SATURDAY’S HOCKEY

Sun (Auckland), Volume II, Issue 461, 17 September 1928, Page 7

SATURDAY’S HOCKEY

DAY OF HIGH SCORING FIFTH ROUND AT REMUERA High scoring was the feature of the fifth round of hockey matches played at Remuera on Saturday for the Devonport Shield. In the five senior games no fewer than 35 goals were registered. With the exception of the St. Luke’sEpiphany match, which was easily won by the former to the tune of five to nil, and the University-Training College clash, which ended S—o to Varsity, all fixtures resulted in close scores. Somerville Colts drew with Varsity Whippets, one all, in a ragged game. Mount Eden put down Otahuhu in a 5—4 battle, and Somerville lowered North Shore’s flag by 6—5 in a see-saw match. In the girls’ division Arawa met a side representing Waihi, and after a keen struggle the game resulted in a draw, neither side scoring. Wesley and College also drew, one all. The following table shows the present positions of the teams in the Devonport Shield cetnpetition:—

SOMERVILLE JUST GETS THERE Spectators of the Somerville-North Shore match were regaled by a delightfully easy-going exhibition, which at times was a comedy by reason of the large crop of goals reaped by both sides. The game was a very open one, and it was obvious that the contestants were out for the fun of the clash. The six goals netted by Somerville indicates that the Shore defence was weak, and the five secured in return by Shore likewise suggest an off-day on the part of Somerville’s rearguard. Opening sensationally with two goals to Somerville in about as many minutes, the battle thereafter see-sawed so that one could almost tell whose turn it was to goal. Somerville always kept just ahead, with never more than a two-goal lead, and Shore clung hard at its heels. For Somerville Eric Watts scored three goals, Seccombe two, and Harold Watts one. Anthony and Reid each netted twice for Shore, and Rykers once. The playing area was firm but very bumpy, and this proved disconcerting to players. While the standard of hockey was good, it was not brilliant. A noticeable aspect of Shore’s performance was the splendid work of all three halves, A. Frater, R. Frater and Thornton. These men were the strength of the side, and played with precision and judgment. The forwards displayed fair combination, but Archer made a mediocre left-wing, lagging and being continually out of position. Reid would hve been more effective at rigli#wing instead of inside. The reason why the fullbacks were so easily beaten on both sides was that hard hitting by the forwards and fast following-up often left them standing. Somerville’s halves were very ordinary, and showed up badly against Shore’s. The white’s front line seemed out of gear and disunited, but got there just the same. Seccombe was a great opportunist, and Eric Watts was as tricky as ever. Clive Watts and Peace did not appear to bother much. Harold Watts played solidly, and his speculated goal was a well-timed shot. The game was a good sporting contest and enjoyable to players and onlookers alike. COLTS AND WHIPPETS DRAW Although the Somerville Colts v. University Whippets g ime promised

W. L. D. Goals. Shield F. A. Pts. Somerville 5 — — 21 9 10 St. Luke’s 5 — — IS 3 10 Mount Eclen 3 1 1 15 13 7 University 3 2 — 20 0 6 Otahuhu 2 3 — 12 12 4 North Shore 1 2 1 11 12 3 Somerville Colts 1 3 1 4 12 3 Epiphany 1 3 — 1 12 2 Training College 1 4 — 7 20 2 Uni. Whippets — 4 1 3 12 1