Hockey.

Evidently the reverses of the Tournament had a lasting effect on the play of the Senior XI., for we have to record two successive defeats in the local club competitions. The first was at the hands of Huia, who are again a redoubtable team. However, Smad ventures to suggest that had the team played the whole game with the zest they showed in certain stages, the result might easily have been reversed. As it was, they were unfortunate not to force a draw. The team as a whole took some time to wake up to the fact that there was a game on, but when they did, their play, and particularly that of the forwards, was infused with a spirit that was very heartening. Shaw scored three excellent goals, and Cole one, our highest total this season. On Wednesday, King's Birthday, was played the game against Karori A, which had been postponed on account of the trip to Auckland. Unless one had witnessed the game one would scarcely have credited that the team could forget so quickly the fundamental principles of positional play. The halves did little backing up on attack, and the forwards, without the dash they showed in the Saturday game, found their opportunities few and far between. One notable exception was Newcombe, but his efforts were largely fruitless owing to lack of support from his wing halves. Shaw scored both goals for Victoria.

Shaw's talk with Eric Watts in Auckland has resulted in a very noticeable improvement in his play. There is more devil in his work, and in the circle he concentrates on hitting the ball into the net, not wasting valuable time getting into position for a "sitter." Five goals out of the six scored by the team in the last two games rather points to the fact that he is our best scoring forward.

After the comparative failure of the seniors, it is very refreshing to see the results achieved by the juniors. This team has had four successive wins, largely owing to superior forward play combined with sound defence. Their game last Saturday, against Technical Old Boys, was very fast and even. The score 2-nil in their favour could easily have been doubled, but slight errors of judgment, which will not occur as the team gains in experience, and breaches of the off-side rule, which are not perhaps so excusable, spoilt likely attacking movements. Outstanding in the forward line were Williams and Instone, left and right wings respectively. The former's goal was a beauty, thoroughly deserved after a brilliant run down the line, and left the goalie no chance. HP and Currie combine well, but the latter could, at times when Williams has a clear run into the circle, take up a position about four yards behind him, ready to centre the ball should the winger lose possession. In this way, the scoring opportunities of the team would be at least doubled if Saturday's game were any criterion. Instone, on the right wing, made some excellent runs, but, concentrating on centering the ball, failed to seize possible chances when he could have attempted to goal himself. Silcock, at inside right, showed the best stick work of the forwards, but is inclined to hang on to the ball too long Renouf should hit the ball harder to his wings, for they are the chief dangers to the opposing side. Besides, if the attack is made from the centre, too often when the forwards reach the circle they find the defence concentrated there too, and scoring is almost impossible.

The outstanding back was Sand ford. Time after time he broke up Technical movements, and sent them back with well-directed hits up the field. He could improve his play by clearing more to his wings, but otherwise played very soundly. His co-full-back should hit harder. Perhaps a heavier stick is needed. Olive, in goal, played excellently. His judgment in charging out was never at fault, and his kicking was extremely good. He shows fine natural ability for the position, which is a difficult one to fill. Good played well at centre-half until an injury caused him to retire to a less strenuous position. Actually he appeared to better advantage there, and as Paterson went better at centre-half than he had on the left., perhaps they should consider permanently changing round. The right half was sound on defence, but with a solid full-back behind him, he could pay more attention to backing up his forwards on attack.

We hope that these criticisms will help the Juniors to a finer appreciation of the game, and that they will continue to find heaps of enjoyment on the hockey field.