HOCKEY, 1927

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 31, 29 April 1927, Page 6

HOCKEY, 1927

Season’s Prospects Division of Seniors GROUNDS POLICY REVISED The decision of the executive committee of the Auckland Hockey Association to give all teams playing in the senior grade competitions equal opportunity of competing on the Nos. 1 and 2 grounds at Remuera will meet with general satisfaction among the clubs taking part in first-grade hockey. It is recognised that it is futile to hope to produce hockey at its best on any but the best grounds. Unlike other winter games which may be satisfactorily contested on an area that is reasonably level, even if rough and lumpy, hockey demands a field that is flat and devoid of the little hillocks which do not affect the standard of the play of the football games to the same extent. To be continually dodging balls that rebound from a bumpy field is not conducive to good hockey; hence an improvement in the play of the lesser lights in the grade may be anticipated as the natural consequence of using the better grounds. Not that the fields at Remuera are in bad order —far from it. Yet it is apparent from the decision of the executive that grounds Nos. 1 and 2 are superior to the other seven.

The competitions should be particularly interesting this season, by reason of the appearance of three new teams, which, in spite of conjecture and prophesy, are certainly an unknown quantity. University Colts, Epiphany, and Training College are the newcomers, who, by their entry, bring the list to 10 teams, the largest number in any one grade. The division of the seniors into A and B sections should facilitate the handling of the grade which has obviously become unwieldy by its very prosperity. At the end of the season the winner of the B section has the right to challenge the lowest team in the A section, and if successful may challenge the winner of the A section for premiership honours. TEAMS' PROSPECTS Training College intends fielding practically the same team that played second grade last year. It is understood that University is particularly strong this year and has enough players offering to fill seven teams. The students have gained as greatly in

quality as they have in numbers, and the first eleven will undoubtedly be a formidable combination. Both of last year’s fullbacks will be replaced by Brown, late of Mount Eden, and by D. Hume, who played for Varsity two years ago. The halves will probably consist of Radeliffe (centre), Dr. Leonard and Barrett, an ex-Canterbury player, and Philpott, a Dominion representative, should strengthen the forwards in company with Miller, a recruit from Stanley. Somerville intends entering five teams and should again play a prominent part in Auckland hockey. Owing to the fact that Baildon is not available, and that Roberts is uncertain, it seems that a couple of new fullbacks must appear. The forward line is still intact and the Watts brothers, supported by Seccombe, can be relied on wTien an attack is to be launched. St. Luke’s has not yet definitely completed its senior team, but Potter, Duncan and Williams will be there, and Rowe will lend a hand occasionally. Steele has promised to turn out for the beginning of the season. There are but "few changes in Mount Eden. Brown has gone over to University, while Dwight has arrived from Stanley and Cohen from Somerville. The club will place three teams in the competitions. Wesley has found four teams for the season, and prospects appear rosy for the green jerseys. The seniors should be stronger than during the last contests. Woolley will guard the net and Sparling takes up his old position at fullback. His associate has not yet been determined, but it is believed that a fullback from another club intends to play for Wesley. The halves and forwards are practically the former representatives, with Frater, from Stanley, to assist. Almost each season it is reported that Areta will be among the year’s departed. It was so on this occasion. However, to its credit the club has rallied and entered a team in the senior division. The team will be up to last season’s strength from all accounts. The new Epiphany first graders are to consist mainly of old players advanced from the second grade. Stephenson, an English player, is a likely man. Rankin, of the junior reps., will keep goal, and White has come from Stanley. University will compete in ths interVarsity tourney to be held at Christchurch on the King’s birthday. Wesley has already received a challenge from Feilding for the Philpott Cup, and Wellington intends coming north if Wesley comes out unbeaten.