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Salient. An Organ of Student Opinion at Victoria College, Wellington, N.Z. Vol. 1, No. 17 July 27, 1938

Hockey

Hockey

Senior A.

Saturday's game, if disappointing in result, was useful in revealing the many weaknesses in the Senior team. The defence certainly proved lamentably weak. In fact, it is doubtful if more than two of the halves and backs are really up to Senior standard. With one outstanding full-back the team might have a chance of keeping the goal score down to a reasonable figure; but time and time again the full-backs failed miserably in their pathetic endeavours to clear the ball. They should realise that one clean hit is all that is wanted of them. The wing halves were little better. Positionally, their play was bad. They were rarely where wanted, and they would help their team more if they concentrated more on feeding their forwards, or making their opponents, than an aimless wandering across the field. Speedier stickwork, a more-accurate placing, would help considerably.

A re-arrangement of the forward line made a world of difference to their play. As a whole, they did well, except inside the circle. Here they badly need a forward who can shoot—clean and hard. More finish and better centering from the wingers would double their goal tally.

Taken all through, the game revealed bad positional play, weak clearances, poor tackling and a lack of good clean hitting. Above all, a lack of determination throughout. You can do better. Victoria.

Notes by "Scoop"—Saturday, July 16th.

Weather conditions again caused a postponement for the lower grade teams, but of the three senior teams the only one entitled to any praise was the Senior B1, which, with two third grade players—Till at centre-half, and Lewin in goal—a fourth grade player—Hard at right-half— and a couple of the "Old Brigade", went down in a very hard-fought struggle, 2-1.

Although it is well known that Hard and Till are very good in their respective grades, yet it says still more for their ability that they could hold key positions in this team and acquit themselves well. At present the forwards are slow and lack combination, and far more use could be made of the short pass. The defence would be considerably strengthened if the inside forwards would drop back and cover when the team is hard pressed. Speculative hitting throws an unnecessary burden at times on the other players. All the team would benefit if they made more use of the push shot.

Most of the Senior B1 team have had a try-out in the first division, but it seems as if the best material in the club is already in that team. However, unless several give a more improved exhibition in the future they may find themselves dropped and their places taken by other players of more energy and who will combine better with the rest of the team.

It seems clear that frequent changes in the Senior A team, while increasing the spirit of competition, have not resulted in proper combination and smooth working. The selectors cannot be blamed for making these changes owing to the difficulty in obtaining wings of Senior A standard. Several players more suitable for inside positions were available, but it has taken practically half the season before the team has been properly moulded.

Senior B2.

Loeber, who formerly played for the Otago University Second Senior A team, has now replaced Walker and gave an improved performance. Good, as centre-half. Is very energetic, but he is still inclined to try and do too much—a common fault with centre-halves. He should keep in the centre of the field and make his wing-halves do their work properly. Owing to the transfer of Silcock the forward line has been weakened, but it is hoped that Renouf will be able to play for the rest of the season. Williams and Macalister gave a good exhibition on the wings and Ingram played an excellent game as centre-forward.

It is a matter of regret that Frank Walker, secretary of the club, will be unable to play for the remainder of the season owing to a knee injury. Team-mates will be pleased to know that Ralph Kean is progressing satisfactorily.

Everyone who witnessed the match at the Basin Reserve against the Prince of Manavadar's Indian team last month will be bound to roll up in force and see the Second Test at the Basin next Saturday. Opinions still differ as to whether the present team is stronger than the 1935 All-India side, but there seems little doubt that it has not the same weaknesses as the previous team, although it lacks such prolific scorers as Dhyan Chand and Ruph Singh. The Basin is more akin to the Indian's home fields than any other ground that they have so far played on in New Zealand, and no doubt the game will prove to be one of the epic hockey struggles in New Zealand. Of course, there can be no actual comparison between New Zealand grounds and the sun-baked fields of India.