Hawke’s Bay Wins K Cup

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31773, 2 September 1968, Page 6

Hawke’s Bay Wins K Cup

(N.Z. Press Association)

GORE, Sept. 1

The Hawke’s Bay women’s hockey team won the K Cup, the premier trophy at the New Zealand women’s hockey championships, when it beat Otago, 2-1, in an exciting final on Saturday. Hawke’s Bay thoroughly deserved its success—the province's first major-section championship since the K Cup was presented in 1924. It came through two gruelling semi-final matches on Friday

—a free day for Otago—and outclassed the K Cup holder in the final with a display of power hockey. Otago entered the final as favourite after winning major section B effortlessly, and having only one goal scored against it. However, it was outclassed both on attack and defence by a vigorous and enterprising Bay team. Hawke’S Bay got a big ovation from -the large crowd as the final whistle sounded—and it was a particularly spirited haka which the Bay girls put on after being presented with the K Cup for the first time. Otago Start* Wall Otago started the match well.

and took the initiative in the early stages, seeming to have things well in hand until Hawke’s Bay capitalised on one of its few early opportunities. The Bay attacked down the right wing, and when a strong centre came right across the field to N. Bartlett, on the left wing, she was perfectly positioned to pick it up and drive rhe ball into goal. Otago fought back strongly, but could not genetrate the Bay defence efore half-time.

Otago continued the pressure in the second half, and was rewarded when a strong burst by S. Collins resulted in an equalising goal. Hawke's Bay fought back in remarkable fashion. Deep penetrations were made by the captain and centre forward. M. Hiha. who was the star of the match, and by the mercurial Maori wing. M. Waapu. Vital Goal The goal which gave Hawke’s Bay the match was the highlight. The Otago goal-keeper, J. Boyd, stopped a hot shot, and flung herself full-length with her stick out-stretched in clearing the ball. But the everalert M. Waapu moved into the clearance, and a splendidlyjudged shot found the back of the goal to give the Bay the vital lead.

Otago played desperately to retrieve the situation, and hammered the Bay defence relentlessly. However, there was a hint of panic about the Otago efforts, and a calm Bay defence was equal to the occasion. Mills Cup Winner Central Otago provided some compensation for the province by retaining the Mills cup—the trophy for the winner of the minor section Central Otago scored a well-deserved win, 2-0. over Southland in the final.

Central Otago was much sharper on attack, and firmer on defence, and was clearly superior. The hero of the day was the centre-forward, L. Todd, who scored both Central Otago’s goals, and led her team most capably.

Southland was led by J. Westbury, who was playing her 100th match for her province. She played an excellent game, but was not well supported.