Canterbury Below Best At Womens Tournament

Press, Volume C, Issue 29620, 16 September 1961, Page 9

Canterbury Below Best At Womens Tournament

'THE 1961 women’s national hockey tournament, at Palmerston North, wiH be remembered by players and spectators alike, as one of contrasts.

The grounds at the beginning of the tournament were near perfect, but at the end of the week their condition made hockey well-mgh impossible. Early games were played in brilliant sunshine, the play-offe and finals in a continuous downpour, with grounds almost entirely under water. Scores varied considerably, ranging from an 11-1 win for Eastern Southland against Rangitikei in section play, to a nil-all draw between Auckland and Maniototo in the K cup final Some high goal averages were obtained by the stronger teams.

The final outcome was rather disappointing for Canterbury supporters as the team had some good performances before going to Palmerston North, and had had every opportunity of building up a good combination. The very fast grounds were a little disconcerting at first, and the players hit the ball too hard, but when they became accustomed to the grounds their ball control and passing improved considerably. Canterbury players were praised on many occasions for their stick-work, ball control and team work, but they lacked the determination necessary at this level. The defence was very hard pressed at times and came through with flying colours. Canterbury had the fewest number of goals scored against it at the tournament —three in five matches. When one realises that many of the teams playing against them were capable of netting from four to seven goals in most of their matches, it makes their record particularly good. The efficient goalkeeping of B. Makinson was in no small way responsible for this. One of the most disappoint-

ing features of the tournament from Canterbury’s point of view was the omission of Makinson as goal-keeper in the South Island team. She played outstanding hockey during the whole week, and was considered by many as the best goal-keeper taking part. Her coolness under pressure, and her welltimed and placed clearing kicks were a feature of her ptay. After a Short period of mis-trapping through misjudging the speed of the ground, the backs settled down to their usual game, J. Murray being particularly successful at right-back. N. Lennie, left-back, A. Fleete, right-half, and S. Riches, left-half, all played soundly without being outstanding. S. Comer at centre-half, played consistently well, and was largely instrumental in putting her forwads on attack. Her cover defence was of a very high standard.

The forwards performed reasonably well in most matches, but apart from the game against Hawke's Bay which Canterbury won 7-0 they at no stage reproduced the form displayed in matches before the tournament, nor reached the peek expected of them.