BEST GAMES THIS SEASON AT PARK

Northern Advocate, 31 May 1937, Page 10

BEST GAMES THIS SEASON AT PARK

Hockey

Some of the best hockey seen this season was provided at Kensington Park on Saturday in the Whangarei Hockey Association’s competitions. Both in the matches between Wesley and Tauraroa and United and Springfield, play was fast and interesting, and the narrowness of the victory in each case made the games all the more interesting.

Both ’United and Wesley were faced with teams which did everything but win. The result was always in doubt until the final whistle. Despite the rain during jthe week, the grounds were in fair order though they were cutting up to some extent before the end. NARROW VICTORY One of the best games that has been seen at Kensington Park this season was the match between United and Springfield. United won by 3 goals to 2, but they were undoubtedly lucky to snatch the odd goal that gave them the game.

Springfield put up a great battle and the pace was fast and furious throughout. United’s goalie had a lot o| york to do, i and saved well the strong attacks which were made. United held the lead by two goals at half-time, and after Springfield had drawn level, United managed to net again with not a great number of minutes « left.

Springfield were awarded a penalty corner immediately 'after the bully off, but Saul came out and when the ball got past him, H. Fyf e hit up field with a high shot. Salmon, Creamer and G. Patterson kept things moving, and when the ball came across, Wilson was in position for a shot which scored. Springfield took up the attack but could not score and; then United were back in the circle again and Wilson once more shot \vith success.— United 2, Springfield 0. Springfield were battling like heroes, and gave no quarter. They stormed United’s goal repeatedly, but could not break through. Draffin and A. Palmer both had shots, but the defence was too sound. Palmer had another attempt just before half-time, and missed by inches.

Springfield started off the second spell with unflagging energy, and Draffin had a tremendous shot. H. Fyfe was hit on the leg and the game was held up for a minute, but he resumed. Springfield still, pressed and A. Palmer scored soon after. Springfield were having plenty of chances in the circle, but they lacked finish, and were frequently giving sticks at the critical moment. However, a little later they were again successful, A. Palmer scoring his second goal. With the scores even, both sides fought a desperate battle to take the game. Time was short when United were in the circle and, in a scramble in front of the goal, Salmon just got his stick to the ball and gave United the lead. With a minute to go, Springfield came near to scoring also, but failed. —United 3, Springfield 2. Messrs P, Campbell and J. Johnson refereed.

BATTLE ROYAL Tauraroa, after holding the territorial advantage for a great part of the game, were beaten by Wesley by 2 goals to 1, at Kensington Park. ' This game also was a stirring battle and produced some of the best hockey seen this season. Tauraroa were constantly in the circle, but failed to score when the opportunity presented. The defence, too, was very sound, and spoilt many promising movements.

Wesley were first to attack, Agnew and Prebble getting to the circle. There was a spell of even play up and down the field, and then Wesley opened the scoring. Jenkins carried the ball up the line and centred, following in to beat the goal-keeper completely. Tauraroa came back strongly, but Foster, at full-back for Wesley, was playing an outstanding game, and sent them back. He was stopping most accurately with his hand and hitting away coolly and effectively. He always had perfect control of the ball. Tauraroa attacked strongly for fully 15 minutes Without effect.

Rule and Howie were always dangerous and tried several shots. Connelly, who was playing a nippy game for Wesley, sent his team away and they beat the defence to reach the circle. Prebble just managed to connect and Wesley were leading by two goals.

Tauraroa were soon back, however, and Howie had a shot from the edge of the circle. J. Hills, in Wesley’s goal, apparently thought the shot was from outside the circle, for he let it run through without stopping it.

There was no score in the second half, which was a battle from beginning to end, Tauraroa were still holding the advantage as far as territory was concerned, but the defence was still sound, and Tauraroa’s weakness in the circle prevented them from scoring. Rule had several shots which were just wide.

Messrs Campbell and G. McKoy refereed.

RAMBLERS SCORE WELL Ramblers had a victory to the tune of 6 goals to 1 over Kara at Kensington Park. Sloane, who scored three and Angelo, who also collected three, were the goal-getters for the winners, and G. Campbell netted for Kara. Messrs McKoy and Batchelor refereed. *

LABiES’ A Playing at Kensington Park, Combines beat School by 4 goals to 1. Misses T. Hutchins (2) and M. Cotter and Mrs Hamilton scored for Combines and School’s single was collected by Miss N. Russell. Messrs Batchelor and Johnson refereed. I, LADIES’ B Kara met Whatitin on the lartter’s ground, and, after a good and even game the score was one all. A notable feature throughout was the lack of talking by both teams. Talking during a game is a bad habit that has developed in Ladies’ Hockey, and umpires should take a firm stand to prevent this annoying practice. Whatitiri’s goal was scored by Miss A. Trigg in the first half. Miss K. Att-: wood was successful in netting for /Kara half-way through the second spell. The last 10 minutes were exceedingly brisk, both teams striving for the winning goal. The result, a draw, could not have been more appropriate.

For Kara Misses Attwood, L. McKinley and Mrs Kirk played well, while the best for Whatitiri were Misses P. and E. Peterson and A. Trigg. The game was controlled by Mr H. Patterson. ’ Otaika beat School C by 6 goals to 0. Misses M. Primrose (4) and E. Pitman scored for the winners. Onerahi and School B drew, I—l. Misses V. Anderson (school) and J. McLean (Gnerahi) scored. LADIES’ C Hikurangi 6, beat School E, 0. Misses T. Adams (4), F. Cunningham and Smith netted for the winners.