HOCKEY GYMKHANA.

Northern Advocate, 4 June 1920, Page 2

HOCKEY GYMKHANA.

SPLENDID COMPETITIONS.

DARKNESS PREVENTS DECISION

Up till the present the executive of local hockey has had a hard row to hoe to popularise the game locally this season, but the splendid attendance and marked enthusiasm displayed at the highly successful gymkhana held at the High School ground yes. terday must have done much to atone for disappointment occasioned 'by half-hearted success in previous efforts.

There were more entries for the many events than had been anticipated, and the attendance of players and spectators was a refreshing feature of the occasion. Excitement aroused by the brilliant play in some of the contests ran high, and the vociferous Ibarraoking was equal to that aroused at any sports gathering held in Whangarei for a long time past.

The programme consisted of a number of athletic events for players and a seven-a-side tournament for both ladies' and men's teams. No time was wasted, and as one match concluded, the next teams filed on to the ground, the result being an afternoon's continuity of sport which reflected great credit upon the officials who had the arrangements in hand.

Although the sports began promptly at 11.30 a.m., darkness had fallen before the ladies' tournament had reached finality. The Association officials had expressed the view that a postponement should be arranged but the Maungakaramea and High School Old Girls asked that they be allowed to play. There was less than two minutes to when the Old Girls secured a goal, and at the same time Miss O'Carroll was injured. This caused a delay which made it impossible to complete the game, and the position which has arisen will be adjudicated upon at the next meeiting of the Association.

Following are the results of the various games and events:—

'Ladies' Relay Race.—This event was won by High School, with the team of Old Girls from the sarnie institution second of the four competing. Miss Wolfe, the last runner for the winning team, got home with a couple of yards to spare.

Men's Relay Race.—A good race resulted in Ruakaka winning by inches from Huia, Dent and Harrison recovering a lot of distance for the' latter after N. Munro had stumbled m the first lap. ■

The Ladies' Championship was won from a field of 11 starters by a High School pupil, Miss Wolfe ; with Miss K. Draffrn, of Ruakaka second, and Miss P,, Frofcd, Kia Toa, third.

The Men's 100 yards drew twelve aspirants and was won by R. Dent, of Huias, with Creeks, of Ruakaka, second, and W. Ormandy/ Mangapai, third.

Twenty-one competed in the cham stepping competition which was won by Sloane, of Ruakaka. -

Much interest was shown in ' the ball -hitting competition. Competition was keen and J. Sloane, of Ruakaka, won the men's event, Day, of the H;S. Old Boys, being second. The ladies' event was won by MissM. OlCarro'U, of Maungakaramea, with Miss Sloane, Ruakaka, next. A race for referees provided a win for Thomas from W. Jack, while Hodgson beat Larkin.