COUNTRY WEEK.

Auckland Star, 9 July 1928, Page 15

COUNTRY WEEK.

THE TOURNEY IN REVIEW,

In the infancy of the White Horse Cup tournament the contestants were very much limited, but it was not long before the hopes of the officials of the Auckland Hockey Association materialised and for years, with an interruption on account of the war, the function has been continued and is now a very important adjunct to Auckland hockey. The tournament just concluded has been the most successful and enthusiastic of the series. During the week players and supporters from as far south as Maniapoto and north to Whangarei, have congregated at the Remuera ground and displayed their full power and knowledge of hockey. Besides the White Horse Cup contest the Auckland Ladies' Hockey Association launched a tournament for the benefit of sub-associations attached. With over a dozen teams in action in addition to the nine teams competing for the White Horse Cup, the Remuera Hockey Ground was a scene of great activity during the week. The competition was divided into two sections—Rodney, Waipa, Piako, Tauranga and Maniapoto finding places in the A section, while Franklin, Whakatane, Whangarei and Thames-Hauraki formed the B section.

- It was an unexpected climax to a strenuous programme that the winners of the two sections should play a drawn game, although time was extended to obtain a final decision. It is the first time in the history of the competition that two teams have been bracketed for the country championship. In a competition of such a wide nature the hockey varied considerably, but throughOut the games were marked by keenness and friendly rivalry. No donut Rodney, the winners of the A section, gave the finest all-round display during the their game with Waipa on Wednesday was perhaps the outstanding match, although Whakatane and Whangarei figured in an excellent contest on the previous day. Rodney opened by overwhelming Maniapoto by 12 goals to 2. They defeated Tauranga by 6to nil, and also upset the calculations of Waipa by defeating last year's champions by 4 goals to 2, then wound up the section games with a 4 to 1 victory over Piako. Rodney possessed an excellent forward line, which would be a credi> to most of the town teams. Their backs were fair to good. Franklin, who share White Horse Cup honours with Rodney, enjoyed a certain amount of good fortune. They scored a 2 to 1 victory over Whangarei in the first game, but after getting a lead adopted safety tactics, which included a three-two-three formation. The front line contained three forwards and the remainder of the team were more or less backs. They beat ThamesHauraki and drew with They played a bustling type of game and frequently the hit hard and followup tactics prevailed. Waipa tlid not appear up to the standard of previous teams, changing players about, while the work of the forwards was not at all decisive in the circle, and there was not sufficient support from the halves. Piako were unable to get their best eleven away, still they possessed a fair set of backs, but were not so efficient in the forward line. Tauranga are a young and promising lot; the forwards have a tendency to do too much passing without making much headway. Whangarei, until they met Piako in the Kent Cup, did not display anything like their true form and they failed to secure a victory in the section. Thames-Hauraki played hockey of an elementary nature. They have material, but require'a little coaching. Maniapoto made their first appearance and require experience; nevertheless, they extended Waipa in a very even game in the first spell. ~ i JUNIOR RESULTS. SENIOR B. University Colts 4, beat Somerville Lolts 3. Training College 3, drew with Epiphany SECOND GRADE. Areta 4, beat 'Varsity 1. Mt. Eden 5, beat Somerville 3. THIRD GRADE OPEN. •Varsity B 2, beat 'Varsity A 1. Grammar 3, beat Wesley B 0. FOURTH GRADE. St. Luke's 4, beat 'Varsity 3. Otahubu 6, beat Grammar 0. FIFTH GRADE. Mount Albert B 4, beat Grammar A 1 Mount Eden 3, beat Mount Albert A l! LADIES' GAMES. JUNIOR. Y.W.C.A. A 3, beat Y.W.C.A. B 0. Mount Eden 1, beat Technical 0.

GAMES IN THE PROVINCE. HAMILTON. Senior. —Old Boys 3, beat Ngahinepouri 1; Y.M.C.A. 4, beat Kaipakl 2; Hinemoa 3, beat Old Boys' Colts 1. Juniors.—School 2, beat Y.M.C.A. 0. TE PUKE. Maketu 2, beat High School Old Girls 1. Amaroa won from Huam&i by default. , ROTORUA. A hockey match in the Government grounds on Saturday resulted : —Arawas 1, beat Shamrock 0. The game was very keenly contested. Arawas' goal was scored in the first spell by Miss King!. At Mamaku. Tuis 1, drew with Mania ku 1. The goals Were scored in the first lialf by Mrs. Pattle, Mamaku and Miss T. Winiata, Tuis. GAMES IN THE SOUTH. WELLINGTON. Senior A.—Hutt 12, beat Petone 2; University «, beat Wesley 1; Y.M.C.A. 1, drew with Wellington 1. Senior B. —Wesley 5, beat Y.M.C.A. 0; Hutt 2, beat University 1; Karori 3, beat Hula 2. DUNEDIN. "Varsity A 9, beat H.S. Old Boys 1; City 4. beat Albany 1; Technical Old Boys 10, beat 'Varsity B 1.