Substitute’s late goal saves match

Press, 3 September 1980, Page 38

Substitute’s late goal saves match

Any relief which dilatory motorists might experience through Julie Reid’s absence from meter. maiding in Christchurch this week is definitely hot shared by members ,of the Northland women’s hockey team. At a . stage when Canterbury’s match against the northerners in the K Cup tournament in Blenheim was only smin away from being a scoreless draw, Mrs Reid goaled from a corner to break the deadlock . and assure her team of a semifinal place. •■ ( The Northland players had battled well against a strong Canterbury side, and they were dismayed when a fresh, fit Mrs Reid thwarted their effdrts. She had taken her place in the forward line as a substitute only lOmin from the end?-' ' Other favoured teams, however, did not fare ’ as well as Canterbury in the typically warm spring Marlborough' weather. Auckland succumbed'to Otago’s .pressure, Wellington, an early favourite, went down to Hawke’s Bay, and the?:cup holder. Eastern Southland,

was fortunate to escape with a draw against Waikato. , Canterbury will -play Eastern Southland today, and will start with the advantage of having beaten its rival in a Christchurch tournament a few weeks ago. Canterbury B came from behind to draw with Manawatu in a , Floyd Shield match yesterday, and Malvern continued its good form to drub South Auckland in a Mills Cup game. Canterbury. A’s game against, ; - Northland was played at almost break-neck speed ■ on - a ground baked hard and dry by the sun. Northland. survived several corners in. the early stages, but Donna Edlington raised the; siege : with a runaway dribbling burst to the Canterbury circle. A corner was conceded,, but Angela Tait’S Shot was kept out. The 'Canterbury forwards employed short, precise passes, with', close support from the halves, but Northlaiid’s defence passed long and: .deep so- their forwards could run on to the ball. ? Canterbury enjoyed a better territorial standing and ?:- ■A,’'?’/;'"’-?. . .

possession advantage, which the forwards turned to account with pressure on the Northland defence in the circle area. But Northland’s defensive tactics of using two players in the goal with the ’keeper proved effective against frequent forays. Northland’s Gaye Cotton combined with the 16-yeaf-old Miss Edlington to make most of her team's fast breaks. x

The Canterbury . centrehalf, captain’and coach, Pat Barwick, made light -of her onerous arid numerous portfolios : and: produced a fine game. Her /exemplary leadership kept Canterbury .on the. boil in a tough game, . Canterbury was quick to take free hits, which forced Northland to turn constantly, but it: swiftly recovered and had the measure of the top class players in the Canterbury line-up

Northland’s goak-keeper, Sue Stott, had a busy time, but her blocking was always secure, Canterbury’s ’keeper; Lesley Shankland, was not tested to the same extent. • Canterbury B 2, Mariawatu Z Manawatu began strongly

and maintained' dominance for-the entire first> half? The side’s first goal came from;.a corner when the right wing, Helen McCall, netted. The second goal came mid-way through , the spell when'the centre forward, Lyn Roisterer, steered; the ball into the net after a free hit. The - Manawatu players were - very fast, took, their free, hits quickly,.arid, generally drove Canterbury oh to constant defence. In the' second half the positions were reversed, Canterbury: put its game together. and -took over the role of dictator. A steady succession of corners finally brought results when the inside right, Lorraine. Langan, scored from a rebound. She followed this effort shortly afterwards with a second goal- • . . Canterbury continued to be in command until the end of the match.

, /.Other results:-?-- '// -South Canterbury 4, Wanganui T; Ashburton •' 1, Auckland B /0; Malvern 5, South ■ Auckland 0,