Hockey

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. 42

The forwards, always a problem in School sides, never looked very convincing, except for Woodruff on the right wing, who, by dint of perseverance and anticipation, often gave slow defenders a harassing afternoon. Gale, potentially a good stick player, rarely had conditions to suit him and often held on too long; however, both he and Hemsley, a converted half-back, worked tremendously hard, and the latter, lacking any stickwork, frequently got the better of his man by simply "sticking at it" and was rewarded by at least one valuable goal. On the left wing Dronfield disappointed after a promising start : he had little idea of beating a man and, although possessing a very powerful hit, he often seemed reluctant to use it; he was, however, fast and generally collected his passes well. Mackay finally filled the centreforward position, but without any great success; he never seemed able to control the ball and was rarely in a position to shoot.

The Second XI had a successful season in winning three matches and only losing to Worksop. The backs soon learnt to cover each other well and the halves were generally able to hold opponents' forward lines in check—Alderson, in particular, showed much promise with his good eye and strong wrists. The strength of the forwards lay in the wings, Bottomley and Coulson, whose direct methods and hard hit centres were very effective, not to mention their own success in scoring goals. The team was unlucky to have two matches cancelled when only the First XI was able to play.

The other games took full advantage of the better weather conditions, Game 3, in particular, playing marathon games, which only ended when it was too dark to see the whites of the goalkeeper's eyes. Such enthusiasm augurs well for the future, if only the weather will not revert to its usual depressing character in the coming seasons.

The final teams were as follows :—

1ST XI

C. W. Gough; R. L. Evans, D. L. W. Sim; E. M. H. Ranson, A. McCallum (Capt.), M. Precious; M. W. Woodruff, J. W. S. Gale, L. H. K. Mackay, C. J. Hemsley, P. J. Dronfield.

2ND XI

A. W. Raylor; M. J. Bond, F. C. Beaumont; G. W. A. R. Alderson, T. D. J. Layfield (Capt.), G. D. Parkin; D. E. Coulson, M. McCallum, J. J. Rhodes, M. J. Kershaw, W. J. Bottomley.

Second XI Colours were awarded to Bond, Beaumont, Alderson, Parkin, Coulson and Bottomley. Layfield and Kershaw already held them.

FIRST XI MATCHES ST. PETER'S 0; ASHVILLE COLLEGE 2. Away on 7th February.

It was a very raw and inexperienced team which represented the School for the first match of the season. Three of the regular players 43

were ill with influenza, and the cold, foggy weather was not very conducive to enjoyable hockey. However, both sides attempted to make the best of the conditions. At half-time honours were even and both defences had held firm. After the interval, however, the Ashville forwards broke twice through a shaky School defence, and their two goals were enough to win the match, and a just reflection of the difference between the sides.

ST. PETER'S 2; SCARBOROUGH COLLEGE 2. Away on 18th February.

The Scarborough ground was dry and fast and, thanks to the sunny weather, playing conditions were ideal. The School were soon attacking, and it was not long before they took the lead with a goal by McCallum from a long corner. Scarborough immediately fought back, however, and a goal by their inside-right levelled the score. After half-time the play deteriorated somewhat, but interest was not lacking, as both sides struggled to attain superiority. A defensive lapse on the part of the School allowed Scarborough to take the lead, and the game was very nearly over before Woodruff levelled the score again. A draw was a fitting result after a fast and vigorous game, although Scarborough were unlucky to have a goal disallowed in the last minute of the game. It did not escape notice that the umpire concerned was an Old Peterite !

ST. PETER'S 1; YORK H.C. 4. Away on 21st February.

In this match against a strong York team, the School put up their best performance of the season. The defence, particularly, played well, and in the first half kept the speedy York forwards at bay. Accurate passing and intelligent positioning enabled the School to dominate the game for long periods, and only the inexperience of the forwards in front of goal prevented any scoring. Early in the second half the experienced York forwards gained command and scored three quick goals. Hemsley replied for the School, but this was no more than a consolation goal, for York soon scored again, as though to emphasise their obvious superiority in front of goal.

ST. PETER'S 1; BOOTHAM SCHOOL 3. Away on 25th February.

This poor display by the School was most disappointing after their fine performance against York the previous Saturday. Owing to the complete inability of the School to hit the ball cleanly, Bootham gradually took control. The School forwards did not make a serious attack until the last ten minutes of the game. By then it was too late, for Bootham had already scored three good goals and made sure of winning.

ST. PETER'S 2; TRENT COLLEGE 0. Away on 28th February.

This was a game which the School were very lucky to win. Played on a hard, fast pitch it soon developed into a duel between the skilful Trent forwards and the School defence. That the latter was able to hold out was due more, perhaps, to the unsteadiness of the Trent forwards in front of goal than to the skill of the School defence. Gough, however, gave a most spirited display of goalkeeping and saved well on several occasions. The School attack was limited to isolated, sporadic raids which proved to be surprisingly dangerous. As a result, two goals were scored, one in each half, the scorers being Hemsley and Woodruff.

ST. PETER'S 0; WORKSOP COLLEGE 3. Away on 4th March.

A creditable performance by the School prevented Worksop from winning by their usual margin of eight or nine goals. The defence, particularly McCallum, Sim, and Evans, played very well and, by their speed on to the ball and into the tackle, they made Worksop, who were obviously a very good side, look strangely hesitant and flurried. After leading by only one goal at half-time, the home side, however, attacked incessantly during the second half, but only managed to score twice more. The pressure on the School defence towards the end may be illustrated by the fact the three penalty bullies were awarded for accidentally saving goals with foot or leg— only one resulted in a goal.

ST. PETER'S 3; OLD PETERITES 2. Home on 7th March.

The School pitch lived up to its muddy reputation. Both teams succeeded in adapting themselves to the conditions, but the School settled down first and Woodruff scored a fine goal from a narrow angle. The pattern of play changed remarkably in the last fifteen minutes of the second half; after Woodruff had scored one more goal and made another for Gale, the O.P.s fought back with great success. They scored twice, but the School defence just managed to hold out to the final whistle.

ST. PETER'S 0; STYX H.C. 9. Home on 11th March.

Two county players and several excellent club players gave the School team an admirable lesson in scoring goals. Their skill and speed at stopping and controlling the ball allowed the Styx XI to control the game for long periods. In spite of this overwhelming superiority, however, the School were, perhaps, unlucky not to score at least one goal.

SECOND XI

18 Feb. v. Scarborough College 25 Feb. v. Bootham School ... 28 Feb. v. Trent College ... 4 Mar. v. Worksop College ... Away Won 3-1 Home Won 4-2 Away Won 4-2 Away Lost 1-3