DRAWN GAME

Hauraki Plains Gazette, Volume 56, Issue 32872, 20 June 1947, Page 5

DRAWN GAME

HOCKEY IN THE RAIN

KAIHERE & WANDERERS

CLEVER STICK WORK SEEN x

Heavy rain before the opening marred the standard of the men’s hockey game between Wanderers and Kaihere on Saturday at Thames. The game was, however, characterised by clever stick work, and some wellconceived movements by both sets of forwards.

Kaihere opened with a couple of sharp sorties, which were repelled when near the White circle. Ends were changed quickly, and Bennett, after drawing Matchett, skimmed the posts. Foote brought play back to the Green circle and centred >to his forwards, where G. Reid, who was waiting practically in goal, made no mistake.- Lynch next showed up, and on gaining the circle the goalie had abusy time stopping the barrage of shots which the Whites peppered -*t him.

First McNeil, then Bennett, attempted to put the Whites on the attack, but the opposing defence proved too strong and play drifted back to midfield. Gradually the Wanderers’ forwards moved down-field, Pascoe sending across a great centre for McNeil to score the equaliser. Just before half-time the Greens made a great spurt and forced a penalty corner, but Gibson cleared. The second’ spell opened with the Whites doing most of the attacking, but the defence proved too strong. Wanderers were unlucky twice in as many minutes, but the combination failed again, and shortly afterward Wood had gone close. Bennett followed in fast and flicked home, to give Wanderers the lead.

Despite the slippery conditions both teams were giving the ball plenty of air, play ranging from end to end at a fast pace. Then G. Reid (Kaihere) opened and evened the score. Exchanges became exciting as first one side and then the other had the advantage. With two goals each, play livened up considerably and there was very little between the teams. Sutherland on several occasions earned applause for smart saves, while Bane and Davies rendered him. capable assistance. With a few minutes to go, Wanderers made an effort to win, and from a determined attack the ball glanced off the upright. An interesting contest ended with Whites still hammering away at the Green goal. The final score was: Wanderers 2, Kaihere 2. Teams were:—

Wanderers: Sutherland, Bane, Davies, Pascoe, Gibson, B. Donkin, Lynch, Bennett, Warne, Wood, McNeil.

Kaihere: Matchett, G. Hunter, Cryer, Wilson, B. Nicholson, T. Nicholson, T. Hunter, Walbuton, Reid, Driver, Foote. Messrs E. Martin and G. Warne were umpires. KOPUARAHI WIN MATCH AGAINST ROVERS

In the hockey match between Kopuarahi and Rovers, played at Thames on Saturday, Rovers started well but their poor positional play gave the visitors a seven to three win.