Women’s hockey to Canterbury

Press, 16 August 1976, Page 21

Women’s hockey to Canterbury

Canterbury beat Otago, 1-0, in ! lively and open women’s ockey match at Tlmaru yester-

Although both teams adopted hmilar styles. Canterbury was iuperior, showing greater unlerstanding and better combination. The Canterbury players moved to the ball faster showed confidence, and built up attacks pore impressively than the L'tago women.

Canterbury had the better of the first half and was unluckv tot to score several times. The forwards used the short pass effectively and mounted many at&cks. but sound goal-keeping for lago by Marion Hughes kept them out. The Canterbury half-line, ablyled by the captain, Pat Barwick, contained the Otago forwards end fed accurately to its ow-n forwards. Christine McCaulev’s fne Interceptions cut off mnch tall intended for the strong fctago left wing. Pip Lunn Lesley Shankland in Canter-

bury's goal, was confident and aggressive in blockings and clearings. She had competent support from the full-backs, Janet Galloway and Jewel Te Karu. who both played sound games. Galloway’s cover defence was excellent and several times her well-timed tackles prevented open shots at goal by Otago. Play moved quickly up and down the field, Otago favouring a long pass to its New Zealand representative. Jenny McDonald, to mount attacks. Her fine stick work and anticipation gave the Canterbury defence a few anxious moments but too often McDonald lacked support from her team. Canterbury used both sides of the field to advantage. Its insideleft. Judy Phillips made penetrative runs into the circle and was able to pass to the oftenunmarked I.yn Schultz. The Canterhurv right wing. Christine de Spa was impressive. gaining valuable ground with her speed. I In the second half, the Can-

terbury forwards lost some of their control and gave the Otago team more time to move. Canterbury’s passing became less positive players tending to hold the ball too long; however, excellent defence by Canterbury allowed Otago very few shots at goal. The only goal was scored 15 minutes into the second half when Judy Phillips’s corner shot hit an upright and Jane Wilson was able to scoop the rebounding ball into the net. In the late stages Otago pressed hard but , often gave away possession with inaccurate passes, especially from its relatively inexperienced half-line.