WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Dominion, Volume 24, Issue 289, 2 September 1931, Page 16

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Wellington v. Horowhenua NOTES ON THE GAME

(By

“Critic.")

The only excuse that can be given for Wellington’s defeat by Horowhenua was the lack of understanding between forwards and halves. I do not wish to fnfer that the forwards were a failure, but I do say that the half line did not do its duty. The ball was rarely placed correctly to the forwards, the only time when it was being when Wellington scored. Its defence was feeble. The Horowhenua vanguard indulged in too much individualistic tactics to be classed a good line—Wellington outshone them as far as combination was concerned—but the goal shooting, which was fairly accurate, was by far superior to that of Wellington. The half line -was a long way ahead of its vis-a-vis. Wellington’s Players. Miss Lucy Dick was rarely called upon to keep her charge clear, but the three that beat her were of the impossible type. She never had a chance with them, for they were driven in well out of her reach. The backs, Miss “Dot” Fitt and Mrs. B. Taylor, played soundly, but the half line, Mrs. M. Chaplin.. Misses T. Blackie, and M. Slater, was too slow for. the speedy opposition, and it can thank the backs for their close covering that the home forwards were seldom allowed too much freedom- . Miss Mabel Fraser was the 'star of the Wellington attack. She was always dangerous in the circle and scored a splendid goal. On two other occasions she was unfortunate not to net. Misses Thelma Wind and Eileen McClelland were also noticed to "be doing good ■Work,, but Miss J. Scott showed signs of weakening when tackled by Miss Hakaraia. She very seldom broke through the defence and did not prove too successful as a connecting link between wing and centre. Still the experience galip ed in such a match should benefit her to some extent. Miss Madge Kilby' can be excused for her display as she was in a foreign position. It was a stroke of bad luck that she was robbed of scoring early in the game. ~ Horowhenua Team. x. The goalkeeping of Miss I. Winlata was excellent, and she gave “Critic” the impression of becoming an outstanding custodian. Her fine ’keeping was the major point in Horbwhenua’s success. Both backs, Mrs. Tucker and .Miss K. Hakaraia, made a sound line of defence. Mrs. Tucker’s covering of. her goal when danger loomed was admirable. She executed her work in polished style, and was the more reliable of the pair, but in fairness to Miss - Hakaraia it must be stated she worked exceptionally hard—too hard, in fact, to do herself justice—and kept the Wellington right flank fairly well checked. However, it was evident during the tlast quarter she ' considerably weakened and the visiting right-wing had the best of matters. . , The half line, Miss R. Royal, Mrs. McKee, and Miss Wehipeihana, was much superior to that of Wellington. Miss. Royal gave a fine account of herself, while Mrs. McKee was far ahead of the Wellington centre. Miss Wehipeihana was not so reliable on the left, but at times was noticed to be executing good defensive work. The forwards, Misses T. Bevan, R. Palpa, M. Winlata, Henderson and Campbell, comprised nothing more or less than a line of individualists. Combination seemed impossible, as the players were seldom in position to indulge in such. Miss Tui Bevan, right wing, for instance, was invariably found on the opposite side of the field assisting the left half- If she is allowed to car.r.v on in this manner, then I hold out little hope for her making a success on the wing. Miss Palpa played a flne : steady game at inner to Miss Bovan. She was the select k of the line. Miss M/Winlata showed herself to be a centre of no mean ability, but surprised the writer with her' over-indulgence in individualistic tactics. It only meant her giving a lead and a combination of some sort could easily have been effected. Another fault that this player could rectify is her habit of turning on the ball. Miss Henderson seemed to be anxious to combine with her centre, but must have been disappointed for. in the second spell, she, too, took up solo work, and despite the fact that she was closely attended by her centre and inner right she took the responsibility of going through on her own account and was successful. Miss Campbell, right wing, played well though not attractively. General Notes. Next " Saturday at Newtown Palk two Wairarapa teams will be pitted against a Wellington senior B and junior rep. team respectively. The local teams are strong and should give a good account of themselves. It is reported that the Wairarapa representatives arc above the average, and as they have had a match together they should give Wellington a hard battle for the honours. The junior game will be played at two o'clock and the senior at three. The visitors will be entertained to dinner at the Hotel Trocadero and also afternoon, tea., They will return the same evening." ■ Miss Jean Bolton, of the Ramblers junior team, is the most promising forward of the side and should be a great osset next term. The Wesley teams from Wellington and Wanganui provided a.fast keen game last week, Wellington winning by 4 goals to 1. Misses I. Clarke (2), E. Smith and Maldnient scored for Wellington and Miss I. Haywood for .Wanganui. The visitors, who were much younger than their opponents, stopped the attacks and kept their positions nicely, but lacked the necessary pace. Otakt Is anxious to. hear from Toa respecting the playing of a match with the Maoris of that district. All hockey enthusiasts will regret to learn of the loss the Toa club received last week in the death of Miss Karanga Wi Neera, the captain 'of the team/ Miss Wl Necra.waa a -player of no mean ability, and was fairly well conversant • with the finer points of the game. Although, having been compelled to fill various positions in her . teajn, Miss .Barbara Fitt lias played very well under the circumstances for Ramblers’ juniors this season. Once settled down I think she would make a successful inner.