HOCKEY HAPPENINGS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 248, 10 June 1932, Page 6

HOCKEY HAPPENINGS

AARD CUP GAME YOUNG PLAYERS DEMONSTRATE CAPABILITIES FOR REP. HONOURS. IMPROVED TE PUKE TEAM.

(Notes by "Sticks.") Hockey enthusiasts had many matches to interest them during the last week-end, the annual Aard Cup I Tourney being decided on Friday, the iKing's Birthday, and a good game between the Shamrocks and Mourea team being played on Saturday afteznoon. Once again the day fixed for the Aard Cup matches broke beautifully ifine and a large attendance were provided with a display of good, closely fought hbclcey. It was unforjtunate that the Te Teko Club team which had entered for the tourney, failed to put in an appearance at the ground, leaving Te Puke as the only outside team to challenge Rotorua, the holders of the cup. The improvment in the play of the Te Puke side since the last matches was very noticeable and in all three ■ games played, the play was aiways even, the visitors on many occasions being unlucky not to score. Playing at the top of her form, Lena Tanner was invaluable to the side and played a spectacular game ,both on defence and attack. I. iCooney, J. Tanner and Mrs. McKenzie were also prominent in the Te Puke team's play and if the side can be held together the experience gained during the season's games should help to mould a combination which will extend the best teams in the district. The fact that several of the best players were missing from the Rotorua teams indicates that there is much promising material available with which to mould the Association's representative teams without the necessity of relying altogether on those players who have figured in representative teams for many years past. With I the affiliation of the Whakatane Clubs who have indicated a desire to join the Rotorua Association, the local selectors will be provided with all the material desired to choose what should be one of the strongest ladies' teams in the Dominion. Players Perf ormances. In last Friday 's games, W. Wickliffe did not prove the success on the right wing which it was hoped she might, her main fault being offside play and a tendency to work into the centre. L. Thomas of Mamaku, playing in the same position in the B team was probably her superior and played a rattling game in both matches. Mattie Mitchell and M. Raimona, both young players and inside forwards played well and with more experience in big hockey should worry the best of backs. Next to Lena Tanner of Te Puke, the best player on the ground was J. Chaytor at left half in the A team, her consistency being remarkable. Tapu Mitchell (centre half) is also a consistent performer and shows signs of developing into a fine captain. Both R. Manahi and H. Huni, proved safe goalies for their respective teams and both made some capable saves. The match between the A and B teams proved the most interesting of the day, the latter side fully extending their more seasoned opponents. Owing to the unexpected default of several players the positions :n the B team were filled on the ground and their display was for this reason all the more creditable. The captain, M. Blaclc, led her forwards capably and as already stated, had a reliable f ight wing in L. Thomas. R. Kingi, W. Hall and L. Hato also put in a lot of good stickworlc. The "Free Hit." Following the discussion on "Ob?truction" we come to the rule regarding "Free Hits" and this I will now proceed to explain. On the occasion of a free hit all dayers must stand at least five yards away from the player taking the hit. Occasions will sometimes occur when :n order to delay the hit to allow her team-mates to get into position, a player will purposely stand within five -vrds of the striker and in this even'uality the refei'ee may allow the hit ' In.- taken immediately, but should ihe opponent attempt to play the ball he should direct that the hit be taken again. The player taking a free hit is not pennitted to again play the ball until it has been played by some other Mayer of either side, but it should bo noted that should the player hit at, but miss the ball when taking a free hit, the stroke does not constitute a hit and another attempt may be made. Some players do not appear to be very sure of this latter point. In men's hockey, a free hit in the circle must be taken on the spot where the breach occurred, but the ladies' rules allow it to be taken from any selected spot in the circle. This is a very valuable concession and in all cases the ball should be placed on the edge of the circle, the. five yards clearance which the opponent must allow ensuring that the circle will be effectively cleared of immediate danger. Another rule of which little is known by players is that in all cases the ball must be stationary when a free hit is being taken, the referee being empowered to recall the hit if this is not done. The push stroke is now allowed to be utilised in taking a free hit. In the event of the player taking the hit giving "sticks" she is of course oenalised as in general play, by a free hit to the opposing side, or should this breach occur in the circle, a penalty eorner would be awarded. My next article will concern corner hits.