HOCKEY

Manawatu Standard, Volume IV, Issue 222, 20 August 1931, Page 10

HOCKEY

NORDEN CUP RETAINED. MANAWATU BEAT TARANAKI. The Manawatu Hockey Association’s representative team withstood the challenge of the Taranaki Association for the Norden Cup on the Sportsground yesterday afternoon, winning by four goals to two after a fast, clean game in which the teams gave a fairly even display. At half-time the visitors led by one goal to nil and for a period dominated play, but Manawatu brightened up considerably in the filial stages, treating the large crowd of spectators to thrilling hockey. The teams were as follow:

Manawatu (green and white). — Ward, Pratt, W. Sutton, Davy, J. Sutton, Hansen (captain), D. Hoare, Findlay, It. Hoare, Lundv, Turner. Taranaki (yellow and black). — Kehley, Pitcher, Thomson, Page (captain), Betts, Duncan Irwin, Maloney,. McArthy, Surginer, Percy. The visitors opened strongly and hemmed in the Manawatu backs, but Turner gave’ the invaders no opportunity to combine effectively, breaking away on the left. A concerted forward rush overran the Taranaki forwards, but their backs held and Pitcher returned the ball. It. Hoare intercepted, but could not regain the lost territory. Pratt’s endeavour to be of assistance was of little avail. Taranaki continued the attack, but D. Hoare got in a brilliant piece of work when he crossed neatly to his brother who tried a counter rush. McArthy intercepted and was getting away when W. Sutton intercepted and crossed to R. Hoare who played back and found the net, but was ruled offside. Thomson _ secured the ball and put Taranaki in a goaling position, but Pratt sent the ball out to Turner and Davy who shot it to R. Hoare. The attempt was fruitless and after a period of similar tactics Manawatu were beaten by the visitors, Surginer opening their account by beating Ward from a scramble.

Taranaki 1, Manawatu 0. Stung by the reverse, Manawatu combined more effectively and penetrated as' far as the Taranaki backline, but D. Hoare was ruled offside when in a position to goal. Taranaki were forced to concede a corner shortly afterwards, but Thomson was too quick for the local team and whisked the ball away. Turner and Hansen tried bustling tactics, but Taranaki remained steady. Page nullified several efforts by Lundy to equalise. Turner raised hopes when he had only to knock in the ball but he used too much force and skied it. The spell concluded with Taranaki playing superior hockey. Manawatu reopened briskly, Lundy invading with good support, but Pitcher and Thomson defended well and Page helped them to clear. Pratt returned the ball, but this time McArthy and Irwin intercepted. Play was willing and there were too many occasions on which penalties had *to be inflicted for “sticks.” Taranaki rallied, Percy and McArthy playing nicely, although Turner covered the former efficiently. Hansen eventually made a break and, after being repulsed by Kehley, crossed to Findlay who placed Lundy in position to equalise from close in. Taranaki 1, Manawatu 1.

Taranaki went to the attack immediately, but Manawatu were now in scoring mood. Surginer, who gave Ward an' uncomfortable time for a few minutes, was robbed of- the ball by Pratt and ;Sutton who sent it downfield to Turner. A determined dash was culminated by a fine angular shot. Manawatu 2, Taranaki 1.

Lively iip and down tactics were dominated by McArtby, who, in a very few minutes, put Surginer in a position from which he drove hard to equalise. Manawatu 2, Taranaki 2.

The game moved very quickly in the final minutes, Manawatu completely overrunning the visiting forwards, It. Hoare centring accurately at a difficult angle to pul his team in the lead. Lundy. repeated the performance shortly afterwards after manoeuving for a position, to make the final score :

Manawatu 4, Taranaki 2

Irwin raised Taranaki’s hopes just on time, hut \V. Sutton interfered and cleared. • Rev. Mr. Ryeburn (Eltliam) and Mr R. L. C. Aitcliison refereed. LADIES’ GAME. REPRESENTATIVE TEAM. The representative team of the Manawatu Ladies’ Hockey Association to compete in the Dominion tournament played a side representing “The Rest” at the Sportsground during the afternoon, winning by five goals to two. The representative team put up a very fine display and revealed stamina and science. Their goals were scored by Misses L. Davis (3), H. Hall and W. Ranson, Miss F. Highfield securing “The Rest’s” goals.

DANNEVIRKE GAMES. In the representative men’s hockey match between Dannevirke and Bush, the former were successful by three goals to one. In the Probables v. Possibles ladies’ hockey match at Dannevirke yesterday, the former won by three goals to one. The Ruahine ladies’ representative hockey team will leave for the Auckland tournament next week and will play a match at Rotorua en route.