HOCKEY SEASON ENDS

Sun (Auckland), Volume III, Issue 781, 30 September 1929, Page 6

HOCKEY SEASON ENDS

SOMERVILLE STILL HOLDS KENT CUP DEFEAT OF MOUNT EDEN For the eighth consecutive year Somerville has successfully staved off all challenges for the Kent Cup. On Saturday the team added further to its laurels by holding off Mount Eden in the final for the cup. This year the cup contest was a triangular one, St. Luke’s having also been in the running until put down a week ago by Somerville. Saturday's match was in many ways a disappointment. It was closely battled all the way, the final score being 3 —2 to the whites, but a lot of rough play and far too frequent breaches of the rules spoiled what ought to have been a first-class match. Nevertheless, some keen forward play in which many pleasing passing rushes were witnessed was seen on both sides. Mount Eden annoyed their opponents by needless man-play by their fullbacks and the two wing halves. Somerville later retaliated by lusty and sometimes unguarded hitting. NOTES ON THE PLAY Ground conditions were favourable for good hockey, and the turf was fast, even if bumpy in patches. Quite a number of supporters turned out to encourage both teams, and barracking began in earnest from the first bully. It was no doubt due partly to the exhortations of a noisy minority that Mount Eden’s fullbacks began to lay the wood on when up against Somerville’s forwards. The wing-halves were also too rough in the indiscriminate use of their sticks. To the sideline it was apparent that Somerville took the field bent on keeping the game clean, but it was not long that a measure of retaliation was necessary, and the wood was also laid on in due course. The two most dangerous men on the field were Eric Watts, centre-forward for Somerville, and Chaplin, Eden’s centre-forward. When in the circle they were right out for goals. Trapping of the ball was a feature, and elusive stick work these two were able to penetrate the defences time and again. Of the rest of Eden’s forwards, Ash (inside right) and Wellbourne (left wing) wero of the most value. The Jones brothers were off their game, and at times played like secondgraders. H. Jones was too much offside, and M. indulged in a lot of obstruction. Of Somerville’s five, next in importance to Eric were Clive Watts and Seccombe. The last-named was right on form, and his goal, which retained the cup, was a great effort. Clive was unlucky in not registering from corners. Hunter and Eric Watts got the other goals. Taylor, left wing, was not too sur>e on the stopping, and Harold Watts, on the other wing, tended to employ more bullocking than science.

Shining hockey was exhibited by Smith, Somerville's right fullback, who has developed excellently. His associate, Gardiner, played his customary sound game. All three halves. Cole, Hunter, and Rogers, were in form, the first-named being conspicuous, but was rather inclined to dally with the ball. Of Eden’s halves, Hughes was the battler, and played well. Vail brought off some saves for Eden as goalie, and Ghiplin in the same capacity for Somerville was lucky, though he twice saved well.

WON FIVE GRADES

PONSONBY’S RECORD Ponsonby has established a remarkable record in the Auckland Rugby Union’s competitions this season. Up till Saturday the Ponies have won the championship in five grades—senior, third open, third intermediate, fifth and seventh. Marist went down to Ponsonby in both tho third and fifth grade final on Saturday by 21 points to 0 and 14 points to 11 respectively. Ponies are also in the final of the junior grade to be decided next Saturday.

BULI.ER BEATS NELSON

FIRST WIN OF SEASON Press Association WESTPORT, Saturday. Playing under excellent weather conditions Duller won its first match this season when it defeated the Nelson touring team by 14 points to 8. For the winners, Quinn (2) and Goodall scored tries, Graham converting one and kicking a penalty goal. For the losers, Thompson scored a try, which was converted by Garvin, who also kicked a penalty goal.

THIRD GRADE LEAGUE K.O.

NEWMARKET DEFEATS SHORE The Newmarket third intermediate graders scored an exciting lastminuto victory by 7 points to 6 when they met Shore in the final of the knock-out competition at Carlaw Park on Saturday. This match was played as a curtain-raiser to the big game on the main area. In the early stages the game lacked excitement, both sides spoiling the play by too much kicking. Newanarket went to a slight attack and from a good position Meehan managed a fine penalty goal. The seasiders rallied and a loose forward turn saw them go to Newmarket territory. Fullback Smith kicked a penalty, which evened the score—2 all. For over 20 minutes play was again loose and uninteresting. Both sets of rearguarders made feeble attempts to race away in combined efforts, but these all broke up badly. Weak offside play by a Shore player pave Meehan another shot at goal. He was successful and the half-time score was:—Newmarket 4, De-onport 2. With the opening of play in the second spell the game continued to be little more than a kicking duel. Smith again managed a penalty when he evened the score —i all. Another long spell at loose play, and Smith was again given an opportunity He goaled, making the score 6 to 4 for Devonport. It was not until a few minutes before the end of the game that Newmarket produced a back movement which could be described as brilliant. With his side holding a good attacking position, halfback Clough snapped the ball up from a scrum and sent out to Meehan, to Hunt, and on to Buchanan on the wing, who raced over in the corner for a fine try, which was not converted.