HOCKEY, 1948 The weather at the beginning of term allowed us to make an early start with our hockey programme, although the ground was rather too soft for really fast play. Progress was such that after less than a fortnight we were able to play an opening friendly game with York, who very kindly suggested the fixture on one of their free afternoons. The score in this game was r 1-2 to York, but as our team had absolutely no experience and as York had a far stronger team than any we were likely to encounter, the score was unimportant. Most unfortunately our match with York later in the term, when we were hoping to give a better account of ourselves, was cancelled because of a snow storm. The results of the season's matches are good on the whole, especially as this was our first season of hockey. There was no really spectacular play but, thanks mainly to the valuable coaching of Mr. Chilman, all members of the side were capable in their positions on the field and also all played as a team. The game was very well received when reintroduced as a major sport, and considerable promise was shown by many younger players, who should form a good nucleus for teams in future years.
1st XI HOCKEY CHARACTERS M. Speight (Captain). Inside left. A promising forward who got the ball moving well amongst his forwards—with improved stick control and more knowledge of the short passing game should be really good. W. Graham. Centre half. A very energetic player with plenty of stamina. Uses one hand too much and doesn't always find his forwards with passes. R. Parker. Goal. Times his rushes well and clears cleanly with either foot. P. T. Baker. Centre forward. Has plenty of dash and with more thrust in the circle will make a very useful forward. Must improve his stick-work, distribute the ball better, and use both hands. J. E. Stuart. Right back. A solid, useful back who must abandon his rush tactics. A strong hitter. Must learn to clear more quickly and improve his stick-work. Lacks Inside right. A hard worker, particularly in defence. C. Dryden. stick-work and experience in the game as yet. Played a useful game in the Yorkshire County Schoolboy Trial. J. C. Griffiths. Right half. Improved a lot. He stops the ball well, but is liable to leave his outside man unmarked and not to support his own wing adequately in attack. P. J. Dennis. Left half. Filled a difficult position with credit. He needs more pace and must make up for the lack of it by greater speed with his stick-work. J. F. W. Addey. Left back. Filled this position rather late in the season and at times showed distinct promise. His positional play was generally good and he can hit cleanly. Must find his forwards better with his clearances. I. U. Warrington. Outside left. Fast, and occasionally got in a good centre. Must practise his ball con trol. C. Frank. Outside right. Very fast but at present rather clumsy and uncontrolled. F. C. Slegg came into the side when Frank was injured and was a trier. Needs to improve his stick- and foot-work and must use both hands. R. B. Pringle played several good games in goal in Parker's absence. 47
