THREE ELEVENS ON FIVE POINTS.

Auckland Star, Volume LXXI, Issue 205, 29 August 1940, Page 20

THREE ELEVENS ON FIVE POINTS.

FOURTH ROUND OF HOCKEY.

BOTH AUCKLAND TEAMS THEN UNBEATEN.

The semi-final series of sectional contests in the Xew Zealand women's hockey tournament at Melville Park, Epsom, yesterday afternoon left Wellington leading in the first division, and Auckland a tie with Canterbury (holder of the "K" Cup) in the other. Although the second Auckland - side, like the A - s, was etill unbeaten too, its draws with Akitio and Wellington in successive games, gave the team from i the capital a lead of a point. The final series was staged for to-day, any section tie or ties will be decided tomorrow afternoon, and the final on Saturday. Points and Wednesday's results:— Section A.—Wellington, 5; Auckland B, Asliburton, 4 ; Marlborough, Akitio, 2. Fourth" round: Wellington 1, drew with i Auckland B 1 ; Marlborough 1, beat Akitio j0 : Ashburton, a bye. Section B.—Canterbury, Auckland A, 5 ; Rangitikei, Wairarapa. Wanganui, all 2. Fourth round : Canterbury 1, beat Rangitikei 0; Wanganui 2, beat Wairarapa 1 ; Auckland A, a bye. Except in the last-named of the four actual games there was no score at halftime, and in the Wanganui-Wairarapa contest the loser led at the interval. Comment on the play:— SECTION A. Auckland B v. Wellington.—Auckland was nuick to open up the attack, good support being given by the half line. .1. Cameron was the outft-i tiding player, G. Lowe (inside left) exhibited tine stickwork. her passes feeding the line well. Wellington waited its chance and surprised Auckland out of position, to semi the bull behind the line. longerons on the right wing, I. La inn son made openings, for Wellington, and her centring shots were well placed. Only sound full-back play by L. Gubb kept Wellington from finalising, and neither s»i(le scored in the first spell. After the interval, even play marked the opening stages a brilliant solo run by J. Kiley resulted Jα; Wellington scoring. Auckland fought hard.to equalise, and was awarded several corners. The Wellington vans, however, marked the players well, anticipation and interception giving them a Oefini-te advantage when they counter-attacked. I. Lamason showed excellent ball control nnrt speed on the wing to force corners. Shortly* t>efore time Auckland rushed the opposing goal, and from the melee in the circle R. Spiers hit a goal in an exciting finish to make it a drawn game. Marlborough v. Akitio. —Many Marlborongh attacks were spoilt by off-side, and no goals were registered at half-time. On resuming, a fast run upfield eaw Marlborough s-oore off the stick of J. Botuam (left inside). The defence was solid ami eat-ily held the weak Akitio attack, E. Moynihan being the only outstanding player. For Marlborough, B. Morgan made openings on the wing; while a useful game was played by H. Judd in the half line, but there was no further scoring. SECTION B. Canterbury v. Rangitikei.—Canterbury attacked early, forceful tactics taking the Southerners into the circle repeatedly. In goal M. Fitches saved with strong clearing shots, and put Rangitikei on the offensive for B. Iwakan (left inside) to challenge the Canterbury 'keeper on several occasions, only to find her safe. Canterbury failed to show the combination previously exhibited, bunching in the circle, and poor passing enabling Rangitikei to repel all attacks, there being no score at half-time. From the reopening bully B. Archer (Canterbury's left-wing) made a spectacular run to centre a nice shot, but E. Davidson cleared for Rangitikei. Increasing the pressure Canterbury opened the score, from a pass taken by D. Dickey (left Inside). The same player was unfortunate when a fine shot rebounded from the goal post. Stronger on the defence than on the attack Rangitikei gave an excellent exhibition of full-back play, Misses Donaldson and Iwakan being called upon to break up repeated invasions. Efforts to retaliate were made, but Rangitikei etarved its wings while no penetration was made by the centre. . The game ended with Canter-bury.-still one up.- , •,

Walrarapa v. Wan.sanui. —An even game, won by Wanganui, was marred by frequent penalties. Walraropa opened the score from the left wing, D. Mills netting before half-time. Both teams tired in the second spell, poor combination slowing up the game «onsjderably. ...The ball was continually taken up the field by D. Cox (rightwing), "whose efforts for Wanganui failed through lack of support. Woirarapa's combination of three full-backs left the goal open, and brought the team out of position. Taxing the defence heavily Wanganui eventually scored through the agency of D. Cos. In the later stages Wanganui gained a penalty bully from obstruction, an* E. Coney beer netted the deciding goal.