SMAD. An Organ of Student Opinion. 1937. Volume 8. Number 8.
Hockey
Hockey.
As been usual with the Victoria Hockey Club in the past, this season has marked the loss of many players, and the presence of promising newcomers is making the selection of teams difficult. The senior XI, for instance, had six vacancies to be filled. In spite of this, or perhaps because of it, the club is one of the keenest at V.U.C. All practices have been well attended, and club opening day and the following Saturday, when opportunity was taken to test the capabilities of junior players, saw approximately 60 players in attendance. This speaks well for the keenness of the playing members, and augurs well for a successful season.
On Saturday 24th April, two games were played, both of which showed that there was plenty of talent ready to be developed. Skill can only come with experience, and it is very promising for the future of the club that so many juniors a number of whom have never handled the stick before are adapting themselves so quickly to the game. They should remember that physical fitness, constant practice in wielding the stick, and above all, team combination, are what win matches, and we, therefore, want to see them at the gym. on Thursay evening at 7 o'clock, when training and couching under the supervision of Mr. N. Jacobsen are carried out.
Last Saturday saw the opening of competition games, when the seniors played Karori B at Karori Park. For so early in the season, Karori showed fine combination and excellent stickwork, and these factors gave them victory after a strenuous if rather ragged game. Individually, most members of the XI showed themselves to be quite up to standard, but lack of cohesion between the halves and the for-wars, and in the team as a whole, led to the loss of several scoring opportunities. Mention must be made of the keen play of the goalie, Benjamin, who saved well in the face of numerous forward rushes. Shaw's opportunism gave us our only goal, a fine shot, though he seemed to lose other chances through being caught out of position.
That the junior sides show promise is illustrated by results. The fourth grade team, few of whom have played prior to this season, adapted themselves to the new conditions and scored a fine win. The juniors met a strong Huia side and were defeated after a fast open game in which several individuals showed distinct promise. Walker at full-back was specially worthy of mention.
The Senior B grade team played very well to win 2-1 from Training College. Better team work among the forwards, which will come as the season progresses, would have improved their score. Much good work was put in by Dixon at right half and Mason at left full-back, both of whom show possibility of promotion to the senior team.