BIG HOCKEY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume XLV, Issue 187, 13 July 1925, Page 8

BIG HOCKEY.

AUSTRALIA v. MANAWATU. TOUR OPENS WEDNESDAY. Palmerston North is to have the honour of staging the first match of the tour of the Australian hockey team at the Showgrounds on Wednesday, and all the eyes of the hockey world will be centred on Manawatu on the day. On the occasion of the previous visit of an Australian team Manawatu was not given a match, accepting in lieu thereof the one test match ol the tour, pleasant recollections of which are still retained by Palmerstonians, for the standard revealed was of the highest. Of the Australian eleven which figured in that great contest six members will renew acquaintance on this occasion, and judged on that standard the visitors promise to lie a most formidable proposition. However, the elect to represent Manawatu are considered to be the finest combination put in the field by the local association for many seasons past, and aided h.v the strenuous training course through which they have been put, the opinion has been confidently expressed that the home team will prove worthv foemen.

The staging of the fixture at the Showgrounds will prove popular, for the capacious stand is capable of accommodating a big section of the crowd. The area itself is being specially prepared and as a direct result a fast display should he the outcome.

The visitors arrive - at Wellington to-morrow and will leave for Palmerston North the following morning, continuing their way north the same evening.

An added attraction to Wednesday’s programme will bo the meeting of the Daunevirke and .Manawatu ladies, for these combinations have in the past had several keen and close contests in which the honours have fluctuated. The following ladies’ team has been selected by .Messrs F. Cousins and \Y. Broughton to represent the local association.

Goal, Miss Robinson (Rongotea) ; full-backs, .Misses Gibson (T.0.G.) and McMinn (H.H.0.G.) ; halves. Misses Stratton (W.E.0.G.), M. Waters (H.5.0.G.), lie Ciene (H.5.0.G.): forwards, Misses Newth (W.E.0.G.), Ransom (Bunnythorpe), Isaacs (T.0.G., captain), Marshall (T.0.G.), Miss Bently (T.0.G.) Emergencies: Forward, Miss Ranson (Bunnythorpe); back. Misses MeSweeny (H.S.i).G.) and Scott (W.E.0.G.).

The game will start at 1.30 p.m. sharp. All players and emergencies must notify the secretary (Mr A. R. Cliffo) at once if not available. There will he practices on Monday and Tueslay mornings at the Sportsgroimd at 6.30 o’clock.