HOCKEY IN THE RAIN

Sun (Auckland), Volume I, Issue 153, 19 September 1927, Page 11

HOCKEY IN THE RAIN

SATURDAY’S SERIES SOMERVILLE BEATS ARETA VARSITY’S BIG SCORE In spite of driving rain and slippery grounds, some interesting hockey of a fair standard was seen at Remuera on Saturday. The chief attraction was Somerville's match with Areta, played on No. 1 ground. A_fter a fast and eventful struggle, Somerville emerged the winner by 4—3. It was a match of lost opportunities on both sides. Although the first half was anybody’s game, Somerville had distinctly the better of matters in the last session and if it were not for the remarkable exhibition of goal-keeping given by Ninkie, Areta’s custodian, Somerville’s forwards would have had several more goals in their bag. Wesley gained an easy victory over Epiphany by the sound margin of s—l.5 —1. The Greens forward line worked well in unison and had little trouble in piercing Epiphany’s defence. The Varsity-Somerville Colts fixture which promised well as a keen game at first, soon developed into a debacle and ended in a runaway win for the students by 11 —1. SHIELD POINTS The following table shows the posiI tions of the teams in the Devonport

SOMERVILLE HAS NARROW WIN OVER ARETA The treacherous state of the playing area spoiled what might have been a first-rate exhibition of fast hockey, when Somerville beat Areta by the narrow margin of the odd goal in seven, nevertheless many sparkling bouts of passing were witnessed, particuarly among the Somerville forwards. The first spell was anybody’s game and the fact that four goals were scored in the earlier stages would indicate that the defence on both sides wasr not strong. By far the best hockey was exhibited by Somerville’s forwards, who were all in good form. The Watts brothers, Clive and Eric, associated with Seccombe, were as dangerous as ever they have been, and had the ground been dry more goals would certainly have been registered. Rogers, left winger, also rendered good service, but he appeared to see little of the ball. Harold Watts was useful on the right flank. Hoggett and E. Rogers were; the mainstay of the half division which carried most of the burden of defence. The fullbacks. Munro and C. Gutry, did very well considering that they had already played out a match the same afternoon. Cooper, in goal did not shine as brightly as usual, but was able to save some hot shots. Areta’s weakness in the forward line was chiefly the res ult of bunch ing and selfish play. Frequent promising onslaughts reached the enemy circle where wild shooting or breacnes. specially of the stick rule, spoiled some chances. , . Again, the fullbacks were not able to smother or intercept Somerville's passing rusliesi and haa it not been for the excellent and surprising display of goal-keeping by Ninkie, the game would have been one-sided in favour of the Whites. This young player has steadily improved during the season and is becoming a first-class goalie. His kicking was vigorous and sure anci he can wield a powerful clearing stick. He has a future Like Somerville’s. Areta’s half line bore the brunt of the defence. Ashley did the lion’s share of the work and fed his forwards as opportunities permitted. was unfortunate that Davis got injured, for without him the Black’s defence was obviously disorganised. VARSITY GOES GOAL HUNTING Varsity added another win to its unbroken record when it trounced Somerville Colts to the tune of 11 —1- There was nothing glorious about the victory. From after the first 10 minutes the game was dominated by the students’ forwards, who played havoc with Somerville's pathetic defence. Apparently Somerville Colts are a fair weather side, as half the regular team failed to turn out, so that the vacant places had to be filled w’ith second graders and other equally unfitted for senior hockey. A good deal of comment was bandied about on the side line as to the great game the regular team would have put up against Varsity—had it turned out. Very possibly. But the fact remains that half the Colts decided it wasn’t worth while turning out, and according to their team-mates there was no excuse. If this is all some people care about senior hockey it is time they retired from the game. The fact that j a hard mate, was down for decision ' should have ensured the fielding of a]

full muster of the Colts. All honour, then, to the scratch eleven which faced Varsity ar.cl fought a game battle. WES-EY V. EPIPHANY There is no doubt that the outsamling player in the Wesley pack :in its contest, with Epiphany was A. B. Burton in the backs. Time after time his sure and calculated stickwork wjlh responsible ti-r the failure of a promising Epiphany movement. Despite the disparity in scores when the final whistle sounded, tire game was not by uny means Wesley’s throughout. Epiphany put up a great fight, but failed roni lack of finish and a slight weakness in the defenceConsidering the state of the ground, which allowed little steady concentrated work, both sides put up a fair exhibition, though there was little scientific hockey. Both front lines were seen in promising movements, but Epiphany mostly went to preces when in the circle. Wesley had the advantage of better combination. and a team more evenly balanced with a strong defence, wli di generally cleared before there was ary serious bunching in the circle. WESLEY GIRLS WIN JUNIOR COMPETITION Y.W.C.A. DEFEAT VARSITY As the season advances less and less interest appears to be taken in girls’ hockey. At llemuera on Saturday only two senior matches were played off, while the final match of the junior competition—Wesley v. sulted in the decision going to the former after a hard battle. Played in heavy rain scientific play was difficult, but even with this sevenhandicap the standard of pay was fairly high, and the Varsity-Y.W.C-A. contest was one of the best seen this season. Good individual play was seen in the Y.W.C.A.-Varsity contest. The Y.W.C.A was seen to particular advantage in attack, while the Varsity girls yut up a great defence. The game was fast and exciting throughout, with the issue in doubt till the end. The Somerville-Arawa contest was a one-sided affair. Somerville has rather gone to pieces during the last few weeks, and lacking corr.binai ion, its stickwork generally is ragged and uncertain. Arawa had the better of play for the greater part of the game, with several individual players exhibiting fair stickwork. The ground was the CYCLING IN AUSTRALIA GOULBURN-SYDNEY RACE I B » Cable. — Press, Association. — Copy right SYDNEY, Saturday. The Goulburn-Sydney cycling road | race resulted: Professional.—P. G. Hird, 1; D. G. Anderson, 2; R. Compson, 3. Time, 6hr 44min. Amateur.—J. A. Shaw, 1; S. O’Sullivan, 2; A. Pontifex, 3. Time, 6hr 33min 39 l-ssec.—A. and N.Z

Shield competition: P. TV. L. I>. Goals. F. A. Pts. University . . .6 6 0 0 40 5 12 . .6 6 0 0 . . . 8 5 3 0 18 11 10 St. Luke's . . . . 7 .1 3 1 1« 17 Holts 6 3 2 1 17 Wseley . . - . . . S 3 0 13 University < Holts 6 Epiphany 1 6 0 Training College 4 1 Mount Edei i . . 4 0