May 1959

HOCKEY RETROSPECT For the first time for many years these notes need contain no lament about the weather, for, after some token snow and frost, sufficient to cause the cancellation of the first two matches, the pitches were usually fit for use, and far more hockey was played on the grass than has been possible in most previous seasons. The result of this was chiefly apparent in Game 3, where the standard was considerably higher than usual, as demonstrated by two resounding victories over Game 2.

Although the School XI undoubtedly benefited from the greater amount of practice—this was evident from their displays against York and the Old Boys—they nevertheless suffered from the effects of the previous two lean years, as none but McCallum had many games of hockey behind him when the season started. This handicap became particularly evident in the opponents' circle, where the ability to control the ball and get in a hard shot was noticeably lacking—hence the disappointing total of 9 goals from 8 matches ! The defence did not reveal such a great weakness, partly because it is easier to stop goals from being scored than to score them—except against really top-class forwards, as in the Styx match—and partly because the only experienced player was in the defence.

Indeed McCallum, both as Captain and player, had a very good season; his natural ability and games sense, allied to his experience, put him in a class above the rest of the side. Although he at first stayed in his original position of right back, he was forced to take over as centre-half when it became apparent that Ranson's ability would not make up for his inexperience in such a key position. Although often forced on the defensive by his forwards' inability to make use of the ball, McCallum nevertheless distributed his passes well and generally controlled the centre of the field, whilst, as Captain, he dispensed a very fair balance of criticism and encouragement.

The only other old colour left in the defence was Ranson, who never really recaptured his promising form of last season, but played one or two good games at right-half and never gave up trying.

Gough, of the cast-iron toes, automatically took over in goal and always played well : apparently quite fearless, he soon learnt the importance of meeting advancing forwards on the edge of the circle. and, in the only heavy defeat suffered, he was solely responsible for it not being much heavier. Of the two new backs, Sim always looked the safer and developed an effective pass from left to right, but both he and his partner, Evans, were slow to clear their lines and too often hit straight to an opponent. Precious held the left-half position all the season and, at times, looked good, his particular strength lying in an excellent cross pass, hit very hard. He naturally lacks polish and tends to allow his opposing winger too much rope, preferring to tackle him in possession to intercepting the pass.

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