CLOSE HOCKEY

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXIX, Issue 20822, 29 June 1942, Page 6

CLOSE HOCKEY

THREE DRAWN GAMES AIRMEN BEAT CADETS Hockey played on the Childers Road Reserve on Saturday afternoon was very close and keenly contested, two of the men's games and one of the women's resulting in a draw. One of the highlights of the afternoon’s play was the game in which Air Force defeated Air Training Corps by 3—l. The game was played in the best of spirits as both sides had eagerly looked forward to meeting. The airmen were . superior, both in close and open play, but the-cadets fought gamely all the time. They made many dangerous attacks which would have ended with certain goals had the forwards not been so rash in their shooting. A Finder, Air Force goal-keeper, did much to fluster the A.T.C. forwards by rushing out to meet the attacks. W. Bowden, centre half, played his usual good game, and K. Struthers and M. Edwards combined well in the forward line. For the Air Cadets C. Parry, goal keeper, A. Taylor, centre half, and L. Roderick, inside left, all played a sound and aggressive game. Play was hard and fast when Wnituhi drew with Caledonian, I—l. The Caledonian team were very fortunate to evade defeat. During the latter part of the play the Maori forwards seemed to be always in the opposing side’s circle, near goals being stopped continually by M. Hill, a former Poverty Bay representative at present home on leave. Another player on leave. A. McIvor, did much to break up Waituhi’s attacks. G. Tupara was a tower of strength and an inspiration to Waituhi, while he was ably supported by J. Edwards and T. Smiler. Foresters’ draw, one—all, with High School was rather a surprise, as it was thought that the school team was certain of victory. The game was probably the fastest and keenest of the afternoon, however, and Foresters played hard for the draw. The students opened the scoring during the first half, and at half-time were still one up, but shortly after play had recommenced Foresters netted one from a scuffle in the goal mouth. From then on the ball went up and down the'field, neither team being able to gain the upper hand. G. Cassia, J. Roos, S. Smiler, and W. Ferris were outstanding for school, while B. Hankey, J. Greig. A. Wilson ami J Stokes played consistently for Foresters. A draw by I—l was the result of a hardfought women’s game between Kin Toa A and Waituhi. In a women’s match, Y.M.P. defeated Km Toa B by 2 goals to nil.