HOCKEY ON SKATES

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVI, Issue 190, 13 July 1936, Page 9

HOCKEY ON SKATES

.A rAN AAV AT U AVIN

OLYMPIA RINK

The Olympic Skating Rink, situated in the produce hall at the Show- ' grounds, attracted many skating enthusiasts on Saturday evening, when, in addition to tho use of the spacious hall, they had ail opportunity oi witnessing demonstrations of hockey on skates and trick skating bv Gavin Hartley, of AYellington, who is only 15 years of age, and is acclaimed as one of the best performers in this respect in New Zealand. His display included such feats as moving at speed through a line of 11 burning candles in bottles, placed about a foot apart, without touching or extinguishing the flame of a candle. This move was clone in several ways, each one more difficult than its predecessor, and brought rounds of applause from tlie spectators. Various dancing steps on skates were also demonstrated, but the star turn was an exhibition of toe-spinning, a very difficult feat cleverly executed. At the conclusion of the performance tlie nature of the applause left no doubt as to tho appreciation of the audience. Following an interval, it was announced that the challenge hockey on skates match with the Empire team, of AVellington, for a shield generously donated by tlie visiting club for competition, would take place and the floor was eagerly cleared for the battle between two fast and clever elevens. The teams were:— Manawatu.—Goal, L. Martin ; fullback, E. l’ink; half hack, F. Mullally; left wing, H. B. AA'ebster; centre forward. R. Honre.

AAcllington.—Goal, S. Howard; fullback, AV. O’Connor; half, J. Martin; loft wing, G. Hartley; centre forward, F. Martin.

Tho bully-off found AA'ellington defending, but in an instant they had secured the ball and were making for the home net. A nice centre followed and J. Martin, taking the ball cleanly, tried for the net. The shot missed, however, and Manawatu retaliated. Hoar© sending up a long shot. However, tho ball went out and for the next few moments play was of a ranging nature, advantages coming to both sides. Hartley was going well on the wing for the visitors, showing some tricky stick work, and Howard, in the goal, also showed skill in defending shots. Tlie next move came when F. Martin, on AA'ellington’s wing, took the ball down in a fast attack. His shot was a good one, but was saved by a quick clearance on tho part of the goalie. A little later AA'ebster had an ■essay at the visitors’ goal, but the shot was easily returned. Mullally, who had Iveen going very well, was next to attempt a shot, but he was robbed of tho ball. Just prior to the end of the spell Honre, who had been a tower of strength for the home side, drew first blood from a scramble m front of the goal and the whistle sounded with the score I—o1 —0 in favour of Mianawatu. After the interval, AA’ellington attacked with renewed vigour and Rink was called on to save the situation and clear from J. and F. Martin, who constantly pressed in. However, Manawatu assumed control and Hoare justfailed to catch the ball in a favourable position for a shot. The visitors returned play to the other end, wlieie they were unfortunate not to score on several occasions. E. Print was next to break away for the home side, but fell as he was going very nicely. The game had been a very fast one all through, with territorial advantages about even. Towards the end Wellington hold a slight advantage in their last-minnte attempts to equalise the score, but good work in goal by L. artin saved the game, the whistle sounded with Manawatu still holding their lead of one. After the match, Mr R. L. C. Aitchison, who refereed, presented the shield to Manawatu’s captain (E. Pink) and congratulated the side on tlieir win. He also thanked the visitors for their donation of the shield and expressed the hope that there would be many more enjoyable contests lor it.