Reappraisal

A reappraisal of offensive strategy may be required before Old Boys are met again in the second round, perhaps utilising more the attacking potential of former Hawkes Bay centre-forward Trevor Bales and Colts representative Paul Dentice.

The success of a 5 man attack was demonstrated in the match against Rongotai Old Boys when the swift passing of the ball among the forward line bewildered the opposition.

In the game against Northern United on 12 May, the University side played some of its best and worst hockey this season.

The encouraging aspect was the way the ball was moved skilfully and accurately among the forwards with the opposition defence being penetrated almost at will.

The seven goals scored—including three each by Bruce Judge and Paul Dentice—would seem to indicate that the Varsity forwards monopolised the game.

Less heartening was the fact that the Varsity defence in this game let in three out of the four goals it has conceded this season.

The absence, from this game, of the normal wing-halves Keith Purchase and John Scott, both of whom provide excellent cover-defence, probably provides the reason for this.