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The Spike: or, Victoria University College Review October 1905

[Review of the activities of the Men's hockey club]

"Some have been beaten till they know
What wood a cudgel's of by the blow;
Some kicked until they can feel whether
A shoe be Spanish or neat's leather."

—Hudibras.

Sketch of men playing hockey

Another season-the fifth for Victoria College Hockey— has dawned and died. The summary of results given below shows that the high-water mark, so far, in the tide of College play has been reached this year. But this is merely a foretaste (if we may be allowed to mix the metaphor somewhat) of what is to come. We trust we are not exhibiting too exuberant a hopefulness when we venture to think that the close of next season will see more than one championship shield fall to College prowess.

As an earnest of this much-desired conclusion we point to the fact that no less than three of the North Island representatives were chosen from our ranks, to wit, those faithful and doughty souls, Beere, Ryburn, and Skelley. And further, that the A team came within a very close call of carrying off the third Championship Shield, while the Juniors had a very satisfactory run for the Junior Shield.

This state of affairs compares very creditably with past records, but we do not intend to rest content with "credit" passes. We are only at the beginning of our career as a College, and it behoves us to set a standard for future College teams which it will required their utmost endeavours to surpass.

We congratulate the IIIa team on the marked improvement shown this year. Their enthusiasm and good spirit are worthy of all praise. With a little more science and coolness, we look to hail tem as certain victors next year.

We have not had an opportunity of seeing the Juniors at work, but we think it probable that a leaven of the A enthusiasm, combined with a more careful study of the finer points of the game and the use of "tactics," will carry them within grasping distance next year of the coveted shield.

page 36

The B team has undergone the vicissitudes common to the estate of the youngest born, and the fact that through all they have seen the season out without calling into requisition the elevated sponge speaks volumes for the future of the individual players.

As a fore-word for next season we would urge on all players to take every opportunity of practice before the season begins. Machine-like precision is the standard to be aimed at, and that can only be attained by concerted practice. Individual excellence is a requisite, but combination is the acme of perfecto. To that end we say that practice should not be left until a week or two before the season starts. Until this fact is grasped never shall we arrive at that excellence which shall be the envy of all beholders, and the standard by which all our competitors will measure their performances.

Finally, we would urge on all good hockeyists the necessity for putting their whole hearts into their game. Let "vim" be their watchword, science their method, and enthusiasm the inner power that must inevitably end in the subjugation of that stern goddess Success !

The following are the results of the Championship matches, counting since last number:—