1939 CHAMPION IS DEFEATED

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 152, 28 June 1940, Page 11

1939 CHAMPION IS DEFEATED

A HOCKEY SURPRISE. FRANKLIN CONQUERS PIAKO. RODNEY STILL IN RUNNING. Had Piako, holder o£ the White Horse Cup, beaten Franklin in the men's hockey tourney at Bemuera yesterday, the maroons would have retained the trophy, irrespective of anything that could happen in .-the seventh and final round thin afternoon.

The black and whites (for whom three brothers, Bcllingham, of Glenbrook, have been conspicuous throughout the meet), however, by exploiting a weakness on the right flank, vanquished last year's champions by two goals to nil. The scorers were S. Bell and B. Bellingham.

In consequence the lead changed hands, the poiuts after Thursday's two rounds being:—Franklin 10, Piako 0, Rodney A 0, Whangarei A 7, Rodney B 0, Waipa 5, Thames 1!, Whangarei B 0,

The substantial victory of Rodney A over Whangarei A brought the former XI. on level terms with Piako for second place, and the whites are still in the running. They are practically certain to beat Whangarei B this afternoon, in which case Rodney A would stand on 11 points together with Piako, if the southerners are successful (as they should be) against Thames to-day.

Rodney had its B team fighting to-day for a district victory, and if the*' couUl even hold Franklin to a draw this afternoon Rodney A would be bracketed with Franklin ami Piako as this year's Cup holders. But provided Franklin arc victorious against Rodney B. the black and whites will become country week champions for the first time.

The scores in the remaining sixth round contests were:—

Rodney A 4 (E. Ash ton 3, N. Wyatt) beat Whangarei A 0.

Rodney B 3 (A. LiingrMgr lilt nil the goals), bout Waipa - <R. atxl G. Spiers). Thames 3 (M. Footc shot the lot), beat Wlinngarci BO.'