NEW HOCKEY CLUB FORMED

Press, Volume LXXII, Issue 21806, 11 June 1936, Page 18

NEW HOCKEY CLUB FORMED

SUNNYSIDE WOMENS TEAM With the formation of a Sunnyside Women’s Hockey Club the bye in the senior grade of the women’s hockey competition has been eliminated. The new club 'will play its first match against Technical A on Saturday. Until then it is not possible to gauge its strength, as most of its players are unknown on the field. Two of its members are drawn from Rangiora. The Sunnyside club’s matches this season will not count in the competition, but they will serve the useful purpose of giving the new team experience, and of providing a game for teams whicl\ otherwise would have had to be content with a bye. Unbeaten Teams Meet The match between the unbeaten Hornby and Rangiora teams was the main attraction of the fifth round of the competition last Saturday. Play was fast and interesting throughout, Hornby winning with the only goal of the match after 20 minutes’ play in the second spell. The other matches were, with one exception, evenly contested. West Christchurch surprised in holding Pukaki to a draw in another interesting game. Digby’s and Aranui, two teams that have so far not reproduced last year’s form, also finished level. Kiwi, winners of the senior B grade last season, played to form in beating Canterbury College, and Technical A had the biggest win of the day over Training College, who were fielding a team for the first time this season. The Rangipra-Hornby game was particularly hgrd and fast. Both sides were keen to maintain an unbeaten record. They took some time to settle down, but good hockey was played, especially in the second half. Both sides made the play open, attacking on either wing. This was somewhat surprising, as Hornby usually depend on the McKenzie sisters to break through in the centre. Hornby had more combination in the forwards, but this was offset by the vigour of the Rangiora five. Gladys McKenzie was outstanding for her side, as was N. Prestney for the losers. A feature of the game was the splendid defence of both sets of backs. With the chances each team had it was remarkable that only one goal was scored. .This was the outcome of a magnificent effort by G. McKenzie, who netted as she was falling over. Games for Saturday With only two points separating the first six teams the competition is now very interesting. So far it is hard to select the likely winner. Hornby’s next match is against Aranui, and unless Aranui’s defence improves the blues should win. Rangiora will be el home to Canterbury College, but the loss of two players to Sunnyside will make a difference. This game is very open, but Rangiora should win. A great deal depends upon the KiwiPukaki game, for if Pukaki is to have any chance of regaining the championship a win is necessary. The other matches will be Training College v. West Christchurch, and Technical B v Difibya.