HOCKEY.

Auckland Star, Volume XL, Issue 205, 28 August 1909, Page 7

HOCKEY.

AUCKLAND V. MANAWATTJ. TOURING TEAM WINS. (By Telegraph.—Special to "Star.") TAL/MERSTOX NORTH, Friday. The AucKiauu rcpreseiJUiuve muriug team arrived lv fuiiueroiou -Nurui tills morning, aua receiveu a very hearty weiconie irum Air Nash uvuyor of Falinerston) and tiie niernuurs or tha ilauawatu Kockey Association. Tne slight rest greatly benefited the players, and mc Auckiauders pinned their laiUi iv the team that ueleated Southlaad. The w earner was unfavourable, a slight ruin lulling throughout the game, aud as vie clay >viia not a recognised Holiday, only about two hundred spectators attended tne inati.h. The ground was in splendid order, especially after the long stretch of dry weaiher, aud although the whistle sounded measure of the ground. Shortly, after a p.m. the teams took the field, and the initial bully resulted in the blue' favour. The attack, however, was only temporary, for Kerslake, with a hard shot, returned to Webb, and the crack left wing forward had '.he Auckland back supporters very anxious. Continuously the whistle went, and all interest in the game was lost to the spectators. There wae not committed was penalised, but from a spectacular point of view the game was 6poilt. on a nice piece of play, but the whistle would settle all. und nothing but ao exchange of free hits would result. At last the efforts of the players escaped the whistle, and Hammer took play to Auckland quarters. Slilrriffs stopped, and txaneand the last named, cleverly beating three opponents, passed on to Mather. This player passed to Murdoch, and the left wing centred hard, the ball going to Young on the right wing. A hot attack was now offered, aud Smyth swung on to the ball, a hot shot beating Forsytn, and Auckland's first goal was registered. Play hovered about mldfleld for some time, and then, through the efforts of Simmonds and Sorenson, the Auckland defence was tested. Alter several penalty corners were conceded by Auckland, Crump took a shot, and Smyth stopped the ball going out at the 25. Still Mnnawatu pressed, and the bnll en rue througrh to Bloomlield, who safely cleared b.v kicking to mldfleld, and half time was called. I'pou resuming, the Aneklanders assumed ronminnd. and some very Interesting play was shown by the blue and whites from left to right. The Auckland forwards in their passing runs treated the spectators to an Interesting exhibition of stick work, but It would be hard to individualise the players. The green and whites at last raised the hopes <if their supporters, and a (shot by Kerslake set Webb in motion. Shirrlffs stopped well at the critical moment, and the ball enme out to Knvanagh, The left half passed out to Murdoch, who drove In hard to Smyth, nnd the last named transferred tn Mathor from mldfleld. This player travelled, and beating the goalkeeper, went right Into the net with the ball. Auckland 2 Manr.watu 0Manawatu tried hard to find a weakness in Auckland's defence. Several corners had been conceded. Bloonilield saved a hot shot. A good pass by Porter to Young again had the home team in trouble, and into the circle the Auckland forwards swept, right through the blue forwards. The ball was passed, at times being cleverly hit while in the air, but the sticks brought relief to the home team, and time wae shortly called. Mr Warden had charge of the whistle, and, although his decisions were of a most impartial nature, the continuous ■use of the whistle entirely spoilt the game from a spectacular point of view. The Aucklanders' combination was decidedly superior to that of Manawatu. and. of a hard working team, Shlrriffs. at fulliback, was best. The half line did splendid work, especially when near their opponents' circle, but honours go to Forter. The forward line did fine work, and Young (right wing), Smyth, Mather, and Murdoch treated the spectators to some brilliant exhibitions of stick work. * After the match the Aucklanderg were entertained by the Manawatu Association to a dinner and smoke concert, a most enjoyable evening being spent. LADIES' TOURNAMENT. (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) NAPIER, Friday. The weather was fine, though overcast, for the continuation of the ladies' hockey tournament to-day. The following are the results:—Nelson and Horowhenua drew, Taranakl beat Wongi;nui by 3 goals to 1, Auckland beat Hawke's Bay B by 3 to nil, Walrarapa A beat Wellington by 2 to nil, aud Hawke's Bay A beat Walrarapa B by 4 to 1. Hawke's Bay A are the only unbeaten team so far.