WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Dominion, Volume 26, Issue 10, 6 October 1932, Page 14

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Final Games of the Season MAORI MATCHES REVIEWED (By “Critic.”) , _ The women's hockey season was Officially closed on Saturday when two M ellington Maori representative teams travelled to Gladstone to play two representative Wairarapa Maori teams. Exceptionally keen interest was taken, in the senior match, as for the first time since the inauguration of the Maori contests between these two districts a cup was involved. The standard of hockey displayed although good was not of the high order expected, and, so far as Wellington were concerned, their showing was to a 8T cat extent affected by the nature of the field. A large crowd assembled on the txiaa* stone ground to witness the matches, particularly the Hunter Cup contest. In this game Wairarapa’s attack was superior to that of Wellington, their following through, good understanding, and smart hard hitting in the circle eclipsing that ot their opponents. Wellingtons defence was strong in the first session, but in the second spell the backs seemed to be nonplussed by tlie persistent attacks of Mrs. K Te Tau imd Misses E. Isaacs and K. Cowen when three goals were scored in fairlv quick succession. When a change in the forward line was made in the second spell it seemed to immediately have its effect,, but the failure of the halt line to carry, out instructions correctly as the game progressed caused the scheme in view to fall short of anticipations. On the day Wairarapa’s success ot 4 goals to nil was full of merit and they are to be complimented on being the first to have their name engraved on the HunIt is understood a further trophy is to be presented next year for competition between the Wellington, Horowhenun, and Wairarapa Maoris. The Junior Game. . The Wairarapa junior team knew too much for Wellington, their understanding and powerful hitting in the circle being a good lesson to the visiting side. Undoubtedly they possess a very promising side, and thoroughly deserved their two goals to nil success. On several occasions ■Wellington went close to scoring, but team understanding was lacking while the shooting of the forwards was poor. Notes on the Players. Mrs. W. Halberg spent a comparatively quiet afternoon in goal for Wairarapa seniors, but when seriously tested in the last ten minutes of the match she upheld her reputation of being an exceptionally elever custodian. -’ ' . Mrs. Utu Parker played her usual _fine -ame in goal for 'Wellington, the four shots that , beat her being of the type that would puzzle the best of goalkeepers. With the exception of one they were all scored from within close range. Wairarapa’s full-backs, Mesdames M. Kingi and K. Hiroti, were a safe pair who covered their goal well when in danger. Mrs. Hiroti, if anything, was the more prominent. ' The defence of Miss J. Cantrick and Mrs. H. Walker, Wellington, was superb in the opening spell, but for some unaccountable reason fell to pieces during the second half. The Wairarapa van repeatedly caught them out of position, particularly’Miss Cantrick, who was making the serious error of rushing in to help the halves whereas she should have doubled back and covered Mrs. Walker and her goal. Mrs. Walker was always steady and sure, and it was not until Miss Cantrick allowed her keenness to take her away that Mrs. Walker was led into errors. Misses I. Namana, R. Ngatuere, and B. Under made a good Wairarapa half-line. Their support to the forwards was always timely and sure. Particularly was this the case with the centre-half, Miss Ngatuere, ‘ whose judgment and clever stick work was a feature of the line. Of Wairarapa’s four goals Miss Ngatuere can take the credit of being the prime mover in the last three scored. Wellington’s half line, Misses E. Martin, R. Walker and Mrs. K. Piwari, did not produce its true form. Miss Walker performed well until she was compelled to retire. Miss Martin seemed to be more at home when shifted to the centre position and did some really good work in the second spell. Miss Ella Wi Neera, who replaced Miss. Walker, surprised with her fine display on the right Her tackling was keen and she was getting the ball away in pleasing style. - Mrs. Piwari, although putting in some telling work, at times, did not give her usual display. '._■■■

An Unselfish Forward. The combination of the Wairarapa forwards Misses P. Panapa, T. Eliers, Mrs. K. Te Tau, Misses R. Cowan and E. Isaacs, was very good and eclipsed that of Wellington. The leading light of the line was without doubt Mrs. Te Tau at centre-forward. She gave a magnificent display of unselfishness. Time and again I noticed her pass the ball to either ot her inners for them ,to go through when she herself had tempting opportunities. The last, three goals were the result of her unselfishness, for on each occasion when she might have gone through on her own she gave the chances to Misses Isaacs and Cowan. It was a fine example to the Wellington forwards. ’Miss Isaacs showed herself to be a wing of much promise, while Miss Cowan’s inner-left work was worthy of special mention. Miss Eliers was a little weak in following through, but her other duties were well carried out. Miss Panapa on the right wing was forceful and always a danger to Wellington. Her goal was very lucky, as had the ball not struck a rut it would never have rebounded into the net. Weak Wellington Attack. Wellington’s attacking force. Misses R. Tini, H. Wi Neera, L. Arthur, TV. Katene and E. Te Hiko, very seldom managed to get going. Combination was completely absent, and for three-quarters of the match thej seldom gave the opposing goalkeeper anything to do. It certainly was not their true form, but I, place their failure to the erratic tactics of the half line in not following out instructions given as to where to play the ball. Misses Honore Wi Neera and Lucv Arthur were the pick of the line, but there was a noticeable improvement in the play of Miss Tini lateen the second spell, when she certainly gan to make her presence felt. Miss Edna Te Hiko was off her game, as also was Miss Katene.

Junior Talent. . : . Miss M. Matangi, who was making her first appearance as a hockey player for Wellington, proved the outstanding member of the Wellington junior team. She has gained representative honours in the South Island, but during the season just, closed she had been playing basketball. It is to be hoped she will return to the hockey" game next season, as she is a clever forward who would quickly make good in any team in Wellington. Miss Titi McDonnell gave one of the best displays at full-back' I have seen her give this season. With her sister as her partner she gave a good performance, standing up to the Wairarapa attacks in splendid style, and her clearance shots had the desirable sting behind them. . , , ' . . Miss M. Thomson s goal for Wnirnrapa in the junior match was the outcome of a clever piece of combined W °Miss N. Stuart with a little tuition would develop into a good forward. Miss 'Stuart, had never previous to Sntday played hockey, so under the circumstances she performed very well for Wellington juniors. For the Referee. „ . Praise is due to Mr. Pnker Parata for the able manner in which he conducted his side of the field under difficult circumstances. The official Wellington referee did not put in an appearance. and Mr. Parata, who belongs to the Wellington Hockey Referees Association. was caught unawares. and rather than disappoint the Wellington teams he took up his duties in both matches.

College Old Girls’ Loss. The College Old Girls’ club wtll not have the services of Miss Sybil Swinburne next season, as she is to be martied shortly and will reside in too South Island.