SENIOR HOCKEY GRAND FINALISTS

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33959, 27 September 1975, Page 16

SENIOR HOCKEY GRAND FINALISTS

The seme teems, end basically the same players, from the Trans Tours senior hockey grand final last year will take the field at Porritt Park this afternoon for the IWS final.

Linwood United and University met last year with the result a 4-0 win to the latter, and unless there Is a dramatic upset this afternoon, the same team should win again, giving University its ninth consecutive club championship With seven New Zealand representatives in its team the odds are stacked heavily in -University’s favour, particularly since four of those players are forwards. The attack is the department which the rest of the firm relies on for profit—in the form of goals.

The teams have already met twice this year—University winning the first match 4-0 and Linwood the second, 4-1, However the second was not a true reflection because University fielded virtually its second team. Nine players were representing the South Island.

The Linwood coach (Mr Noel Hobson ( said that on paper bis team did not stand much of a chance. University had tile experience and ability to apply heavy pressure to the Linwood defence.

He added that his side liked playing University because both teams relied on skill and there was no telling tvhat might happen on a good ground—which the teams will have today.

In club matches this year the University forward line of Tone Borren. John Christensen Barry Maister, Thur Borren and Chris

Maister. has not functioned as fluently as it is capable of. Should it finally click today the score could be a large one. Linwood has one of the best defences in the senior competl tion. It has conceded only 14 goals in 18 games this season The outstanding Linwood forward is the youthful Balvant Bhana at inside right. He combines well with Parsot Bhana on the right wing and It will be through this flank that Unwood will have its main attacking strength.