WELLINGTON B V. NELSON

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 29, 3 August 1925, Page 11

WELLINGTON B V. NELSON

There -was not a dull moment in the Wellington B v. Nelson game. Play was keen, fast, and open, and spectators were treated to some very fine . hockey at times. Wellington's chances were not considered too bright when they took the field at 1.45 p.m. and lined up to extend a welcome to tha Nelson men. Old players among tho spectators seemed to think that the Nelson boys should be able to bring off a good win. However, as events turned out, the Wellington men surprised these wiseacres by more than holding their own. Although not being nble to soore a win they finished up on level terms with the ' Nelson eleven— one goal all. While, perhaps, the Nelson players were on the whole smarter iii attack the Wellington .side were a solid lot, and their defence was strong. In the iirst spell the tactics employed by the Southerners were- particularly effective. They were always quick on the ball, and in sweeping rushes they were in amongst the Wellington for wards, disorganising their line and down to the goal area in smart time. The visiting players possessed a variety of strokes, which helped them an amount in lijht corners, and tlie long pass was also a'feature, of-their .play. The Wellington men seemed to tire a little towards the end of the game, and one or two were a little, inclined to get out of position. ; The teams were as follow:—Nelson (light and dark'blue jerseys).— Goal, Gibbons; full-backs, C. Gibbs and Kerr;. half-backs, A. Wells. N. Whitwell. It. Counilifts; forwards, C. Dee (capl.iin). A. Giblin, J. Cassells, K. Lee, If. 'Whitwell. ■Wellington B (yellow and chocolate jerseys).—Goal, T. Brennan; full-backs, Martis and H. Martin (captain); halfbacks, ' Fraser, Tree, Clout; forwards, Barry, Cooper, Freelliy, Hoare, and A. Smith. Nelson won the loss and clodcc! to play ueainst the sun. Vmm the " bullyoff " Trecthy placed Wellington on the offensive, but thi> TCeijon backs tpvjuleccl I I.lie fiCfovtr. ("■'ililin mitred nicely to I Whit--*;] on Mir Icf: «h'j:. i.'Ul. Mi« latter iiiiijtf «'v uuubk U> I'euch tke

circle. The Nelson vanguard were "several times in the Wellington circle within the first five minutes, but sound defence, in which Martin did yeoman service, kept the visitors out. Wellington now took a hand in the attack, and Barry dashed up the wing and with a good back-hand shot brilliantly centred. In a flash the Wellington forwards were in the Nelson circle, but over-eagerness saw Cooper put the ball over the net. Wellington came back again, Barry, per medium of excellent play, putting his side in an attacking position. Fraser and Hoare got fn some good work in the tight, but an infringement spoilt a likely goal. The Nelson forward line secured the leather and in a sweeping passing rush carried play into the Wellington circle. Here Giblin, who was playing well, got possession, and beat "Tod" Brennan with a hard shot. Nelson 1, Wellington 0. The' Wellington goalie was called upon to stop difficult shots, and, using stick and pads skilfully, he brought off some splendid saves. Wellington had a good chance of scoring towards the end of the spell. Barry, with another' of his beautifully timed centres, sent the ball in front of the Nelson goal, but Freethy was penalised and the opportunity was lost. The spell concluded: Nelson 1, Wellington B 0. On resuming after the interval Barry, Cooper, and Freethy took the ball down field and the tostnamed put the finishing touches to a bright piece of play, banging the ball hard into the net. Nelson 1, Wellington 1. Coombes, Dee, Giblin, and the two Whitwell brothers wero prominent for Nelson. When Nelson were cornered Coombes was very tricky, and he extricatad his side from dangerous positions on numerous occasions. Wellington attacked determinedly for some time, and there were some stirring moments of play in the Nelson circle. A long shot relieved Nelson, and the visitors swept upfield and Wellington were forced to concede a corner. 'Hoare relieved for Wellington. Freethy was brilliant in several individual bursts, and he aloo had a fine understanding with Barry. Play veered up and down field, and, despite promising movements by both sides, no further goals were scored, the game ending: Nelson 1, Wellington B 1. Messrs! R. Watchman and W. Keys gave every satisfaction as referees.