Players compensated for hockey title loss

Press, 2 October 1987, Page 32

Players compensated for hockey title loss

By

KEVIN TUTTY

The Canterbury women’s hockey team gained a modicum of compensation for the loss of its national title a month ago when it beat the Australian juniors, 2-1, at Porritt Park last evening. Canterbury received an ideal start when, from the first penalty-corner of the match in just the second minute, Mary Clinton whacked the ball cleanly into the right-hand corner of the net

Unfortunately the goal was one of the few moments of excitement in the first half. Both teams had difficulty settling down and numerous errors meant there was little flow to the game.

In the first half Canterbury looked what it was — a team that had not played together for a month. There was more cohesion after the interval which enabled it to hold out some determined attacking by the Austra-

Ilans, who also played more fluently. There were few scoring chances In the first half to either team. The Australian goalkeeper, Angela Kaaks, had to make two quick saves midway through the half, and the Canterbury goalkeeper, Elaine Jensen, made a good save when the Australian inside right, Lee MacLeod, broke clear in the Canterbury circle after 20 minutes. The Australians produced their best move nine minutes into the second half with a quick break down the right flank that left the Canterbury defence struggling to retreat, but the final shot at goal was pushed wide. Canterbury extended its lead to 2-0 after 13 minutes when Judy Phillips picked up a loose ball in the circle, dribbled between two defenders and flicked the ball past the goalkeeper, Elizabeth Orr, who came mi as a substitute at the Interval. That goal seemed to instil confidence in the

Canterbury side and it was a more commanding entity for the remainder of the half. .

Australia scored after 24 minutes when Susan Hill scored from a pen-alty-corner. » In the Canterbury team Mary Clinton was a prominent figure at fullback tackling safely and clearing thoughtfully. Kieran O’Grady and Shane Collins, who were guilty of rushing tackles in the first half, were more assured in the second half.

Philips and Maree Flannery both directed play well from the inside forward positions, and the wings. Sue Duggan and Sue Edmondson dribbled skilfully. The Australian forwards put together several fluent movements but they could not break a well-organised Canterbury defence.

The Australian defence marked cloeely, tackled well and released the ball quickly to establish coun-ter-attacks.