Hockey, Mens

Although there have been a number of changes from last year's Tournament team that performed so well at Auckland, this year's team should be a good one.

Last year the Victoria team finished second to Canterbury which again appears the team to beat. Auckland is also expected to have a strong side and the Victoria team will have to overcome some good opposition there.

The team's strength lies mainly in its defence. The regular competition's half line of Keith Purchass, Robin Kendrick and John Scott will be playing, as will Chris Kirkham, the right fullback for the Senior A team, W. Guildbransen is the goalkeeper and left fullback is John Nimmo, who normally plays centre-half for the Senior Reserve team, but who seems to fit this new position quite well.

The pairing on the right side will probably be P. Dentice and G. Dick, Thur Borren, the present Wellington centre-forward is playing excellent hockey at the moment and together with Richard Grant at inside-left will make a strong mid-field attacking force. The team is taking three utility players in G. Jackson, P. Marra and M. Meads and one of these will fill the left-wing position.

It is hoped that Victoria will be at least in the top three of the final placlngs.