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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 2, No. 16. August 2, 1939

Men's Hockey

Men's Hockey

On Saturday it was extremely disappointing to see a side containing so many players of alleged undoubted ability being outplayed time and time again by opponents still in their teens. To the young Karori team must go the honours of the game for, making due allowances, they put up by far the more meritorious display.

The 'Varsity team consisted of eleven individualists, each playing his own style of hockey and each unwilling to work in with his team mates. Especially was this noticeable in the forwards; little pretence of combination was made. Admittedly the line had been drastically reorganised but that was insufficient excuse. The choice of Sharp as centre-forward was an unfortunate one, for whatever his prowess in the halves, he was out of place in a place which demands the greatest excellence in positional play. Elias on the right wine was perhaps the best of a very mediocre quintet. Cole's stick work was poor, while his fitness does not warrant his inclusion in the side. Shaw is still inclined to play the man instead of the ball, and more unselfishness would materially Improve his game.

In the halves, Whitham was perhaps the best, though all three played well, as individuals. Harder and crisper hitting from all is desirable. In goal, Benjamin was called upon to save more often than should have been necessary in the circumstances, but he made only two mistakes, one of which cost a goal.

Taken all round, it would seem an all-round Improvement is necessary in physical fitness, combination and stick work and it is up to each and every player to start, not by criticising his team-mate as seems to be the case at present, but by setting his own house in order first.

Senior Reserve I

David Good's team was rather unlucky only to draw with island Bay, who lead the grade. A 3/2 victory would have been a better criterion of relative form on the day. Indifferent forward work was chiefly to blame. A. McIntosh was the best of the line, and he is properly a half.

There was no better player on the field than Wickham, at left-half. On Saturday's form he is little inferior to George Whit ham, who is now with the seniors. Ian Purdie at right-half was at his soundest, invariably winning his duels With the island Day forwards. F. Walker and L. Sandford were both sound at fullback, and Mason kept goal with good judgment.

Next Saturday's match with the other Senior Reserve team should prove the most interesting of the season.

Senior Reserver II

Last Saturday's game against Wesley resulted in another win for 'Varsity, 4-1. The game was, however, robbed of its pleasure by the "rough-house" tactics adopted by Wesley. Ives played an improved game at right wing and Eric Brasted was again sound at centre-forward, each scoring one goal. Spiers at inside right played a dashing game and scored two goals by fast following in. The forwards generally lacked cohesion on the day. Wallis, on his game, is quite good, but should restrain his tendency to off-side play.

Dr. Campbell was a tireless worker in the halves, while A. long was a tower of strength. Till was somewhat erratic and had a tendency to hit wildly—unusual with him. Allan made some good saves in goal but could use his stick more. Tahiwi and Kirkham were reliable fullbacks and were seldom caught out of position. If Tahiwi were fitter he would not disgrace the senior team.