Our Hockey Teams

—Women

For their first match this season the Senior A team drew as its adversary that proficient team, College Old Girls. Varsity managed to keep them down to 5-2 and considering it was their first time on the field as a whole team, and against such experienced opponents, the result was quite encouraging. Varsity's goals were scored as a result of reasonably good combination and effective crowding-in at the goal. The halves, playing energetically, showed promising hitting power, athough they tended to keep too far down the field. The fullbacks were often caught out by not getting back into position after advancing for a tackle. However, there was some effective see-sawing between halves and backs. The goalie made several spectacular saves and kept up a good performance throughout the game.

In their second match the team drew with Petone Tech. Old Girls 5. 5. The Intermediate team, playing one short, had a hard tussle against Technical College who scored 3-0 against them. The main fault was the inability of individual players to hit hard. However, a distinct improvement was apparent in the second spell and the team showed a certain amount of promise.

The Thirds won by default from Petone Tech. and in their second match defeated College Old Girls by 2-0.

The teams are not definitely settled yet so do not hesitate to come along to practices. There is still plenty of room for new players. Practices Thursday nights in the Gym.

—Men

The 1944 V.U.C. Hockey Club is the strongest the College has had for some years.

Club-captain Arch Ives and ex- A.U.C. club-captain Win Smiler, had a difficult task selecting the teams from the promising form which was displayed at preliminary practices, and selections are even now not absolutely finalised.

The Senior A team is again reasonably strong although last year's captain and full-back Ken Kiddle is unfortunately unable to play this season. Win Smiler has proved a valuable addition to the forward line, and his presence there is making itself felt in Wellington hockey circles.

The Senior B team is stronger than it was last year and though it has not yet won a game, promises to develop into a fairly strong combination with older members such as Arch Ives, Jack Barr and George Stacey holding it together.

The 2A team should develop into one to be reckoned with in the second grade competition. Barry O'Donnell and Colin Button form a reliable radius of experience around which to build a well-balanced and penetrating team.

The D.P.L. have again entered their team—the 2B team, which showed, by its defeat of Base Camp, a great improvement in form and an increase in strength.

Gib. Bogle's 3A team, consisting mainly of new and inexperienced players, is shaping well and when it is settled down, should provide many surprises.

The 3B team has not yet had a very fair spin. The week's break disorganised and necessitated a default, but once it is finalised, it should enjoy a good season.

Winter is icummen in,
Lhude sing Goddam.
Raineth drop and staineth slop
And how the wind doth ramm!
Sing Goddamn!
Skiddeth bus and sloppeth us,
An ague hath my ham.
Freezeth river turneth liver,
Damn you, sing Goddam!
Goddamn, Goddamn, 'tis why I am
Goddamn!
So gains the winter's balm.
Sing Goddamn, damn, sing Goddamn!
Sing Goddamn, sing Goddamn, Damn!