WESLEY WINS AUCKLAND HOCKEY DOUBLE

Auckland Star, Volume LXXIII, Issue 242, 13 October 1942, Page 5

WESLEY WINS AUCKLAND HOCKEY DOUBLE

CHAMPION ELEVEN BEATEN AGAIN

By defeating University for the second week in succession, this time by one scored in the last two minutes of extra time played, Wesley won the hockey double — the Devonport Shield and the Kent Cup. With the latter trophy goes the title champion of champions.

The match had Its exciting moments, but the general run of play fell short of expectations. Vigorous tackling and excessive body play marred what might have been an excellent exhibition. Also the keenness of both sets of forwards tended to make them over-eager, with the result that many scoring chances were lost.

The Wesley players had the "edge" on their opponents for the greater part of the game, but failed to profit from their experience of the previous week. Again they relied too much on Individual efforts to pierce the opposing defence, instead of initiating passing movements among the forwards to upset the solid play of the University rearguard.

Auckland Goes Down.—ln the,annual fixture for the Selectors' Cup, the team chosen from "The Rest" of Auckland defeated the Representatives by three goals to two. This game. In contrast to the first, gave the spectators some sparkling hockey, for the absence of tension among the players contributed to a more carefree style of open play.

Slaney's Last-minute Effort.—As there was no score in the Kent Cup match between Wesley and University when full time sounded. It was necessary to play extra time. The pace was telling on the players when, with two minutes to go, O. Slaney followed up fast on a big hit which T. Childs, the 'Varsity goalkeeper, misjudged in kicking to clear. Slaney, in attempting to quickly change his direction, slipped. Despite this he Just managed to get on his knees and reach out to gather in the ball and scoop it into the net. A spectacular if somewhat lucky finale.

Archibald Scores a "Beauty."—Although the "Reps." scored the first goal in the Selectors' Cup match, it was probably E. Archibald's brilliant score which spurred the "Rest" to greater efforts and enabled the challengers to run out winners. This player gained possession near the halfway and, with clever stick work, weaved his way through the defence to gain the circle. Here T. Dowling came well out to meet him. but Archibald neatly passed him, then slammed the ball into an open net. Later in the game the Somerville winger nearly repeated the whole performance, but this time he over-ran the ball and lost possession.

WOMEN REPRESENTATIVES

The only representative game of the women's hockey season was played between Auckland and Waikato at Melville Park last Saturday, the home side winning 6 —l. The teams were:— Auckland: Goal. B. Meyers: full-backs, L. Askew (captain), M. White; halves. L. Fletcher, M. Coldham, B. Stevens; forwards, L. McManus, B. Conquest, J. Cameron. S. Hogden. K. Bilkey. Waikato: Goal, B. Llnklater; full-backs, L. Steers, P. Prince; halves, J. Dynes, H. Adams, G. Harkness; forwards: V. Collison. P. Eruera, B. Altken (captain), N. Tlsch, D. Stevenson.

Auckland was vastly superior and dominated play from the beginning. The score would have been much higher had the team not suffered the loss early in the second spell of S. Hogben, who was forced to retire owing to an eye Injury, and was replaced by B. Protheroe. The hockey, taken on the whole, was not up to previous representative standard.

In the first spell Auckland rattled on four goals, but on resuming could only "catch" one more; whilst Waikato, livening the play, took a turn on attack and netted its only goal. Biikey, Hogben and Cameron combined well and kept Waikato on the defensive in the first spell. Auckland's left was definitely weaker. M® Coldham, at centre-half, played a sound positional game. B. Stevens worked hard; she needs a little more experience.

Waikato fielded a team of mostly young players, and they were never given much chance against more experienced opponents. V. Collison, on the left wing, was the outstanding player, and her goal from a difficult angle on the back line was the best of the day. P. Eruera played a bustling game. P. Prince, right full-back, was a tower of strength. Custodian B. Linklater brought off some remarkably brilliant saves.

Auckland scorers were:—Cameron (3), Hogben and Conquest. Mrs. M. Hamlin and Mrs. D. M Gracie umpired.

In the intermediate knock-out final. Technical defeated Wesley, 2—o.