11 team. She was a fine player, though inclined at times to be a soloist, and it was her own team that developed that failing for the ball was passed to Miss Keddell on every occasion. It is on record that once when Otago played at Clyde two half-backs were emphatically told to shadow Miss Keddell every minute, and they did so to such good purpose that Otago ' eventually won comfortably. Her shooting was uncanny, for whenever she reached the circle there was sure to be a goal. Since her retirement she is carrying on the work by coaching and acting as referee in Central Otago.

NEW CLUBS. During the last few years a good many new clubs have been formed, and have entered teams in the association’s grade matches. Some of the newcomers are Triangle, Kaikorai, Technical Old Girls, and Training College, and it may be mentioned that both University and Training College ex-players are doing great work in promoting the game in the country districts. The popular Watea Club owes its first enthusiasm to Miss Sutherland, who went to the Moeraki district to teach and began tlie game of hockey there. The Watea Club subsequently became the North Otago champions, and on several occasions ran the seven-a-side tournament winners very close for the coveted banner. With the assistance of Mr Hill-Scully Miss Sutherland worked up a strong team there,

and she is now promoting the game in Clydevale.

The annual seven-a-side tournament is another fixture that has done much to further the progress of hockey in the Otago district, and it is extremely popular, particularly w'ith the country cluN? affiliated through sub-associations. The > entries have increased enormously, and the event has developed into a real picnic day for everyone—a day when old friendships can be renewed and new ones made. GENERAL. The standard of hockey played in Otago during the 25 years has always been well maintained, and the record of the game in the province and indeed throughout New Zealand is a creditable one, and its traditions should act as an incentive to the present day-players to play the game for the game’s sake. In this connection the referees call for special commendation for keeping the game clean, from the earliest records when Messrs C. Jarman, *J. Hobbs, .N. Fisher took control at Forbury Park until more recently when the matches were controlled by such as the late Mr H. Hellyer (for many years sole selector for Otago), Messrs J. Martyn (another arduous worker for ladies’ hockey since 1914), J. Gray, D. Miller (both selectors), R. S. Wallace, and many others. The only big difficulty that is a constant worry to the association is finance. The only income is from the seven-a-side tournament and any representative fixture held here, and even then the gates are never up to expectations, and it is the girls themselves who have to organise bazaars, etc., to gather sufficient funds to pay travelling expenses for touring teams. Liberal support has alwavs been given in this direction bv Mr P. W. Shacklock. The association through all the years has not been selfish in its &ims, but has always been willing to help in any patriotic or civic functions, and whenever girls are required for street collections, etc., their time has been given ungrudgingly.