HOCKEY COMPETITIONS

Northern Advocate, 7 May 1934, Page 7

HOCKEY COMPETITIONS

MANGAPAi V. WESLEY FORMER WINS: THREE—ONE. J.OAERS’ SOUND DEFENCE. Tlic lirst games in the Whangarei Hockey Association men’s competition were played on Saturday. The laid weather of the earlier part, of the week cleared and the grounds were in comparatively good condition. Some excellent hockey was witnessed. The 1033 champions registered their first win of the season in their opening match against Wesley, by three goals to one. The first half of the, game was evenly contested. Wesley opened the scoring' after ten minutes’ play through White, who received an accurate pass from Hay when nicely placed. A few minutes • later the scores were evened, when .1. Rule netted for Mangapai after a good left wing movement.

The Wesley defence was very reli,al)le, Sage being prominent and playing a solid game throughout. Weak shooting inside the circle by the Wesley forwards was responsible for llioir lack of goals. Hay, for Woslev, was seen to advantage in dribbling.

The veteran Carter was a tower of strength at.back for -Mangapai. Rule gave Mangapai the lead early in the second half, and a further goal was netted by Onuandy. Thomas, at outside left for ‘Mangapai, was responsible for many neat centres. The game was keenly contested and enjoyable. Although there had been much rain the ground was in good condition. The match was controlled by Mr A. •T. Magee. ’KAEAMEA v. WHANGAEEI. ■FOUR-GOAL MARGIN. Playing at ’Kavamoa, Whangarei went down to the home team by 5 goals to 1. The game was well contested on both sides, and the score was not an indication of the run of play. The opening tactics took the play into ’.Karamea’s circle, Sloane placing the ball well for McKenzie to score with a hard shot. Immediately, the ’Karamea loam were on their mettle and the nevt ten minutes play was confined' to the Whangarei half, the result being a good goal by F. Bint. The score at half-time was —Whangarei. 3, ; ’Karamea 1. 'Maungakaramea attacked strongly in the second half, Howie early getting a nice mn-a-way goal. Play was evenly divided again until A. Babe secured a goal from a melee in front of Whangarei’s danger point. Whangarei now attacked in a determined manner, but left their back line weak, Howie again scoring two easy goals, making the final, tally: ’Karamea a, WhangaTei 1. The offside rule does not appear to be fully appreciated as yet, but on the whole the players understand that the referees are in the better position to control the game without assistance. Messrs Oldconi and Goddard refereed.

TWO-NIL. SPRINGFIELD BEAT MATA. Springfield bent Alata by two goals to nil at Springfield, in an excellent exhibition of hoekey. Play was np and down the Held, each team narrowly missing the net by being ovor-anxions. In the last quarter Springfield made several good dashes and eventually K. Carter found the net with a neat shot. —Springfield 1, Mata 0. ..Eight from the bully Springfield kept play in Mata’s quarter and with only three minutes to go -f. .Palmer netted Springfield’s second goal. Play finished a few minutes- later after a good, fast game, both teams being ready for the whistle to sound. Atr P. Whittle was referee.