Women off at last

Press, 2 May 1978, Page 32

Women off at last

The New Zealand Universities women’s hockey team left for a three-week tour of Australia yesterday uncertain of its itinerary but hopeful of performing well in its 13 matches. The team was well prepared, said the coach, Margaret Hiha. It was selected last year, but the tour was called off in August shortly before the team was due to leave. It was decided to send that team rather than name another, and in January the team spent a week in Napier at its own expense — training with Mrs Hiha. The tour will cover the eastern states of Australia and the side will travel with the men’s team which is also touring. The final week, during which two tests will be plaved, will be spent at the Australian universities tournament in Canberra. On Sunday the team had two useful practice games. It lost 4-5, to the Carlton club team and beat a Canterbury President’s XI, 4-2. Mrs Hiha has the distinction of having two daughters in the team, and Lis Brooker, of Canterbury, is a sister of the New Zealand representative, Paul Ackerley. The team is.—

Sally Stewart (captain), Sue Barry, Jill Morgan, Nicki Sherriff, Adrienne Alleway (Otago); Anne Hiha (vice-captain), Julianne Greville (Victoria): Allana Hiha, Brenda Matthews, Kate Cameron (Massey); Margarita Matheson (Waikato); Mrs Brooker, Doreen Ambrose (Canterbury); Sue Thompson (Auckland).