N.Z. Hockey Side Defeats Colts

Press, Volume CV, Issue 31032, 12 April 1966, Page 17

N.Z. Hockey Side Defeats Colts

The New Zealand eleven, comprising players who toured Australia in 1965. defeated a Canterbury XI by two goals to one at Williamson Park yesterday. Both teams made commendable efforts to play controlled I hockey on a ground which was hard and extremely bumpy. This made trapping and dribbling extremely hazardous. TMe extra time required to gain control of the ball made the further development of an attack difficult, as it enabled the defenders to amass in strength. R. McPherson made some excellent saves in goal for the New Zealand team. His blocking was sound and bis timing of his advances on attackers very well-judged. Both J. Anslow and A. Patterson played soundly at fullback, especially considering both were hindered by the lack of constructive support from their tfing halves. S. Maister was by far the best of the halves, but his tendency to play the ball too close

to his feet was occasionally exposed. Excellent Trapping K. Thomson trapped, controlled. and passed the ball better than his colleagues, but late in the game became somewhat static. B. Judge moved well on occasions to overcome the ground conditions and provide his inside forwards with useful opportunities. The left side forwards failed to return play to the right, and made little use of the opportunities provided in the circle.

The Canterbury XI brought considerable pressure to bear on the New Zealand defence by short, controlled passing among its right side forwards. W. Thomson, when he received the ball, made some useful excursions to the back-line. J. Christenson showed close control, but often failed to pass the ball at the opportune moment. B. Maister. with übiquitous roving, and T. Burrows with energetic back-tackling and constant regard for the right side, provided close and effective support. Under Attack The Canterbury defence was under greatest stress when New Zealand attacked on the right. However, C. Ineson, with support from D. Warren, provided the greatest resistance.

J. Hicks and A. Mclntyre scored for New Zealand, and E. Barnes converted a penalty stroke for Canterbury.

Umpires: Messrs R. Campbell Lloyd.