Conditions Bad For Play On Saturday

Northern Advocate, 25 July 1938, Page 3

Conditions Bad For Play On Saturday

Hockey

I On Saturday hockey was played for the most part under conditions far from ideal. At Kensington Park water was oa both fields, and. at times, when the ball went into a vain puddle, there were showers of water as opposing ; sides fought for the advantage. Many • players were not long on the field before they were drenched. Apart from accumulated water, the fields were greasy, and players had some difficulty in keeping their feet. So far as most games were concerned they could be described as little more than mud scrambles. Certainly, players did not have the opportunity to shine—although many made valiant efforts —and this was regrettable, because again the selectors were on the watch for likely players to meet the Indians. Club games were again played in 20minute spells, and at the conclusion of fixtures representative trials were conducted. Hockey Association jerseys were again not available, and this led to heated words between selectors and a referee. Endeavours were made to field one side in jerseys in which red predominated, but all players apparently could not effect the necessary exchanges. Complaining that the multiplicity of jerseys was confusing to referee and players alike, the referee refused to officiate unless one player who went on in a black jersey was provided with one of a more suitable colour. This the selectors were unable, to arrange. After some discussion, however, the referee agreed to umpire, and the game proceeded. A strange experience as far as hockey fields were concerned was provided during the afternoon. At Kensington Park the fields were badly affected by water, and during live afternoon heavy showers fell. Similarly, at Maungakaramea, where ladies’ games were in progress, bad weather was experienced, heavy rain turning the ground into a mud puddle from half-time onwards. Yet at the Schoolground, where ladies’ games were also being played, no rain fell during the afternoon. Men’s Fixtures, With no play in the Mata-Tauraroa game, which went to Mata by default, the only men’s A grade match to be contested was between Mangspai and United. This was played on the drier j of the two fields. It was a very fast game. The slippery conditions were j responsible for C. Saul, of the United j club, receiving a cut over the right < eye. He went down and was injured by a player’s boot. The player was not seriously hurt, and was treated on the ground. In the first half. A. Byles scored for Mangapaf, thus netting the only goal of the match. Messrs Campbell and Primmer were referees.

Rambler;; \u:rr "•>::! matr-.h-.-d anninra. Karamea in the B grade. i’l-ui-a harcl-fcuglil ball'a. came out victorious with only one goal to spare. Kerr, for Ramblers, did particularly well in the first naif. After a nice run up the entire of the Hold, he bear several opponent-;, to shoo I successfully and secure the first goal for Ramblers after It) mmules’ play Tins score wo; nnaliored at half-lime. 'Karamea opened its account within Jour minutes of the commencement of the second spoil, when C. Bint netted. Some minutes later, Munro gave Ramblers the advantage. After that the game was very evenly contested, neither side being able to scorefurther. The final whistle went to a 2—l decision in Ramblers' favour. Messrs Campbell and Primmer were referees in this game. It was a very wet field on which Bargain Stores mot Hukerenui in the men's B competition. Play was up and down field a good deal, and expert hockey was impossible. J. Rosaman. for Bargain Stores, secured the only goal of the match. Messrs Johnson and Whittle were umpire? The Ladies., In the ladies' A grade. Hora Hora (5) scored a substantial win over I School A <D. D. Saul, for Hera Hera, netted 4 goals and E. Richards goaled once. N. Russell scored for School. Tins game was umpired by Mr Oldcorn and Miss Gi'ck, There was very even play when Old Girls A met Whatitiri on the school ground. Whatitiri put up a good fight, but Old Girls did not play their usual game. This team was particularly prone to the hooked sticks infringement, a bad fault that should be nipped in the bud. For Old Girls, P. Alison (2) and P. Jackman and M. Sloane were goal-getters. P. Peterson (2) and E. Peterson <1» netted for Whatitiri. In the ladies' B section, Otaika 7 (E. Pitman 6, R. Dobson 1) secured a decisive win over Oneralu. for whom A. Marshall scored once. Flaying two short. Bargain Stores ladies showed a decided improvement in play when it met Hora Hora B. Could this side field a full team, undoubtedly it could make its presence felt. As it was, Hora Hora won by 5 goals to 1. D. Bcwyer (3). D. Stringer (1) and I. Stewart (1) scoring for Hora Hora, and Z. Spralt securing the goal for Bargain Stores. Hikurangi ladies' B beat Karamea 2 —o at 'Karamea, where ground conditions were not the best. To halftime there was no score, but within ten minutes of the commencement of the second spell, J. Smith and B. Meyer each netted, giving Hikurangi the game. ’Karamea, though fighting hard, were unable to even the count. At the conclusion of play, afternoon tea was served. This game was umpired by Mr Nixoy.