Maister Scores Only Goal In Torrid Game

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31802, 5 October 1968, Page 15

Maister Scores Only Goal In Torrid Game

(Special Correspondent N.Z.P.A.)

MEXICO CITY. The New Zealand hockey team yesterday defeated Argentina, 1-0, in a torrid, practice match.

New Zealand’s goal came in the first spell when the forward, B. G. Maister, dribbled into the Argentinian goalmouth and scored with a fine shot. New Zealand attacked for most of the game, but the Argentinians formed a stout, and often abrasive, defence. There was more than the usual amount of body obstruction and the New Zealand back, R. G. Capey, had four stitches in his head at the end of the game. The right-wing, B. R.

Judge, suffered a knock on the knee.

However, the team manager, Mr R. H. Mackinlay, described the injuries as “not serious” and unlikely to affect either player’s future training. New Zealand’s remaining trial game will be against France tomorrow, a week before New Zealand meets the gold medal-holder, India, in the opening match of the Olympic competition. Over the last week, the New Zealanders have maintained a three-year-old unbeaten record. They defeated Britain, 5-2, Australia, 3-2, and drew with Malaysia, 1-1.

The last time a New Zealand hockey side lost was against Australia in a test in 1965. India will play Argentina tomorrow in a trial match and the result may provide a clearer guide to Olympic form. Pakistan Beaten Japan defeated Pakistan, 1-0, yesterday in a surprise win, and more and more it looks as though the hockey medals will be hard to win. Both East and West Germany have been playing well and the Malaysians and the Kenyans are quite capable of providing some surprises. The New Zealanders are not saying much—but they are certainly not pessimistic, either.