HOCKEY, 1958 Once again this is a story of "what might have been". Four 1st XI matches were played out of eleven and only about the same number of practice games were possible on grass, although much energy was expended on the aerodrome tarmac. Consequently, one can only conjecture as to what the team might have achieved, given a full season on firm pitches. The potential was there : Kirby, McCallum, and Macpherson formed a very sound nucleus of experience and skill, which only faltered before the much more experienced and practised Worksop side and the speed and shooting of Bellerby in the York match. The other old colours, Thorp, Baxter, and Irvin, never really found their touch in the limited time available, but the newcomers generally acquitted themselves well. In particular, Burbidge at left back and Ranson at right-half showed much promise : although naturally lacking polish, they nevertheless did their job very efficiently. Baldwin was generally sound in goal, whilst not quite reaching the heights of some of his illustrious predecessors. Gale and Woodruff, young players with less than a dozen games of hockey behind them, both showed signs of natural ability and tried very hard; given more practice in good conditions they would undoubtedly have improved immensely. The 2nd XI also had four matches, in which they showed signs of being a useful side. The form of Gough, Precious, and Hemsley was encouraging for the future. The other two games operated with commendable enthusiasm in the very trying circumstances. Final teams :— 1ST XI R. R. Baldwin, A. McCallum,* P. B. Burbidge, E. M. H. Ranson, D. Kirby (Capt.),* R. Baxter, M. W. Woodruff, D. B. Irvin, J. W. S. Gale, D. G. Macpherson, R. H. Thorp. * Denotes cap.
2ND XI C. W. Gough, F. C. Beaumont, P. S. H. Jesper, T. D. J. Layfield (Capt.),* M. Precious, T. M. Jenkinson, P. J. Dronfield, L. W. K. Mackay, M. J. Kershaw, P. L. Bellwood, C. J. Hemsley. * Denotes colours.
FIRST XI MATCHES 5th Feb. v. WELBECK COLLEGE. Away. Won, 2-1. This, the first match of the season, was played in fairly dry conditions, but with a very strong wind blowing down the field. The first half was very disappointing, with neither side looking dangerous. Shortly after half-time, however, Welbeck scored during a scramble in the School circle. This was what was needed to raise the level of the game, and the School immediately went into the attack; countless
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