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Improvement on Hockey Field

Although no team has played the same men for two consecutive Saturdays, individual members of the Hockey Club are showing signs of settling down to their games. If the happy day arrives when every team plays the same combination as was fielded the previous week, a string of successes can confidently be expected.

Saturday, June 7.—Pouring rain cancelled all games save senior and senior grade. Seniors v. Petone, drew 3-3. Hampered by the heavy ground, the absence of Gil Johnstone, and the exertions of the Massey trip and Capping Ball in the same week, the Seniors did well to draw. A feature of the game was the defensive play of the ubiquitous Hec Lawry, who broke up forward attacks repeatedly. Once again the lack of scoring forwards deprived the team of certain goals, while halves and wings, who took a lash in the inner circle, proved equally ineffective.

Saturday, June 14.—Seniors v. Karori, lost 0-2. In the second game of the season against the leading team the result was again a loss by a narrow margin. In goal Froome's kicking would have done credit to a rugby full-back. O'Connor at centre-half and Johnstone and Buxton at full-back marked the opposing inside forwards with their customary efficiency, but it was noticeable that wing-halves Persson and Staiemand were frequently caught out of position and outpaced by the wings.

Second Grade v. Wgtn. Coll., won 2-1. This team has been severely handicapped throughout the season insofar as it is used unavoidably as a collection of reserves for the Seniors. Against Wellington College a distinct improvement in combination between backs and forwards was noticeable. Close and Liddell were prominent in attacking movements and Church and Kennedy made a formidable defence line on the right. The seconds will probably be playing in Tournament this year, and their development as a team will be watched with interest.

Third A v. Karori, lost 2-10. This loss was probably due to the absence of several members. Ian Carran again gave evidence of his ability, and Silver showed up well in attack. Forwards still seem inclined to fall back in order to gain possession of the ball.

Third B v. Wellington College, won 6-1. Under England's leadership the team gives promise of settling down to play some constructive hockey. On Saturday Benge gave an outstanding display at right-half, and he was well supported by both half and back lines.

Third C v. Huia, drew 3-3. Poor positional play is again a failing with this team. Bob Stannard at centre-half proved to be the mainstay of the defence.