WOMEN’S Hockey

Evening Star, Issue 23325, 22 July 1939, Page 11 (Supplement)

WOMEN’S Hockey

Right Half

A Classic. To-day’s big match, College v. Otago, was expected to bo a great struggle. At their previous meeting Otago took the decision by a very narrow margin, 1-0, but, with gome very goodi performances to their credit lately, College would : go into the game full of confidence. Otago have not shown their best form in theis,recent marches, _due to a front line desire to go sold, instead of trying gome combination. Their back division, however, is a strong, good tackling five, and can always be expected to put up a sturdy resistance. Funds. In order to provide touring team funds, the Executive and Social Committee have now an opportunity, with the assistance of all players, to make big money. The arrangements for a carnival week with the Kaikorai Band are fairly well advanced, and it is up to all players to do their best to make the most of a grand chance. Last week the controlling body asked for the assistance of all at our dance; the players did not support them as they should. It is to he hoped) that, for this big occasion, we can all make a real effort to increase our funds. Trials. On Saturday last, at the conclusion of the senior games, Mr Ireland asked for a short rep. trial. Unfortunately, the trial taught nothing regarding the Elayors. A number of those who will o required to complete the representative eleven were not in the trial, and some who did participate had waited almost one and a-half hours to take part. The others had just played hard games under bad) conditions, and could not be expected to show their best form. It was not a satisfactory arrangement, and something better should bo arrived

at before the selection of the Otago eleven.

Saturday’s Games. The matches provided no upsets, and there was only one surprise. That was the great showing of Brighton against Varsity B. Early in the season the former showed glimpses of form that jpromised great results later. Then, for no reason, they fell away. Their back division has borne the brunt of many hard games, and has been let down by a mediocre forward) line. They came to light with a really good effort last week, and played a good game. Varsity found, the Brighton backs too good to penetrate, and their back division were often hard pressed by the eager Brighton forwards. Migs F. Harraway gave a., good display, and, was mainy responsible for the success of the seaside front line. Their 7-0 victory was a great effort. The Varsity-College game provided many thrills. Had the ground been dry the game would have reached great heights. College got away to an early load, but Varsity soon equalised, and it was even going till half-time. College adapted themselves better to the conditions in the second spell, and had the Blues in trouble quite often. The College halves gave Varsity a lesson in backing up, and gave their_ forwards plenty of the ball. At times, it seemed that Varsity had the measure of their opponents, hut they lacked finish, and the forwards failed under steady tackling by the College rearguard. Although College prevailed, 6-3, it was a pood, hard, and particularly fast game. They are showing good) form at present, and have every chance, on Saturday’s display. of taking this season’s honours. Varsity disappointed their supporters —the forwards failed and the backs did not display their usual solidity. The Kings-Momona game was in the early stages very well contested, but steady Kings tackling wore down the Momona forwards, who could not get going. Their rearguard found the Green forwards far too hot to hold, and had many anxious moments. They did not live up to their good form of the previous week, and these in-and-out displays have spoiled many good efforts this season. One feature of the game was the excellent goalkecping of Miss

Paterson, the Momona custodian, who, on form, must bo considered as most likely to make the representative eleven. Kings fully earned their 9 goals, and with a steady back division are likely to make both College and Otago go all out to avoid defeat.

The Otago-Dunedin match was not a high class exhibition of the game, though both sets of backs did their best to open up the play. Dunedin suffered through lack of scoring forwards, for, quite often, with the Black defence on the run, they failed in front of goal. Otago, with good individualists, should be a hot forward line, but they did not impress and missed chances. Well fed by good backs, they get plenty of the ball, but repeatedly failed. They cannot afford to miss any opportunities in the harder matches against College, Varsity, and Kings. POSITIONS OF THE TEAMS. With 10 matches played, the positions of the teams for the championship are:—

Varsity lost two valuable points last week, and their chance of the season’s honours. College had an opportunity to-day, and on their game with Otago will depend their chance of success. If victorious, they still have to meet Kings, a formidable side. With Otago the winners of this match, the championship will be confined to them and Kings—and this should bo the match of the season. Both have played really good hockey. The Otago backs may bo a shade better than Kings all round, but the latter have a better understanding in the forward line; a tremendous asset in a hard-fought game.

T3 e < I -rt* a a £ 3 *4 c3 u Q "5 0 CS rt 0 a c. O Kings 10 9 1 0 75 8 18 Otago 10 9 1 0 44 7 18 College ... 10 8 2 0 47 11 16 Varsity A 10 7 3 0 26 18 14 Brighton 10 3 G 1 15 49 7 Dunedin 10 1 7 2 15 37 4 Momona 10 1 8 1 20 52 3 Varsity B 10 0 10 0 4 62 0