WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Evening Star, Issue 21819, 7 September 1934, Page 11

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

THE NEW ZEALAND TOURNEY MARLBOROUGH IN THE FINAL END OF SECTION PLAY [Special to the ‘ Star.’] CHRISTCHURCH, September 6. The final round, of the section matches of the New Zealand women’s hockey tournament was determined this afternoon in an easterly drizzle that made the grounds wet and slippery. Marlborough, with 10 points, won section A, Central Otago and Otago tieing for second place with 6 points each. Ruahine defeated the unbeaten Canterbury A eleven to make a tie in section B, while Eastern (Southland), with five wins and no losses, won section C when they defeated Southland (four wins, one loss). . Ruahine and Canterbury play off again to-inorrow morning, and the winner meets Eastern A in the afternoon. Marlborough have drawn the bye, and will play off the final on Saturday afternoon with the winner of to-morrow’s games. Otago scored a creditable win over Wellington by 3 goals to 0. M. Murtagh, B. Mackie, A. Marshall, and R. Cumberbeach stood down in the Otago team; An exchange of attacks was followed' by Wellington gaining a penalty corner, but A. Mackie turned the shot outside. ■ B. Charles stopped a combined rush by the Otago forwards, who were infusing' dash into their work. The southerners soon returned, but the Wellington backs were safe, Wellington initiated a series of hot attacks, but, H. Johnson effected some great saves. Wellington dominated the attack. Otago’s goalkeeper, however, was very safe. Otago made a clever right wing effort and gained a penalty corner, but lost their chance through “ sticks.”

After a number of ineffectual attempts Wellington met with success. Otago’s goalkeeper made a feeble save, and M. Wilkin scored easily. Half-time score: Wellington 1, Otago 0. Otago attacked from the bully on resuming, and kept the game in , the vicinity of Wellington’s goal. A. Harley sent in a shot which went in off a Wellington girl. Wellington 1, Otago 1. Otago returned, and a concerted forward movement was completed when A. Marshall netted from close range. Otago 2, Wellington 1. Otago maintained the offensive, and a neat centre by E. Harvey was turned to account by M. Stevens, Otago 3, Wellington 1. Wellington rallied, and there was a sustained melee in Otago’s goal mouth, which was eventually cleared. Otago made a fine effort, but the Wellington goalkeeper was safe. Final score Otago - ... —2 Wellington 1 The Central Otago-Marlborough match was sternly contested througuout. Central strove hard to wrest a victory, as a win would have made them level again with Marlborough at the head of the section. There was no score u'ntil almost on time, when Marlborough were awarded a penalty goal. I. Brownlie, J. Arnott, and M. Beilby were omitted from the Central team. Fairly even play and patchy play marked the opening stages. Marlborough forced two corners without result. M. Hughan hit the upright high up in. a good attempt to goal for Central Otago. F. Drake put across a good centre for Marlborough, and M. Dawkins missed with the shot. A breach spoilt a good chance for Central Otago, and near the end of the spell R. Drake missed an easy chance of goaling for Marlborough. Half-time came with no score. F. Drake made a good run on Marlborough’s left flank, and was unlucky that the ball rolled out before she could reach it. R. Drake skied the ball when in front of the Central Otago goal. N. Sutherland stopped two Central Otago shots. A breach nullified a well-maintained Central Otago attack. R. Campbell saved from F. Drake when the latter had got well away for Marlborough. Two corners were without result to Marlborough. D. Bain hit over for Central Otago, and P. Anscomhe did the same a moment later. A penalty bully was contested between R. Drake and R. Campbell, resulting in Marlborough being awarded a penalty goal. The game ended: — Marlborough 1 Central Otago 0 Ashburton defeated North Otago by 2-0, the half-time score being 1-0. North Otago gained several penalty corners, hut lost the advantage through too hard hitting.