HOCKEY.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 11 September 1934, Page 8

HOCKEY.

TARANAKI (2) v. HOROWHENUA

Taranaki’s .touring team met Horowhenua at Levin on Monday in line weather and on a ground that did every credit to the representatives of the Levin teams. Never -before has the ground been in such good condition, and on account of rolling the surface was even, consequently the game a fast one. In the opening stages llorowhcnua attacked but erratic shooting lo£t chances. In turn Taranaki attacked and a hard shot by i’ascoe beat Horowhenna’s goal-keeper, lllay from this to the end of the spell was of a fast and even nature, but from a melee in the goal-mouth, in which Ilorowhenii lacked dash, Tascoo sent in a shot that beat the backs. Horowhcnua afterwards, attacked but failed to pierce a solid defence. Taranaki 2 Horowhenna ( 1 The second spell . saw bettc'r and lighter [day and ilorowhenua were unlucky not to secure two or three goals. A .few shots went outside the post, until from hot work in the circle Cook netted. Horowhenna attacked stubbornly, but failed fo again score, although several shots were near. The play was in favour of the home team. The game, however, ended

Taranaki , h Horovvhenua 1 Messrs Ebliett and Ki-knister refer eed. 1 ■

Wilson, in goal, did well, while Curtis and Broughton had much .to contend with. However, they cleared repeatedly. Porter, Thorpe, and liesp had a lot to do, 'hut performed creditaibly, Hesp playing his, best game to date. The .forward, line—Larnock, Cook, Morgan, Edwards, and Meads — did exceptionally well, although their shooting was not as good as on previous occasions.

The stick-work of Taranaki was a featature, and was responsible for their win, Bennett, in* goal, stopped hot shots, while Ryan and Clarke played creditably. Barker, Duncan, and Pinion had a lot to do but they emerged with credit. The forward line —Windle, Thompson, Pascoe, Tiplady, and Jones —proved stalwarts. iPassing throughout the game was splendid, stopping and centring good, but there were too many breaches on both sides.

AFTER THE GAME. In the evening the visitors were entertained at a dinner at the Levin Hotel, when Mr and Mrs Fitzgerald provided a splendid repast. Mr D. S. Mackenzie, Patron of the Association, presided, and after the toast of “The King,’’ proposed the toast of the “Taranaki Hockey Team and Association,” and in doing so stated that it afforded him great pleasure to be present. It was now some years ago since he indulged in hockey, and he had seen its good days and its lean times, but he was glad to know that the game was now flourishing and meeting with the success it deserved. In his days, travel was a big item, it meant that as there was only one team in the disthey had to journey by train to Palmerston, but now-a-days long journeys were done in short space of time. Mr Mackenzie traversed the days of 1902, and stated that as far back as that year players were just as keen as they are now. The night reminded him of old times and recalled pleasant recollections, In conclusion Mr Mackenzie congratulated Taranaki on the success of their tour. He hoped all had had a good time and would carry back pleasant recollections of their short visit to Levin.

Mr Urry, qn behalf of the Taranaki Association, thanked Horowhenua for the wonderful time provided and for the,members (for their great hospitality, and wonderful reception. The game had proved a good one, spectacular, and one that did 'both sides credit. When the tour was (being arranged it was the wish, he said, of members that Horowhenua be included in the itinerary. They knew members to be great sports, they having proved this when they played at Hawera. ■Mr Bennett proposed the toast of “The Horowhenua Association,” and in doing so said (that he was one who looked forward to renewing acquaintance with members of the Horowhenua Association. He well remembered them as the best of sports when they visited Hawera.

Mr Nieolson, in reply, said that he was pleased to know that the .Taranaki players had enjoyed their stay and trusted that the teams would meet again next year. Taranaki had defeated them for the Nordon Cup and in that day’s game, but Horowhenua hoped to turn the (tables when next they played. “Thfe Referees” was proposed by Mr. Ryan, and responded to by Messrs Broughton and Bbbett. , The. ; . latter said that it had been a pleasure to umpire such a game as played that day, a game that was played for the game’s sake.

Mr. Urry thanked all who had filleted his team and thus helped to make the trip possible.' All had been kindness itself and they would well remember their visit to the Horowhenua district. Mr. Mackenzie said that it was gratifying to hear such remarks and he was pleased-to knwow. what had been done had been appreciated. Mr. Mackenzie paid a glowing, tribute to their host and hostess, Mr, and Mrs. Fitzgerald, who had done wonders to make the stay of the visitors enjoyable. Mr. Betts, in proposing the health of "Their Host and Hostess” warmly

thanked“*Mr. and Mrs. Fitzgerald and staff for their great kindness.

In reply Mr. Fitzgerald stated he and Mrs. Fitzgerald had reaped much pleasure in catering-for such. fine,, sporting teams. He hoped the visitors would carry away happy recollections of their visit to Levin, anil at no distant date* pay a return when they could rest assured of a warm welcome.

During the evening apologies wore tendered on account of the unavoidable absence of Mr. Witehell (secretary) r Mr. Kilraister (referee) and members of the team who had to return to their homes by train. Credit was also jfiyen to members of the Levin Clubs!'who had made arrangements for the and had had the ground prepared, while thanks were extended to those ■whn had billeted the visitors;

After cheers had been exchanged .between the teams the visitors wore entertained at the Rovers' dance.

Following the entertainment of the teams at the Levin Hotel, the visitors were the guests of the Rovers Club at a dance conducted in the Weraroa Hall last evening. The function was >veiy successful from every point of view, there being a good attendance of the public—about fifty couples—and n highly enjoyable evening was _ apent by aU present. Dancing, to laiwio.-,ren-dered by Roy Lester's popular combination, went with a fine swing. Mr A. Meads acting as M.C. A tasty hupper, dispensed by iMesdames Honkeryon’ Kingsbeer, and Mann, , akded greatly to the success of the evepipg, the organisation of which w r as -the hands of Messrs J. Roberts, .A. Meads, and H. Henderson.