Hockey Loss Ends Canterbury Hopes

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31462, 31 August 1967, Page 13

Hockey Loss Ends Canterbury Hopes

"The Press" Special Service

WANGANUI.

Canterbury’s hopes of winning the national women’s hockey championship were dashed yesterday when it was beaten 2-1 by Eastern Southland.

An early morning down-pour had made ground conditions very greasy for early games, but a good drying wind improved their playing ability for the later round.

In Canterbury’s section its clash with Eastern Southland was the highlight of the morning, while Otago and

Auckland fought out a vital b section encounter. Otago won with a convincing display, and it looks a tournament-winning team. Waikato continued its winning sequence in section A, defeating Wellington 1-0 and meet Eastern-Southland today to decide the section finalist. Friendly rivalry between Malvern and Ashburton saw

them continue their past contests, this time on North Island soil. Ashburton was unable to counter the continued pressure of the improved Malvern side and wilted to a 2-1 loss.

Both of Malvern's goals were scored by the diminutive J. Wilson, who has benefitted immeasureably from this tournament. Against Eastern-Southland, Canterbury fielded the same defence and a re-arranged forward line. For the first time during the tournament, it fielded the forward line which perhaps could have been its strongest line-up.

Two Goals The combination of R. Kuskis, L. Rutledge, J. Dann, L. Baylis and D. Eddy proved a happy experiment in the forward line. It was extremely

dangerous on attack particularly during the first quarter when the Eastern Southland defence was subjected to

considerable pressure. The game then slipped from Canterbury’s grasp and Eastern Southland, by attack-

ing down the centre, scored two quick goals to finish the first half leading 2-0. Canterbury returned to the field a more determined team

and dominated play for long spells with accurate passes. It was rewarded with a fine goal from a pass from R. Kuskis at right-wing which was taken by L. Baylis. Canterbury used all its resources trying for the equaliser, but a stern defence by Eastern Southland withstood all efforts. The final score was 2-1. So ends Canterbury’s quest for the K Cup. The team worked hard in each game, and while lacking the brilliance of past representative teams, was near success on a number of occasions. The

experience gained by all members should pay dividends in future representative teams. Results:— Major A: Auckland B 2, Manawatu 0; Eastern Southland 2, Canterbury 1; Waikato 1. Wellington 0. Major B: Walrarapa 1, Maniototo 0; Whangarel 3, Hawke's Bay 2; Otago 3, Auckland A 1 Minor A: Tuapeka 0, Buller 0; Central Otago 9, Tauranga 0; Bush 0, Rangitikel 0. Minor B: Nelson 2, Bay oi

Plenty 1; Malvern 2, Ashburton 1; Poverty Bay 5, Ruahine 1. Minor C: Southland 8, South Otago 3; North Otago 0, Wanganui 0: Marlborough 3, Horowhenua 3.