HOCKEY.

Horowhenua Chronicle, 12 September 1935, Page 3

HOCKEY.

1 ROVERS DEFEAT OTAKI. Although the Otaki team played its best game in the match on the Otaki j Domain on Wednesday it suffered defeat 'by a knock-behind being scored during' the additional time played as agreed upon. From the bully-off Rovers attacked but the pressure was shortlived, and Thorpe by a judicious rollin gave Otaki an advantage. Huff secured but in centreing* gave sticks, and as a result Hesp secured and placed Noble on defence. The latter, however, was equal to the occasion, and then Lithgow and Thorpe; joining issue, carried the ball to the advance line, where Cook was enabled to' show line stick-work. Meads saved and sending to Bennett enabled this player to race up field, and, assisted by Hesp, placed Otaki in diKHculHes. Palmer saved, but Hemi, by beating Lithgow for the ball, enabled his side to attack. Meads and Roberts were then prominent, but fine combination saw Cook and Te liana threaten Levin's goal. Brighton, however, saved, llakaraia »»d Lithgow were then noticeable in a fast movement, but N. Henderson saved. Otaki maint-ained the attack and had it not been for tine play by Bob Henderson Otaki would probably have netted. Hesp followed by solid play, but Bennett, over-anxious in the circle, was ruled off-side. Lithgow was then the means of again feeding his forwards, and Upshaw, Huff, and Cook caused the opposition a deal of trouble. Henderson and Wilson saved. Upshaw and Huff continued to be prominent and with Ithe combined play of Cook, llakaraia, and Te Hana, Levin were sorely tried. Ro'berts and Meads, by putting in good work, saved. After Henri and Wilson had become conspicuous Bob Henderson had a shot at goal but the ball was outside the circle when struck. Cook won . the bully that followed, but Henderson was quickly on the move and with Meads saved an ugly situation. MacLeod and Noble continued to play a fine game, and with Lithgow and Hakaraia gave the opposition a solid set-back. Raika was also hitting well. Meads by sending to Henri put Otaki back on defence but Noble relieved. Broughton then had strong opposition to contend with but emerged with honours, being the means of relieving the pressure and putting his side on attack. Macleod was next conspicuous, and was the means of putting Upshaw in action. Meads, Hemi, Griffin, and Hesp were then prominent, while Wilson, Henderson, and others combined welL to place Otaki on defence. Noble, Macleod, and Lithgow were strong on defence, all stopping 'and hitting well. Raika was also safe. Roberts'stopped Te Hana when on attack, then Hesp beat Noble, but Palmer managed to' save. In turn Otaki attacked, Thorpe, Cook, and Upshaw playing great games. With Hakaraiai and Huff they had opportunities, but it was ofttimes that off-side play spoiled chances. Henderson and Bennett proved worthy of their places and hammered away strenuously when on attack. Play was then of a very even nature, Otaki having a slight advantage. Upshaw eventually goaled. This stung Levin into more determined action and their play was of a high order, combination, being good. Cook and Thorpe, however, well fed by their backs,'were playing

great game, and with Upshaw frequently attacked. The spell ended with no further score. The second half was almost a repetition of the first and players on both sides were seen 'at their best. All played hard and made the most of chances. The game was - still being stubnrnly fought, both sides determined to win, and good play was noticeable. Towards the finishing stages of the game Bennett goaled for Levin, thus equalising scores. The game ended, I—l. Jt was then decided that the lii>t knock behind fro'm inside the circle decide the contest. Despite the strenuous game players stood to the test well, and fought stubbornly for supremacy. The ball traversed the field <'H a fast rate and it was over five minutes when X. Henderson .beat the opposition to knock behind, and win the "kncck.iout" cup. It was a great game, played in the best of spirit, and both sides are to be congratulated <>» the display. Messrs Kiddie and Ryder were the referees and gave genera, satisfaction.