Whangarei Hockey Reps Lift Two Championships

Northern Advocate, 18 July 1949, Page 3

Whangarei Hockey Reps Lift Two Championships

BY winning its Powell Cup (men) and Hannam Shield (\i*omeri) matches with Rodney at Kaipara Flats on Saturday, Whangarei holds the two premier hockey trophies in Northland. Whangarei was hard pressed in its Powell Cup match and scraped home 4—3, The women won 7 —l.

The women’s match was remarkable for the excellent form of some players and the failure of others to reach expectations. All honour goes to the Whangarei team, which literally routed the shield holders. R. Grant, the Rodney custodian, was magnificent and made many wonderful saves. But for her, Whangarei's total would have been into double figures. From start to finish Whangarei cracked on the pace. P. Rasmussen distinguished herself early. She took play to the Rodney circle before centring to C. McGregor, who sent the bail in the right direction. However, the goalie was there. Rodney turned the tables and a chance went outside the post, S. Brown, in the Whangarei backs, was clearing well. The Rodney forwards made several bad tactical moves and quickly lost their advantages. Combination was lacking, but, as individualists, some excelled. Whangarei’s speedy left wing, N. Warin, nearly opened the score. She received on her own 25, raced down the line and put the ball at the back of the circle. It was picked up, but again stopped by the goalie. GOALS CAME FREELY Whangarei’s first score came off P. Rasmussen's stick, from a long corner. From the bully. . C. McGregor, at centre, sent L. Ashton down the wing, got the ball again and placed it above the goalie’s head, to make it 2—o. Rodney then attacked with vim and, exploiting the right wing, got its only score of the match. G. Adolph short-passed to inner M. Brunton. who beat the defence. Whangarei then dominated play and just before half-time M. Frood capped off a passing rush. C. McGregor got Whangarei's fourth score. She tapped it in from a melee. Rodney was generally beaten t,o the ball and Whangarei goalie A. Lilt, was rarely called on. J. Allan, C. McGregor and M. Frood each gave the defenders no chance in scoring the last three goals. S. Brown (back). J. Allan (half! and P. Rasmussen (forward) were the oul-

standing Whangarei players. The reel's game started and ended with fireworks. In the early stages Whangarei could do nothing wrong, and a score was nearly chalked up in the first two minutes. Eventually, left-winger D. Hannam. gathered the ball and centred to R. Roughton. who fumbled and then suddenly whipped it into the net. Len Wyatt, who was making a come-back after a couple of season's off. was the outstanding player on the field. His snappy interceptions had the defence guessing. But for V. Penny's anticipation. Wyatt would have had more than one goal to his credit. R. Dunning netted from a scramble in the goal-mouth. Repeated runs down the wing were stopped by K. Wyatt. Play travelled from one end of the field to the other with both sets of fullbacks proving solid. A strong bid by Rodney was cleared by E. Pearson. Centre-half R. Price sent on to right-inner M. Johnson, who netted to put Whangarei in front at half-time. BRILLIANT RUNS R. Mullins, the Whangarei leftinner made several brilliant runs. Intercepting a stray pass. L. Wyau made the score 2—2. Whangarei quickly regained the' lead. Mullins made the opening and Roughton flicked the ball into the net. Rodney made repeated thrusts and R. Davies equalised. C. Bint confused the Rodney backs by changing position, and scored the winning goal. ’ - Four Whangarei teams travelled to Dargaville to play Northern Wairoa. Both the men's teams won. The women's C team went down 3—o. The games were of a high standard and provided good experience for the many young players.