Hockey

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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assaults on the Welbeck goal eventually resulted in two goals by Kirby. A third goal by Kershaw was disallowed. The School defence was sound and the right wing pair, Irvin and Woodruff, were always dangerous.

19th Feb. v. SCARBOROUGH COLLEGE. Home. Won, 5-1.

Although started in dry conditions, the game was soon affected by a steady drizzle. The School quickly showed their superiority, and two early goals by Kirby and another by Gale just before half-time put them in a safe position. A breakaway goal by Scarborough woke the School up again and two goals by Macpherson settled the issue. Many chances were missed because of carelessness in the circle, but the School were never in danger of defeat. The passing among the forwards showed great improvement, but the defence was scarcely tested.

22nd Feb. v. YORK H.C. Away. Lost, 2-8.

Played on the York ground, the game started fairly evenly, and York were rather fortunate to take the lead after ten minutes. The School forwards were playing much better than in previous matches and they soon equalised when Gale scored a fine goal. The score remained level until shortly before half-time when York scored from a corner; they scored two more goals very quickly to lead 4-1 at half-time. In the second half, the School found Bellerby, the York captain, increasingly more difficult to hold and four more goals followed before the end. In one of the School's rare attacks Irvin scored a good goal. The inside forwards, Irvin, Gale, and Macpherson worked very hard, the latter, in particular, having an excellent game.

5th Mar. v. WORKSOP COLLEGE. Away. Lost, 1-9.

The pattern of the game was set in the opening minutes when Worksop threw attack after attack on the School goal. The School, labouring under the disadvantage of little practice, found Worksop far too good for them, and the forwards were unable to make any headway and thus gain relief for the defence. The first half brought six goals for Worksop, but in the second half, although Worksop were still well in control, the School managed to keep the scoring down to three more goals. Shortly before full-time McCallum succeeded in scrambling the ball into the Worksop goal to bring the School a little consolation.

SECOND XI

v. Welbeck College ... v. Scarborough College ... v. York H.C. v. Worksop College Away Drawn 3-3 Home Won 3-0 Home Lost 2-7 Away Lost 0-8