LADIES AT PLAY

Evening Post, Volume XCVI, Issue 57, 4 September 1918, Page 4

LADIES AT PLAY

OPENING OF HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

BOTH WELLINGTON TEAMS

DEFEATED

One of the main events of the year, as far as hockey is concerned, is the annual ladies' tournament, the first games, of which were played at Karori Park (yesterday afternoon. This year five teams —Canterbury, Manawatu, Poverty Bay, Wellington A, and Wellingtdn B—have entered, and the tourney promises, to he attended with considerable'success. Yesterday Manawatu met Wellington A, and Canterbury tried conclusions with Wellington B. Both the local teams were "downed" by, the visitors rather easily. Manawatu showed itself to be a particularly strong team, the collective and individual play being of a.-veiiy high order. The southerners, top, proved themselves quite a stiff proposition, and a fine exhibition of the stick game is looked -for when Manawatu and Canterbury meet. Poverty Bay did not make an appearance yesterday, 'but rumour has it that the Gisborne girls will take a lot of beating. They are playing Wellington ' A this afternoon.

MANAWATU V. WELLINGTON A. From the start of ihis game, played on No. 1 ground, Manawatu (green, jumpers) made things livelyj and soon had the local girls defending their goal. After' about five minutes' play. Miss Kersel (on the left wing) secured the ball, and centred. Miss Mullen (inside right) received well, and put in' a shot which outwitted the'Wellington goalkeeper. Mknawatu 1, Wellington 0. When play was resumed the Wellington forwards took the ball upfield, and Miss .Lang (the wellknown outside left) put in a powerful shot from the wing, which unfortunately struck the side of the goal and went,, behind. After some further scrappy.- play in'the Manawatu half, the "green" .forwards got going, and a pretty passing rush ensued. Miss Green, who is a most active "bully," finally took charge of the hall., which she sent flying into the net. Manawatu 2, Wellington 0. Wellington again took up the attack, and Miss Wilkins (right wing) made a fine run down the line, .centring nicely at the opportune time.' The ball finally went to Miss Lang, whose shot again missed by inches. . The local girls kept up the onslaught, but owing to the splendid play of Miss Perrin (Manawatu's right back) their efforts came to nought. Miss Perrin played a good game throughout, and persistently ■stopped the Wellington rushes. She gave one of the best exhibitions ' of hockey_ that has been seen at Karori for some time. Returning to fhe attack, the Manawatu girls literally ran over Wellington's defence, and Miss Green again used her stick to advantage. Manawatu 3, Wellington 0. The first spell was now nearly ended, but before time was sounded, Miss Green had scored two further goals. The spell ended: Manawatu 5, Wellington fl. In the second spell Wellington showed improved form, and for a considerable time kept the ball in the Manawatu half. However, the Greens' backs, headed by the redoubtable Miss Perrin, very efficiently guarded their goal, and the Yellow and Blacks were unable to score. Securing^ charge of the ball once more, the Manawatu forwards took part in some good passing rushes, and Miss Whalley (on the right) put in a Hard shot, and found the net. However, "sticks" was given against her, and Wellington awarded a free hit, which temporarily relieved the position. Manawatu did not stay away for any time, and scon Miss Green had added another goal to her list. Manawatu 6, Wellington 0. Play was now very much in the Wellington^ half, and the Greens gave the local girls little respite.- Mies Whalley shot another goal, and shortly before time Miss Green had again baffled Wellington's goal-keeper (Miss Orsman). The game ended with the score: Manawatu 8, Wellington 0. Messrs. Manning and', Pragnell controlled the game.'

CANTERBURY v. WELLINGTON B,

Canterbury had very little difficulty in defeating Wellington B on No. 2 ground. The southerners, who are a fine lot of players, outclassed the local girls in all points of the game, and played with superior combination. Play .in the first spell was fairly even, although Wellington had five goals scored against them. The following scored for Canterbury during the first spell: —Misses Pearce (4) and Ritchie.

The second spell was very one-sided, and the scores came in quick succession. Misses Bari- (3),, Pearce, and Ritchie scored further goals. The game ended: Canterbury 10, Wellington B 0. Messrs. Edwards and Dougall had charge of the game.

Last evening the members'of the visiting and local teams were the guests of the managements of the,various picture theatres. On Thursday night they will attend the performance at His Majesty's Theatre. ,