HOCKEY N.Z. TEAM BEATS CANTERBURY

Press, Volume XCIV, Issue 28129, 19 November 1956, Page 19

HOCKEY N.Z. TEAM BEATS CANTERBURY

CONVINCING WIN BY 9 GOALS TO NIL

EXHILARATING FIRST HALF DISPLAY

The New Zealand men’s Olympic hockey team gave a very convincing preOlympic display when at Williamson Park on Saturday it soundly trounced Canterbury by 9 goals to 0. Its win brings the team s total goals for its matches in tne final training session, to 65. Only g°. a^s have been scored against it. . ™*"* amson Park was in first-class order for the game, and a large crowd showed its appreciation of the fast, purposeful play of the New Zealand side. A win over Canterbury—the holder of the New Zealand Challenge Shield—should add greatly to the confidence of the team. The team’s preparation will be completed with a game against a Victoria State team on Tuesday. The teams were:—

New Zealand.—D. Goldsmith; B. Johnston. R. Johansson; B. Turner. J. Tynan (captain). M. Loudon; C. Currie, N. Hobson, G. McGregor, I. Armstrong, P. Bygrave.

Canterbury.—w. Shaefer; J. Abrams, R. Cummins (captain); R. Gillespie, M. Wall, J. Kiddey; P. Cotton, R. O’Connor, P. Blyth, K. Cumberpatch. M. McKinnon. Abrams, Cumberpatch and Shaefer—three of the Olympic players—played in the Canterbury term. Shaefer and Goldsmith changing teams for the second half New Zealand took control early in the game and in an exhilarating first-half display scored five goals. Another four goals were added in the first 10 minutes of the second spell, but there the scoring finished. With nine goals in hand New Zealand appeared to relax, and the standard of play deteriorated slightly. Fit, Well-trained Side New Zealand impressed as a fit, welltrained side with a solid core of seasoned players which produced moves that left the Canterbury defence groping ineffectually. The forwards received plenty of opportunities, most of which were capitalised on, but there were still several goals that were missed from favourable positions. Of the goalkeepers tried, Shaefer was outstanding and fully merited the frequent applause for his many fine saves. He showed excellent judgment at all times. Goldsmith had less to do, but he, too. was sound. The New Zealand backs were not severely tested. They covered each other well and showed a good understanding with their halves. Both trapped very steadily, and Johansson placed his clearing passes carefully. Johnston was very fast on recovery, but a few of his passes were intercepted. The half line was very sound, and it was tireless on defence and attack. Turner, Tynan and Loudon have played together on many occasions, and have an excellent understanding. Tynan was the pivot of many attacking movements, and he directed play in a masterly manner. New Zealand played a short-passing, basically right-wing atttack, and the backs, halves and forwards combined smoothly in many fine movements. There was a marked absence of hard hitting and hit-and-run tactics. i The forward line was a first-class combination at times. At right-wing Currie played well, and his speed and stickwork should be of great value to the team. At times, however, he appeared to take the ball too far towards the back line before passing, and several flat passes were intercepted by the Canterbury defence. Hobson was a capable inside right who back-tackled relentlessly, and at centreforward McGregor was brilliant. He demonstrated superlative control and stickwork in making openings for his other forwards. Armstrong was not at his best at inside left, but he showed that he retains his customary dash within the circle. Bygraves at left wing made several fast breaks and placed his centring passes accurately. Abrams played soundly at right back for Canterbury, and Cumberpatch. who filled the inside left position, played well, but at times overhit some of his passes. •. -inGoals were scored for New Zealand by McGregor (3), Hobson (3), Armstrong. Johansson and Tynan. The umpires were Messrs W. Morris and K. Hamilton.