MEN’S HOCKEY STARTS

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 341, 30 April 1928, Page 6

MEN’S HOCKEY STARTS

FAST MATCHES PLAYU) KEENNESS IN ALL GRADES Keen enthusiasm in all grades marked the opening of the Auckland Hockey Association’s season on Saturday. The playing aroa at Remuera had never been in better order for the beginning o* a season, and a fairly dry turf encouraged fast matches. Hard-hitting and little regard for combination were the order of the day, and although from the side-line matches were uninteresting those engaged in the various games were obviously enjoying the feel of the stick in their hands once again. Chief interest centred in the senior A grade match between Somerville and Varsity. In the opening match of last season these old rivals were drawn to set the year going, and after a great tussle the students emerged victorious by two goals to one. Yesterday, however. the tables were turned by the "Whites’ defeat of Varsity by 5 to 1. Another senior match of interest was the engagement between Areta and North Shore. The latter club had been revived after lying dormant for some years, and there was son.* speculation as to the capabilities of the side. After a ding-dong go honours went to Areta by 2-0. The third senior fixture was a bout between St. Luke’s and Mount Eden. The meeting produced scrappy hockey, and resulted in a 2-all draw. Close games were seen in senior F grade. Otahuhu. recently promoted from second grade, drew 3-all. with Somerville Colts. Training College proved too good for Varsity Whippets in a fast game, which ended 3-2. The initial matches of a season caJ! for little comment. Until three or four games have been played no side reveals its likely form for the season’s fixtures. With the exception of Somerville seniors most teams have to record several changes in personnel Hence players cannot be expected to combine or understand one another 1 * style immediately. Somerville Beats Varsity When Somerville and Varsity row* a spirited battle ensues. It was ■> on Saturday. After holding Whites with some success during ftt first half, which ended 2-1 in favw of Somerville, the students went to pieces before the insistent hammering of the opposing front line. The three Watts brothers and Seccomoe worked together with precision «**- frequently had the Blue defence puzzled. The new left-wing**, Peace, shows promise and sill learn to work with the rest of the forwartte. Munro. right fullback, gave a good account of himself, as did his partner, Gardner. With Cole as mains**? the half line was effective for thf most part. Varsity was at sixes and sevens with so many changes. However, i* was apparent that individual talent there. Time will co-ordinate eleven. Whippets Outplayed This meeting was a woolly afta®It was fast and more entertaining the players than to the “gallery." On the general run of play the teachacs wea deserved their victory. Weak stopping and fumbling in the circle was Varsity’s fault: over-keenness-the shortcoming of the Obstruction was rife on both sidea. and a certain amount of hooking indulged in. Both sides, like ne* motor-cars, should show steady i«* provement when they have had a weeks' running in—lack of wind | very obvious. Areta Victorious In its match with Areta. on Saturday North Shore team showed mise of good play later on in season. Although two men short, n was defeated by only two goals to ntIt is too early yet to expert an)' I great exhibitions of combination 1 team play, but Areta is settling down j well. Its attack is strong. a * tho j*£!. : marred by a tendency to hit i and, consequently, to play sticks, j forwards are quick to see an openins and use it to advantage. . j North Shore has been resuscitAt ! this season after five years. The in< ~\ vidual members, however, ar© ® new to the game and have all in city teams. There is plenty scope for improvement as far as COJ *' bination is concerned. Some are i ' j dined to hit a little wildly when nan ] pressed. The team is better on <*«' j tensive work than on the offepg* although it made several smart rua “*j into the enemy's country and P rcs * ‘ I hard before the situation was rg , Play centred principally round North Shore goal, where only . j quickness of the goalkeeper sav ; numerous scores. He should P r *'\® c = roat asset to the and wWtJ Both poals r, n Saturday were score® j by J. Cajrter.