WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Dominion, Volume 28, Issue 285, 29 August 1935, Page 15

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Dominion Tournament Prospects

LIKELY WINNERS

Comment on the Teams

(By

Critic.)

With the New Zealand women’s hockey tournament opening at Gisborne to-mor-row, speculation is rife among local enthusiasts as to the prospects of Wellington reaching the final. Fortunately for the capital city's representatives they have drawn the weaker section, and on paper appear to hold a slight mortgage on the section. But one must take into serious consideration the high standard of hockey displayed by South Otago in the match against the strong Otago team, and the great benefit that team bas gained in combination and general team understanding, and, moreover, Wellington lacks a prior thorqugh lest as a combination against a strong outside opposition. Then again Akitio must conic into serious consideration, as it is reported that the district is being represented by one of the strongest combinations that have so far been dispatched to a tournament. Ruahine, who performed so well at last year’s tournament, might not be so strong this season. Ashburton, who play Wellington in the opening match to-morrow, is, to some extent, an unknown quantity, but a team quite capable of upsetting calculations. On paper Wellington read the winners, but on actual performances, which mainly count. South Otago should be the section finalist. All local, enthusiasts will join in wishing ’Wellington every success in their section, despite the difficulty that will be confronted in defeating South Otago and Akitio.

Defenders’ Bright Chance. In section A the chances of the defenders of the K Cup, Eastern Southland, winning this section are exceptionally bright, despite the hard matches that confront the team. The side contains no fewer than twelve of the players who made the trip to Christchurch last season as members of the A team, while the other three have played in the B team on previous occasions. Mrs. IL Reid, captain of the New Zealand team on its recent Australian tour, will lead Eastern Southland. The only member of the team that played in the final at Christchurch last year not in the side is Miss F. Allen, whose place has been taken by another well-known player to Eastern hockey and with tournament experience, Miss R. Mcßain.

Canterbury, last year’s runners-up, are being represented by a comparatively young team, and this might militate against succeeding in the match with Eastern next Thursday. Eastern’s serious opposition may be Marlborough, and when these two teams clash ou Monday, hockey of an exceptional order will be revealed. Southland are reported a strong side, but not quite up to the standard of a few seasons ago. The prospects are that Eastern Southland will win section A, also the final, and retain the K Cup, and the honour of remaining premier provincial women’s hockey team of New Zealand. Generous Gift Acknowledged.

Through the generosity of Mr. Eric Johnston, a well-known business man of Wellington, two expensive hockey sticks have been donated to the Toa Women’s Hockey Club, Porirua, one for the most improved forward, and the other for the most improved player iu the defence department of the team. Mr. Johnston, who takes an interest in hoekey, is

heartily thanked for his generous gifts, which are greatly appreciated by tne Toa club officials and members.

Wellington-Wairarapa, Matches. There will be no competition matches in Wellington next Saturday on account of the annual senior B and junior representative matches with Wairarapa. to be played at Newtown Park, juniors at 2 o’clock, and seniors at 3 o’clock.

Another interesting match also at Newtown Park, commencing at 2 o'clock, will be that between the intermediates and third division representatives.

The Wellington senior team to meet Wairarapa might not be classed an exceptionally strong combination, for there are weaknesses in both forwards anJ halfline, but despite these the team should provide the visitors with a hard and fast came. 'Wairarapa will be represented by a combination considered to be much superior to that of last season. Horowhenua Seek Match?

The Horowhenua association is seeking a match with Wellington for its women's representative team, and has written to the Wellington Women’s Hockey Association on the matter, which, unfortunately, will'not come up for consideration until the “heads" return from Gisborne. Here is a grand chance to give those senior A players who just failed to teach tournament standard or were unavailable to go to Gisborne an opportunity io show their versatility against a strong Horowlicuua side. It is to he hoped Wellington will comply with Horowhenua’s wishes and arrange a match either here or at. Otaki. Senior B Championship.

Having decided about a month ago for (he four leading teams, Toa, Wesley, Technical Old Girls and Poueke. to play off for the senior B championship, it is difficult now to see how the association can escape carrying out its decision. There is one Saturday available for Newtown Park. September 7, and I feel certain that the association will avail itself of the opportunity offering. If the play-off is completed the draw will be: Toa v. Technical Old Girls, and 'Wesley v. Poneke.

Play and Players. Playing only her third game this season, Miss Molly Mullins, Ton’s reserve, gave every indication in the match against Poneke last week that she possesses the enthusiasm and keenness essential for a player to make smart headway in the game. Although requiring coachimr in certain points of the game, correct stick control, and the art of placing the ball to advantage, she was responsible for some really surprising work for a novice.

Poueke’s failure can be summed up briefly thus: lack of cohesion and erratic shooting in the forwards, and a weak defence. The half line played well, and was deserving of a better reward from its front line for the opportunities presented. Comparing the previous occasion when Poneke met Toa. and a drawn game resulted, and that of last week, one could not. help but gain the impression' that either the Poneke play has slumped or there is an over-indulgence in changing the personnel of the team. It certainly looked very much like it last week. But. for one bad speculator, which, had the Poneke forwards been well awake to their task, would have resulted in a goal, Mrs. Piwari was once again a sound defender for Toa. The brains of the Poneke team i®, without. a doubt, Miss Frances Mitchell, centre half, but no matter how hard she worked to manoeuvre her forward line into a combined attack, her outstanding work went for naught. Miss Mitchell will captain the Wellington senior team against Wairarapa on Saturday.

WIN FOR TARANAKI

Horowhenua Beaten 3-1

Bv Telegraph—Press Association Otaki. August 27.

The Taranaki women's hockey team defeated Ilorowhenua by 3 goals to 1 after a game that did credit to both sides. The play throughout was hard, fast and clean.