Canterbury A Leading In K Cup Hockey

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31150, 29 August 1966, Page 14

Canterbury A Leading In K Cup Hockey

The national women’s hockey tournament began on Saturday at South Hagley Park with a record entry of 34 teams —16 competing in the major section, and 18 in the minor section for the Mills Cup.

The Mayor of Christchurch (Mr G. Manning) opened the tournament after a colourful parade of all teams and officials. Miss N. Wagner, president of the New Zealand Women’s Hockey Association, and Mrs G. Dawe, president of the Canterbury association, also addressed the players. All games were played at South Hagley Park on grounds that were surprisingly firm after the recent heavy rain, and suitable for controlled hockey. Results: Major: Soctlon A Canterbury A 7, Bush 0: Eastern Southland 5, Auckland B 1; South Auckland 3, Waikato 1; Wellington 3, Whangarei 0; Canterbury A 10, Wellington 0; Eastern Southland 1, South Auckland 1: Whangarei 2, Auckland B 1; Waikato 3, Bush 1. Points: Canterbury A 2, Eastern 1), South Auckland 14. Section B Canterbury B 2, Otago 2; Maniatoto 2, Auckland A 2; Mavern 0, Taranaki 0; Hawke’s Bay 2, Wairarapa 0; Canterbury B 2, Wairarapa 0; Maniototo 7, Malvern 0; Hawke’s Bay 1, Auckland A 1; Otago 4, Taranaki 0. Points: Maniototo li, Otago IJ, Hawke's Bay 14, Auckland A 1, Canterbury B 1. ' Minor: Section A Tuapeka 2, Poverty Bay 1: Nelson 1, Manawatu 1; Central Otago 9, West Coast 2. Section B North Otago 3, Bay of Plenty 1; Ashburton 1, Southland 0; Rangitikei 2, Horowhenua 1. Section C Buller 4, Tauranga 2: Marlborough 4, South Otago 2; Wanganui 3, South Canterbury 1. ' Main surprises of the day were the large numbers of drawn games in the major sections, and the upset provided by the little-fancied Canterbury B team in holding Otago to a draw. Both Canterbury teams had a most successful day, Canterbury A being the only major team with two wins, and Can-

terbury B drawing its games with Otago and Wairarapa. Canterbury A v. Bush

Canterbury's form for much of this match was not impres-' slve and it appeared as if the team was having difficulty in settling down. During this period the steady and constructive play of both backs, M. Bruhns and J. Murray, made a vital contribution to the eventual success. S. Comer’s sound trapping and passing provided her forwards with a liberal supply of the ball.

Once Canterbury’s forwards settled down and concentrated on quick, accurate passing rather than prolonged solo dribbling they were most Impressive. A. Giles provided considerable thrust on the right wing and her passing infield was always constructive. Canterbury A v. Wellington Canterbury was in outstanding form when it thrashed Wellington in the afternoon game. Again, M. Bruhns and J. Murray played well and their accurate passing initiated many attacking movements. S. Comer, centre half, dominated the midfield area and A. McKenna at left half played competently. The forwards were in splendid form; their accurate short passing, quick inter-passing and concentration of play on the right flank demoralising Wellington.

A. Giles made many dangerous breaks, and her thoughtful passing to the Inside forwards was a feature of her game. L. Rutledge dribbled well, and her passing showed considerable improvement, providing openings for the other forwards. J. Davies was dangerous in the circle, and H. Walker and S. Cowles combined speed with control.

Wellington contributed to the severity of Its defeat by poor positional play, slow catering and careless passing. Unwise attempts to concentrate play on the left flank must have made the right wing wonder If her presence on the field was really necessary. L. Price at righthalf emerged with credit, but she lacked support. Canterbury’s goals were scored by R. Giles (2), H. Walker (3), J. Davies (2), L. Rutledge (2), and S. Cowles (1). Canterbury B v. Otago

In the game against Otago, Canterbury provided the upset of the day, and was most unlucky not to win. The team played with great determination and bustled Otago into errors, the backs in particular mistrapping. A. Howman at left Inner played with great determination, her backtackling and crisp, accurate passing to the right being vital to Canterbury’s success.

N. Motz at centre-forward provided useful support. A. Rouse, the centre-half, was Canterbury’s best defender. J. Mohi

made many good saves. But failure to clear the ball quickly from the circle cost the game. The Otago forwards were handicapped by an erratic supply of ball from a harassed defence, but M. Donnelly on the left wing was a constant threat. Their greater experience enabled them to snatch a rather lucky draw. Canterbury B. v. Wairarapa

The afternoon game against Wairarapa followed a similar pattern, with Canterbury holding a narrow lead and Wairarapa being rather fortunate to force a draw late In the game. Again Canterbury’s attempts to break through the centre rather than concentrating play on the wings, and slowness to clear the ball from the circle proved costly, as did D. McKinnell’s rushed tackles which removed her from the defence at vital moments. J. Hayes made some good runs on the right wing. A. Howman, A. Rouse, D. Quinn, L. White, and J. Lester were the best of a determined team. Not Impressive The other major teams did not display impressive form. Hawke’s Bay, runner-up to Canterbury last’year, struggled for a draw with Auckland A, and it was a skilful break by M. Hiha and faulty covering by the Auckland defence which gave Hawke’s Bay the vital goal. A. Hobday and H. Baird showed good form for Auckland. Maniototo took some time to settle down in its early game against Auckland A, and both teams lost chances because of poor trapping and failure to concentrate on quick passing. Maniototo pressed strongly in the final stages and was the victim of considerable unpenalised obstruction in the circle. Eastern Southland was lucky to draw with South Auckland, Its hard, aimless hitting for socalled gpps being neither constructive nor accurate. South Auckland played with more purpose and skill, but lacked the experience to gain the lead.