HOCKEY.

Manawatu Times, Volume XXVII, Issue 7757, 6 July 1903, Page 2

HOCKEY.

Wellington v. Manawatu. The hockey matches on Saturday between Wellington and Manawatu (senior and junior) were played under the most favourable auspices, the weather being all that could be desired, while the ground was in excellent condition. In consequence of the fine weather and the interest occasioned by the m.atch a considerable number of spectators attended, 'I he Wellington players arrived by the midday express. Both divisions were fully and strongly represented.. From a good bully the senior match went at. a merry pace right up to half time. Palmeruton attacked strongly, and twice thots were put in by A. Strang and Drew, which, had the goal been more easily distinguishable, might have proved effective. Wellington in turn made things threatening, and towards the end of the spell got on a good passing, rush which resulted in an essy .goal being shot—one whioh Pitt should have saved. '. : . In the second spell the Palmerston ba"cks,-with the exception of Strang, who played a fine defensive half game Tilt, who saved a beautiful shot at goal, and Fraser, cwent more or less to pieces by frequently missing the ball. Good recoveries were made ar,d scores thereby saved, but the mishits meant the nonfeeaitig of the forwards. Cameron was the best of the fullbacks. The Palmer; ston right wing was the hardest-worked of the forwards, and Webb and McMurray got through a lot of good, hard play. Gflpper at centre was a very useful man bu|s had to close back a lot for defensive purpQscs, and was. also well marked. Bell and Drew on the left wing were worked very slightly, although both were apparently fit. The Wellington forwards played a good game, particularly Smythe, Hickson and Davies. The backs also hit cleanly and hard, and with precision. No further score was] made in the second spell, although tbel last shot, by McMurray, missed the" goal 1 by a few inqhes, and the game ended in another defeat for Manawatu by one goal to nil. Mr C. Eush made an impartial referee. The junior match resulted similarly. Play if anything was in favour of Palmerston, but although Burbush made two good shots neither were effeci tiv^. Wellington managed to score early in the game. Mr C. Warden gave iinpartiil decisions as referee. The visitors were well entertained here and returned home by the evening's express. . . • A team from Miss" Fraser's Craven school visited Wellington and played a match with the Kiwis on Saturday.' 'ihe Palmerston players maintained their splendid reputation by beating their opponents by 6 goals to 3. Evidently the team has lost none of its old form.