Hockey.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XL, Issue 7308, 30 May 1902, Page 2

Hockey.

[Br "Sktlark."]

Tho Midland-Palmerston North Eifle 8 match was well attended by spectators on the Sports' Ground on Wednesday afternoon and, contrary lo expectations proved to be very interesting and a real good go for priority. Give and take play was the order of the game nil through, and it would be unfair to particularise any 0110 man as being prominent above his fellows, as every man on the held played his utmost. The two coal-keepers—MePherson(Midland) and •I. D. Smith (Rifles)—were a power of strength to their respective sides, but the Midland goal-keeper had the better of Ins opponent in knowledge and surer hitting powers. The whole of the Midlands played exceptionally well, every man being in bis place and never making a mistake. The Rifles forwards would do bettor to back up more, chance after chance being thrown away through failing to do so, while the backs want to practice stopping the ball and hitting quicker and harder. Owing to their superior knowledge and experience the Midlands had the advantage in combination, but what the llifies lacked in this department of the game was fully atoned for by hard graft and good individual play First blood was drawn by the Midlands, who scored a goal from a fast rush a few minutes after the commence- 1 nient of the game, A. Webb being the I successful shootist. Towards the fat'er V-irt of tho first speli McMurray got well away down the line, passed to Louisson.who shot a neat, goal for the ltifles. The spell ended one all. About ten minutes before lime in the second spell Garrity shot another goal from a scramble in frout of the goal the g:ime ending Midlands 2, Rifles 1 Mr Warden gave great satisfaction as re.eree, his decisions never onco beiiu' doubted, which made the game very ei£ joyable and a pleasure (o witness It } s !,\ ?. re;:!^ piV' that A- Webb (*J>O is a 1 . N. R. \ .) has not thrown in his lot with the Hides, and helped thenew coum club along, especially as a.l tho other Volunteer members of outsido clubs had done -so.

A friendly match, Palmerston t Kfles will bo played on tho Spor.ts','-'(3r^ubd o-morrow afternoon. A ll'members^Sf both cluos aro requested to roll-up, when teams will be selected on tho ground.