Women's Hockey TIMARU TOURNEY OPENS

Press, Volume XCVIII, Issue 28987, 31 August 1959, Page 13

Women's Hockey TIMARU TOURNEY OPENS

Canterbury Beats Auckland, 5-4

(From Our Own Reporter) TIMARU. August 30.

A colourful march past of players and umpires, followed by addresses by the Dominion president, Mrs G. Iggo, of Canterbury, and the Mayor of Timaru (Mr R. E. Whljte). marked ihe opening of the 1959 Dominion women's hockey tournament at Timam on Saturday. Highlight of the day was the Canterbury-Auckland (Town) match, in which Canterbury beat last year’s runners-up by 5 goals to 4. Play started at a terrific pace and this was maintained throughout. Auckland opened the score from a melee in the goal-mouth after 12 minutes of play. Three minutes later Mirie Thomson equalised. Auckland again took the lead only to see Turner break away arqi net to make the half-time score 2-all.

Immediately play resumed Auckland took the initiative and slammed home two quick goals. With 15 minutes left, Canterbury were forced to take the whip hand to stave off defeat and every player strove tireessly for victory. Turner netted brilliantly from close to the goal line, and this was followed by Donnelly scoring from a break down her left wing. With the score 4-all, and nine minutes to play, both ♦earns fought desperately for the winning goal. From the right wing, M. Thomson centred, Ddnnelly finding the net. Auckland fought back, and were on attack when the final whistle brought Canterbury a hardearned win.

Having beaten one of the strongest contenders, Canterbury now have a good chance of winning its section.

for Canterbury. M. Thomson, on the right wing, played a model game To J. Thomson, right inner, goes the credit for a tireless effort Minehan was too well marked by Auckland's centre half to contribute more than a quick pass to an unmarked' forward. Turner was slow to settle down, but was dangerous in the closing stages. Donnelly, on the left wing, used her ■speed and stickwork to advantage. The half line was the mainstay of the defence. A. Fleete, playing her first tournament match, nad a trying time marking New Zealand’s left wing. N Warin, but did the job admirably, s. Comer and N Powell trapped and passed Intelligently. N. Lennie and J. Hall were slow to settle down in the backs, and Makinson had little time to spare In making her clearing shots. Crowding the circle and obscuring the goalkeeper’s view, cost Canterbury two goals Credit for the physical fitness of the players, which played a big part in Canterbury’s victory, must go to the personal efforts of Mrs D. Mouat. manager and coach of the team.

The tournament will continue all next week, closing on Saturday with the two inter-island matches (Major and Minor Associations). Results were as follows: Major Section.—Hawke’s Bay 2. Taranaki 0; Canterbury 5, Auckland (Town) 4. Eastern Southland 5. Walrarapa 4; Maniototo 4. Nelson 0; Wellington 2, Malvern 0; Otago 2. Auckland (Country) 1. Minor Section.—Wanganui 3. South Otago 3; Southland 3. RuahineDannevirke 0; Ashburton 2. Rangitikei 0; Bush 4. Tuapeka 0; South Canterbury 1, Marlborough 1; Whangarei 6, West Coast 1; North Otago 2. Manawatu 1: Southland 3, South Otago 1; Rangitikei 2, RuahineDannevirke 0; Central Otago 2, Ashburton 2; South Canterbury 5. Bush 1- Marlborough 8. Tuapeka 0: Manawatu 2. West Coast 2; Whangarel 9. North Otago 0.