VARSITY v. WESLEY.

Evening Post, Volume CV, Issue 107, 7 May 1923, Page 5

VARSITY v. WESLEY.

Interest at Karori Park centred about the game between 'Varsity and-'Wesley. Both clubs had their best teams in the field, and the result was a bright and spectacular exhibition of hockey as it should be, but rarely is, played, tho teams, each with 2 goals, dividing honours. Wesley opened very aggressively, but their efforts were not concentrated! enough to do ahy damage. Ah opportunity came, however, and the leather was taken down the right wing, and sent across to Sutherland, Wesley's centreforward, who found the net. Much up and down play followed, with 'Varsity's forwards working well. Unreliable stickwork spoilt many good attempts, but finally Foden seciured well, and taking the ball down the field, evened tip matters for 'Varßity, with a, hard, straight shot which did not give the opposing goalie a chance.; There were some "very, tight situations in both teams' circle^, and. just before the interval Wesley launched a strong attack, Phillpots beating the. goalie with^a stiff shot.

The Collegians had slightly the better of matters in the second half, and they are certainly a very different team from that which Wakatu defeated at the beginning of the season, by 9 goals to nil. Throughout the spell, they were always attacking; and on more than one occasion were very unlucky not to score. During the course of a scramble, within Wesley's circle, Foden neatly: hooked the ball and scored with a tricky back-hand shot which was in the net' before the goalie realised it was coming. The pick of 'Varsity's forwards easily was * Foden, whose thorough knowledge of shooting from all angles stood his team in good stead. Waghorn played well in goal, while Hollings was a particularly safe back. pood work was performed by the half line, consisting of Martin, Ham, and Stainton, of vV-.'in the first mentioned was perhaps the best. Phillpotts played a great game for Wesley, and made numerous openings, besides scoring a goal. ■ The centre-for-ward, Sutherland, was always on the ball, and the full : backs, Burton and Harper, were very hard to beat.

Mr. R. Watchman gave every satisfaction with the whistlej and, by his good judgment, made the game all the more interesting for the spectators.