Hockey A-team’s win completes buildup

Press, 19 August 1985, Page 40

Hockey A-team’s win completes buildup

By

KEVIN TUTTY

The Canterbury A hockey team completed its buildup for the P. 0.5.8. national tournament next month with a 3-0 win against Canterbury B at Porritt Oval yesterday. It was an encouraging display by the A team. It showed superior control on a difficult ground, but will have to achieve more control and urgency against the top teams at the tournament if it is to succeed in its endeavours to win the Challenge Shield from Auckland.

Had its shooting been more accurate, the A team would have won by several more goals, but it showed a worrying inability to convert several good chances in the circle.

There was only one goal in the first half, scored by George Carnoutsos, after his initial shot was blocked. The ball ran free to him again and he cracked it past the defence.

The other two goals both came from penalty corners in the second half, struck by Chris Leslie. The A team forced numerous penalty corners, but many were wasted because of the unpredictable ground, which made stopping at the top of the circle something of a raffle.

Canterbury A did not take long to establish its authority. With Robin Wilson trapping and passing expertly at centre half, and the forwards eagerly using the ball to mount attacks, the pressure soon began to mount on the B team’s defence. Balvant Bhana and George Carnoutsos, at inside right and centre forward respectively, were determined dribblers, and their smart stick work kept the defenders in a state of uncertainty. They combined fluently with the other forwards — David Grundy on the right wing, Chris Leslie at inside left, and Peter Tynan at left wing — to give the side a broad attacking front. Greg Pierce, at right half, continued the form he produced for New Zealand in the tests against Japan last week-end. He was able to play an attacking role which he handled astutely. David Penfold was never greatly tested at left wing, in fact he overlapped into the attack in the latter stages of the match when the A team was playing with total confidence.

The full-backs had only a minor role, and Bruce Loader, who replaced Don

Davis in goal at half-time, had to touch the ball only once.

The B team tried to put together fluent attacks, but usually their forwards were too widespread, and their passes were comfortably intercepted. They also lacked the close control and understanding of the A team forwards. Too often the player with the ball lacked support, and made a pass destined for interception before it left the stick.

Craig Mcßobb, on the left wing, made some strong, elusive runs, in the first half, but was starved of possession in the second half. Ross Thomson, on the right wing, was also denied possession, although he was closely marked by Penfold. Geoff Deakins, when he came on in the second half at inside right, tried to inspire added urgency in the B forwards. There were some promising moves, but

lack of control inside the attacking 25m area let them down. Michael Matsis was an efficient passer for the B team at centre half, but he was forced into a defensive role for much of the game. Mark Beatson and Mike Skilton were two defenders who worked calmly and expertly in the face of numerous attacks.

Five other representative matches were played between the Canterbury Hockey Association teams yesterday. Results:—

Colts’ 1, senior reserve 0; under-19’s 3, second grade 0; fifth grade 2, third grade 1; under-16’s 1, under-17’s 1; under-14’s 1, Hatch Cup team 1.

Noel Leeming Player of the Match awards were made in each game. The winners were: Balvant Bhana (Canterbury A), Stewart Preston (senior reserve), Rodney Hefford (under-19), Euan Busch (fifth grade), Glen McKenzie (under--16), Scott Moran (under-14).