Shock hockey loss

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33944, 10 September 1975, Page 32

Shock hockey loss

(N.Z. Press Association) NELSON. New Zealand’s leading minor hockey association, Nelson, caused a major upset with a 3-2 win against Canada yesterday. Canada had won its previous three provincial matches and lost the two internationals on its New Zealand tour.

Nelson, which holds the Rothmans Cup, went to a seemingly unassailable 2-0 lead mid'-way through the second half after the scores were locked, 0-0, at halftime.

However, Canada rallied to convert two penaltycomers. But it was this aspect of the play that let the touring side down. It forced six penalty comers in 10 minutes in the first half but was astray each time.

Adroit trapping, superior stickwork, and crisp passing, especially by the centre-half, Reg Plummer, found holes in the Nelson defence. But Canada’s work in the circle was shoddy, and countless opportunities were missed. Nelson looked certain to take the lead after 28 minutes, but Denis Gribble’s shot rebounded off the post He made amends shortly after half-time with a clean drive from 10 metres.

The schoolboy, Gerald Ross, who replaced the injured Wayne Hessell for Nelson, made it 2-0 with a flick from an acute angle in the 18th minute of the second half.

Alan Hobkirk then converted one of his two penalty-comers for Canada, but within three minutes the goal-keeper, Serge Dusang, made a weak clearing kick which was taken by the Nelson forwards, Denis Laing, and the eventual goal-scorer, Allan Paris.