Senior Reserve Hockey

by Bob Gray

Only 2 games remain to complete the Senior Reserve Competition and the grade in poised for one of the most exciting finishes for some years.

Only 2 point separate the top four teams with Tawa leading the way on 20, Varsity A 19. Karori 19, and Varsity B 18.

Varsity has in fact, won the grade for the last four seasons and certainly has the ability to do so again this season if it applies itself in these remaining games.

Tawa, however, is a determined side and is striving to reach Senior status.

Varsity A meets Tawa in the final game of the season and, with many personal and club rivalries hinging on the outcome, an interesting encounter is expected.

The Senior Reserve grade has been highlighted for Varsity this year by a tremendous performance by Peter Scot's Varsity "B" team.

In past years the "B's" have often played in the shadow of the "A" team, but this year both teams have been within striking distance or winning the grade.

When the 2 teams met in their first encounter, lethargy and an apparent unwilligness on the part of the "A's" to appreciate that hockey is a team game results in a win to the "B's" 3-2.

Following this game. John Nimms, Geoff Kirkham and Bob Gray from the "A's" and Philip Gibbons and Dave Price from the "B's" were selected for the Wellington Senior Reserve representative team. Later on, with some players not available for the rep, games, Doug Hill and Graham Dick were also added to the team.

Though the "B's" are certainly a very sound and consistent team in style and performance, on their dal the "A's"are probably more impressive.

Good displays against Tawa in their first clas (4-1) and Indians (7-0) suggested that the A's would take the grade at a canter, but a lapse against Karori similar to those which have been characteristic of the team all season resulted in a 3-4 loss after leading 3-1 at half-time.

This loss has seriously jeopardised the team's chances of winning the grade and only a determined effort in their final game against Tawa will enable it to retain its title.