Hockey on Skates Is Highly Spectacular

Manawatu Times, Volume LIV, Issue 6621, 6 August 1931, Page 2

Hockey on Skates Is Highly Spectacular

RINK TEAM BEATS FEILDING.

CUP PRESENTED FOR CHALLENGE MATCHES,

Something new and thrilling by way of a winter pastimo and public entertainment was introduced to Palmerston North at the De Luxe skating rink, George street, last evening, when a hockey game on roller-skates was played. There was a largo audience present and the 20 minutes of play .provided an exhibition of the code that was of a surprisingly high standard. The spacious rink floor was marked out as a miniature hockey field with lines and nets complete while tho elusive ball was packed with string and covered with leather. The penalties 'wore chiefly for offside play and any deliberate obstructions. Messrs R. L. C. Aitchison and A. E. Blackbourn, two well-known supporters of the game, wore the referees controlling the match “they constituted the only non-skaters on tho floor.

The teams taking part were:— De Luxe rink (gold and green): Messrs R. Hoare, B. L. Absalom, B. Boos, C. Gordon and A. J, Craighead. Feilding representatives (green and white): Messrs M, Worsfold, A. Bentley, R. Bridge, S. Hocking and B. Turner.

Immediately play commenced the Rink’s right-winger, Absalom, was away and, with a one-handed shot found the goal. Do Luxe rink I—o.1 —0. it looked like an easy victory for the Palmerstonians when a second shot went past the yellow custodian but the whistlo sounded for offside play. Not daunted Feilding rolled into action and amidst much noise and falling players only succeeded in hitting the ball ovor the rails and into the spectators' laps. The second point for the gold men came after a solo dash, the initial scorer taking the honour. Dc Luxe rink 2—Oi Much merriment was caused on resumption when, regardless of “sticks," several players lost possession of the ball and their hockey sticks as well. The fact that Feilding was at least trying to carry all before them was proved when the Palmerston North citadel collapsed under the strain of the speeding skaters. Then threo more points were added by Absalom (2) and Craighead respectively, from shots that would

have beaten even a representative goalie. Thore were several experienced hockey enthusiasts taking part in the exhibition, including a Feilding man, Worsfold, who had represented New Zealand on the playing field. The visitors drew blood just before tho interval through the medium of this player which made tho half time score: De Luxe Rink 5, Feilding 1. After a well-earned rest the exponents set to it with a will and Palmerston North proved its superiority by adding two more in rapid succession, Gordon and Absalom being responsible. Do Luxe Rink 7—l, Feilding was truly “going for a skate” but nevertheless did not let up on the pressure, tho pace being a cracker until a sudden reversal saw the gold representatives increasing tho tally through Craighead’s play. De Luxe Rink 9—l. Collisions were numerous and the players “fell for tho game" one after tho other although the combination on both sides was splendid and two more successful shots were made by Absalom and Gordon to make the final: De Luxe Rink 11, Feilding 1. After cheers had boon exchanged by the teams Mr. F. Jackson, managingdirector of Palmerston Theatres Ltd., introduced the Mayor (Mr. A. E. Hansford) who, in presenting a silver cup to the captain of the winning side, referred to the valuo of the sport and the interest it had created. He announced that an anonymous donor had presented the trophy to be competod for by hockey skaters and added that tho conditions stipulated that tho holders had to play any team within a month of receiving a challenge. The teams were subsequently entertained at supper by the management.