HOCKEY, 1949 We had a good and enjoyable hockey season. Except for a rather vital ten days in the middle of the season, the weather was kind, and there was considerable keenness for the game among all the boys who play it. Our great handicap was lack of adequate grounds; but, despite that, most boys had a reasonable amount of hockey and got great enjoyment from their games. The arrangement and control of these games was thrown almost entirely on boys, and this was a very great advantage. A great deal can be learned by umpiring the junior games and watching other people's mistakes ! The School XI was, on the whole, a much improved side. Last year's experience was extremely valuable; but this year we were much more of a team. We were helped, of course, by playing on faster and firmer grounds, and profiting from a splendid lesson in fast hockey given us by York H.C., we improved steadily until we gained a good victory over Worksop, in the best game of the year, marred only by a lamentable failure in front of goal. Previously we had beaten Bootham on their ground, both sides playing much better than last year, and had drawn with Ashville College, Harrogate, in a snowstorm ! Thus we undertook the long, long trail to Trent with an unbeaten certificate in School matches and only one defeat in the term. That the 'better side on the day's play won at Trent there is no shadow of doubt. Trent were faster on the ball and adapted themselves much more successfully than we did to a heavy, slow ground. Indeed, but for a very fine display of goalkeeping by Pringle the score against us might have been considerably larger than 4--1. We were doubtless travel-weary, and we certainly looked it. Our only regret about our deserved defeat is that Trent have no reason to believe us when we say we can play a great deal better than that. The Second XI also thoroughly enjoyed their season. There was quite keen competition before the defence was settled, but there was a dearth of forwards and a paralysing lack of scoring-power. We must do something next year to put this right; though it seems a fairly common failing in Schools. Amos, in goal, the backs, and halves were the best part of the team, while Hodd and March showed distinct promise in the forward line.
CHARACTERS OF THE 1st XI P. T. Baker. Centre forward. A thoroughly keen and encouraging Captain, who did a great deal for School hockey. As a centre forward he lacks the ability to keep the ball really close to his stick either in dribbling or in taking passes. He can shoot quite well at times, but needs more room and more time than is normally available. He was developing a very useful flick-shot at the end of the season. J. C. Griffiths. Right half. The most improved player on the side. He lacks speed, but he tackles well, and he—more than anyone—learned to tackle at arm's length. He fed his own wing very well indeed, and improved
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