Close competition likely in women's hockey

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31662, 24 April 1968, Page 15

Close competition likely in women's hockey

THE 1968 women’s hockey competition promises to be an interesting one. All teams have experienced changes in club personnel which could have a considerable bearing on the final championship points.

An incentive for all players is that Canterbury will be sending two teams to Gore for the New Zealand tournament in August.

Carlton, winners of the senior championship for the last two seasons, has suffered serious losses—A. Judson, R. Kuskis and S. Thompson. However, with such seasoned players as S. Comer, L. Drummond, M. Bruhns and D. Eddy the team should still be strong.

Rawhitl appears to have a well-balanced team. A. Rouse, G. Moher and J. Beilarey, all Canterbury representatives. are key players ia the defence, and the forward line is led by the New Zealand representative H. Walker. Gains are J. Millard and M. Bennett from Hornby. It should be a strong challenger for the championship.

Digbys have had few changes. The major loss is M. Ogier (nee Healey). The team includes the New Zealand goalie B. Makinson and the Canterbury representative D. Quinn. The few changes in the forward line should lead to better combination.

Aranui's attack will again be led by S. Cowles, J. Dann and F. Thomson and, although it has lost D. Farrar and W. Stock, it should still test most defences. A. Ruston’s experience and skill will be of benefit to the defence, which has gained P. Smith, last year’s Canterbury B goalie. Other vacancies in the team will be filled by promoted lower grade players.

One of the youngest teams in the competition, Harewood, is another with few changes. The defence will be strengthened by the return of J. Capstick and it also includes the Canterbury representative, M. Poulsen. The forward line is a lively one including L. Rutledge, L. Bayliss, S. Turner and J. Seebeck. The team should provide a challenge to the top teams.

University has lost Canterbury representative J. Pryor, and also C. Hicks and J. Fright. The team appears to be a well-balanced one with a sound defence led by A. McKenna and L. McAllister. S. Walter is a gain and other vacant positions are filled by promoted players. K. MacDonald (nee Pyatt) has returned and with L. Fiddes, leads a lively forward line.

Burnside has only one change, gaining Hornby’s custodian S. Cusdir. G. Falloon’s experience will be of benefit to the defence. In its first season of senior hockey last year this young team showed considerable improvement. It should continue to benefit as it gains further experience at this level.

Hornby has withdrawn its senior team and its place will be taken by Teachers’ College which has been promoted from senior reserve. It will no doubt face the usual problems that beset a newly-promoted team.

The competition in all grades begins on April 27. The total entry of 66 teams is an increase of 10 teams on last year;.