Hockey Enthusiasts Meet Under Adverse Conditions

Northern Advocate, 5 July 1939, Page 2

Hockey Enthusiasts Meet Under Adverse Conditions

ALTHOUGH CONDITIONS WERE NOT OF THE BEST ON SATURDAY, THE WET GROUNDS MILITATING AGAINST GOOD PLAY, SEVERAL EXCELLENT GAMES WERE WITNESSED IN THE WHANGAREI HOCKEY ASSOCIATION’S COMPETITIONS.

A game which would not have shamed representative teams was staged * in the men’s A grade between Spring field and Mata, won by Springfield, 3—l.

Hard and fast throughout it was of an excellent sporting 'character. Both teams combined very well.

For Mata E. Blake played well • on. 1 the right wing, while for the winners J. Palmer, inside right, and L. Whisker, outside left, gave excellent displays. The only point of criticism which could be found was the fact that neither team employed a goal-keeper, preferring to play three in the backline. The use of a goal-keeper adds much to the zest and interest of the game, and cannot help but raise the standard of play. Old Girls Lose Opportunities.

Although no rain fell during the match, the girls were quickly drenched to the skin through having to play through puddles. Y.W.C.A. won 5 —3, but Hikurangi were not up to their usual standard through the absence of some of their usual players. Miss R. Dickson was one of the most outstanding performers for the side. Y.W.C.A. combined well, and although lacking in individual brilliance. thoroughly deserved their win-

Old Girls could have made much more of their opportunities in their match with Whatitiri. The team has an excellent left winger in Miss Betty Barber, who took the ball up to within 10 yards of Whatitiri’s goal-line time and time again. It is the task, not of the wingers, but of the inside players to score, however, and it was through the winger failing to centre to her supports that Old Girls missed several scores. The art of centreing is regarded as one of the hardest jobs on the field, but in such cases it is the only method to finish off the movement by getting the ball into the circle for a score. Difficult Conditions At Hikurangi. Difficult conditions obtained for the ladies' B game at Hikurangi. the field, being sodden and bearing a number of pools of water after the heavy rain.