HOCKEY NOTES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIV, Issue 210, 4 August 1934, Page 3

HOCKEY NOTES

(By “Ticli.”) In defending the Harper Gup at Bunnytliorpe on Wednesday against the Eeilding Ladies’ Hockey Association, the Manawatu ladies had a close call. The two teams were well matched, and at the outset it seemed that the cup would go to Eeilding. However, the initial sting and dash which the Eeilding players put into their game died off later in the match, and the two sides settled clown to hard steady play. In the opening stages the Fending girls were giving a fine exhibition of combination, which, with good stick work and backing up, made their forward line always dangerous. Time and again the Eeilding forwards beat the defending players for the hall in close play, and even aome of the most enthusiastic Manawatu supporters had serious doubts as to their team winning. Later, their hopes rose with good displays by several of their players, and when two goals were scored in quick succession it seemed as if the Manawatu team had a strong grasp of the trophy. With the progress of the match the Feilding players showed they were not done and on a number of occasions Miss E. Highfieid went back from the half-hack line to assist the backs to clear. In the latter portion of the second half the games might have resulted in victory for either side, and the goal scored by Miss E. Hill just a minute or two before the call of time showed that they might easily have scored the extra two goals to take the cup. One of the strongest sections of the Manawatu team was the half-back line. They kept their forwards fed on all possible occasions and maintained the attack. The halves in a hockey match can make the game what they like for their forwards; keeping to defensive tactics or developing a stinging, attacking style of play. Prominent in the Manawatu team was Miss Highfield who, although she was on a number of occasions caught out of position, kept at the ball and proved of great value. She was of far more use to the team playing in the halves than she would have been further forward, and her falling back to the circle when the Feilding forwards staged some of their swift attacks saved the team some anxious moments.

Miss J. Mitchell played another fine game in Y he halves. At Shannon the previous week she came to light with an outstanding display, and her game of Wednesday was nearly as good. Miss Robson, the other half, completed a good line. Miss M. Lancaster, the goal-keeper for Manawatu, was called upon to defend her charge on a number of occasions and she did all that could be expected of her. In the forward lino Miss Ranson showed that she has not lost her bright, fast type of play. She can control the ball well and in shooting was just as good as ever. Mrs Mackintosh, playing for Feikling, showed she is nippy and can move about smartly in the close work. Her play is somewhal akin to that of Mrs Kearns, for Manawatu.

Miss E. Hill was another of tlie forwards who was a dangerous opponent for the Manawatu team anywhere near the circle. She had fine control of the ball in attack. . ■

Miss Managh was a valuable member of the Feilding team. Being in the half line she was on? of the important links, and on occasions her speed stood her in good stead. Her Hitting was the outstanding feature of her play. Miss E. Hill, at full-back position, made good use of her stick and did good work. She held up several of the Manawatu attacks on her own.

One of the best displays for the Feilding team was given by the goalkeeper, Miss E. Rankin. She can hit like a man when she likes and has tire eye of a cricketer. Her clearing of two attempts by the Manawatu forwards was excellent. THE MEN’S GAMES.

Palmerston North and Phoenix were both one player short of a full team in the men’s senior competitions on Wednesday. Lundy, the Phoenix captain, was a spectator, having cracked a rib during severe training in representative practice. Owing to several players not being available as the result to being injured or unable to secure leave, it is hoped that there will be no more casualties at gymnasium practice. Marked improvement in his dribbling and stick work was shown by V. Turner. Three good shots from his stick found the net. Morgan, tried as a half, proved to be a strong attacking unit. If he can learn to play in this position Palmerston North will have a representative half of outstanding ability. His control and clean hitting are a valuable asset. Pratt tried, stopping the ball with his hand. This should not be necessary, as the ground was in good order. The •stick, with tho log behind it, would have been a better method, and would have enabled-the player to get his hit in more quickly. This player should practise hitting the ball without raising the stick above the hips. A big swing is a waste: of time and may enable a fast opposing forward to reach the hall.

Pullyn, the Palmerston North goalkeeper, stopped one shot in an unorthodox manner. 'Goalkeepers should not turn their back on the ball.