Newspaper Article – In Hockey Circles

NEW ZEALAND HOCKEY SHIELD CHALLENGERS. – The Hawke’s Bay representative hockey team which met Canterbury at Christchurch last Saturday in the N.Z. Shield match. Hawke’s Bay were beaten 6-3. From the left members are:- Standing: L. Totty, R. Nicol, N. Harris, J. Hardy (capt.), J. Martin. Front: B. Murdock, L. Cassin, N. Dyer, L. Gibbs, J. Bradshaw, R. Mawson (vice-capt.). Absent: J. Overbye, N. McIntyre.

In Hockey Circles

By “Sticks”

The New Zealand Shield has again proved an elusive trophy for Hawke’s Bay. Last Saturday the Bay representatives of 1951 suffered the same fate as many of their predecessors, and were defeated 6-3 in their challenge match against Canterbury. Though defeated, the Bay were far from disgraced and under the conditions gave an excellent performance.

From a viewpoint of the Bay the state of the ground was the deciding factor. Heavy rain, followed by a severe freeze, left the playing field hard with frosts on Saturday morning and by the time the surface had thawed out, the ground became a slush pool. It was most unfortunate for the Bay, for once the side had settled down and found their feet, they revealed themselves actually a faster side than Canterbury.

The first quarter of an hour’s play was the worst period for the Bay. In that period they had three goals scored against them. The Bay then made a fine recovery, and for the remainder of the game actually more than held their own territorially.

Weakness in the Bay side was in the centre half, Bradshaw being unable to accommodate himself to the state of the ground, and Canterbury exploited this to the fullest extent. He made valiant efforts to stem the tide, but did not play up to expectations.

Result was that L. Cassin, the left half, was called upon to meet tough opposition in Hannah, who incidentally scored three goals, and Smith, the winger. He played excellently under the circumstances, and he also impressed the selectors. Both the Bay wings Martin and Gibbs, played well, but had few opportunities, while Hardy and Murdock were both very sound.

Surprise-packet was the Bay right fullback, L. Totty. He was one of the best players on the field. This was his first appearance for Hawke’s Bay and he created a most favourable impression with the national selectors. Curiously enough he was only “second choice” for the Bay team, but came through with flying colours.