COUNTRY HOCKEY

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 97, 15 July 1927, Page 7

COUNTRY HOCKEY

WAIPA’S TRIUMPH

IMPRESSIONS OF PLAYERS All hockey players throughout the province will join in generous appreciation of Waipa’s splendid record in taking home the White Horse Cup for the fourth year in succession. It was certainly a fine achievement in winning the coveted trophy after defeating such worthy rivals as Fiako and Whangarei after the issue was clouded by Waipa’s two draws early in the competitions. Now that all the congratulations are over and Douglas’s men are busy burnishing up the White Horse Cup and Whangarei’s representatives, as runners-up, are cheerfully hoping for better times, while admiring the captain White Cup, their share of the booty, the time seems favourable for a discussion on some of the players who took part in the memorable battles recently decided at Remuera. Taken as a whole, the eight teams competing showed a superiority in the forward line over the men in the back divisions. The exception was Tauranga, whose backs were sounder than the attacking division. Taking Waipa first, the van was a skilful combination, of which C. Spiers, left winger, gave the most convincing display. His centring and stick-work when dribbling down the field were something good to watch: he will prove a valuable asset to the Dominion touring team. T. Finch, on the other wing, though a small man in stature, has a big knowledge of an outside right’s duties, and though not quite so sure of himself as Spiers is on the other flank, he was responsible for much of the scoring done by his inside men. H. and R. Andrew and G. Finch, were all competent wielders of the ash in the circle and up and down the field. O. Finch, Linehan and McDonald knew their job in the half line, and all showed evidence of careful coaching in the art of feeding the front line. Finch seemed to be the most convincing of the trio. There are few people who can remain as cool as L. Spiers when assailed by a bustling forward squad out for business. His fullback tactics were a feature of Waipa’s magnificent defence. Carl, associated with him, was not so prominent, but he was safe, if not outstandingly brilliant.