HOCKEY

Grey River Argus, 9 July 1926, Page 3

HOCKEY

CHRISTCHURCH, July 8. R. Spiers, of Wellington replaces O K. Perrin in the hockey test against the Indian Army team at Auckland on Saturday. Perrin is suffering from injury. E. McLeod ha s been appointed captain of the New Zealand team. INDIANS v. NORTH AUCKLAND. WHANGAREI, July 8. The Indian hockey team to-day defeated the North Auckland reps, by I nine goals to one at Kensington Park, j The attendance “was over three thous-1 and, and there were perfect conditions. At half time the Indians led by four goals to nil, the initial score being made by Dhian Chand in the first few minutes. After this North Auckland showed to better advantage but weak circle work lost them many opportunities. Dhian Chand added three more to the Indians’ tally before half time. Immediately the game was resumed, Dhian Chand added his fifth goal. Hannan then dribbled through and he shot Whangarei’s first goal. The game then became more even. North Auckland's defence being sound. A quarter of an hour elapsed before the next score, which was made by Bellchamber. Chand scored his sixth goal very soon afterwards. His next goal was the best of the afternoon. He was playing an inspired game, and just before time shot his eighth goal. Anticipations of a runaway game were quickly dispelled, as North Auckland were showing surprising form. They were, however, frequently nonplussed by the jugglery of the Indians who played with great vim. Some of the most exciting minutes were spent in front, of both goals, the Indians on occasions fully exercised in the defence. Towards the end, the Indians had the play well in hand, and the local team was kept hard at work. The play throughout was of a very fast nature. Dhian Chand was superb in the circle, but seldom had chances. In close play, North Auckland backs resorted to hard hitting, and more than held their own in the second half Wyatt (goalie) and Bongard (half) were prominent in the backs and Soertz played a fine forward game. NEW ZEALAND REP TEAM. FURTHER CHANGES. Hie New Zealand hockey team to play the Indian Army in the second test on Saturday, Perrin, of Wellington tho captain, cannot play, owing to a broken nose. McLeod will captain the team instead, and Spiers, of Wellington, will replace Perrin i n the team. Tt is doubtful whether C. Watts, of Auckland, who was hurt last Saturday, will be able to play, and he may be replaced by Lockey, of the West Coast.