HOCKEY.

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LIV, Issue LIV, 14 June 1920, Page 1

HOCKEY.

SATURDAY'S GAMES. Senior.—Federal 1 v. Nelson 0. Junior.—Federal 2 v. Waimai 1. Ladies. Kia Ura 6v. Convent O. Schools. —Central 11 1 v. Stoke 1. Federal v. Nelson. ’ Although the slippery state of the ground to a great extent took the pace and polish olf this game, it was 'ievcitiioless. a very keenly and stubbornly contested meeting, with a number of exciting moments. It was only in the jlast throe minutes of the game that Federal scored the only goal of the I match, so that in the closing stages with both teams striving hard the.interest was maintained, at highest pitch. Nelson had not the best of lock, although the failure of some of their eiforts was due as.much to bad play as bad hide. On the play, however, they were perhaps unlucky to lose, ami probably another drawn game would have been a fair conclusion. The first spell was evenly contested, the only shot going goalwards being one by Amos, which Neale saved. Changing over, Nelson pressed hard, and only desperate defence at times kept them out. one or two other shots going wide. Beattie in goal made two rino saxes and the full back? killed several shots on the point .'of being made. Nelson had the best of this spell, the Federal forwards hot being at home at the muddy end, where ‘‘skating”, was in evidence throughout the game. The Nelson full backs showed good form. J list on time Federal rushed the circle,, the goal keeper saved, but Parker following ju fast had the reward by scoring off the rebound, ami tints the game ended. Alter the fast dry grounds’of previous .Saturdays, players at times were at fault in tTioir judgment bfThc pace, of the hall, hut had the ground been dry it would have been one of the fastest games of the season. Although Nelson have so far 1 succeeded m gaining only a drawn game, it is more than likely that they will defeat both' of their opponents before tbe season is cut. Messrs Hogg and Ryder- 1 refereed. Junior.—Federal v. Waimai.

This was another splendid game, ami tin' form shown by the young players is decidedly promising, Federal pros sod hard for some time, but beyond sending tlu'oo shots o/er tlie top (duo to the uni tidy ground causing the bail to lift), they failed to score. Wairaai oil the other hand, while- not troubling their opponents’ defence much, succeeded in scoring irom a prolonged ‘cram hie in front of the, posts. Tin* spell ended with Wamvii one in the lead, hut immediately on recommencing- Kinzctt for Federal sent in a beautiful shot from a very 'c arp angle, and a few minutes later put ledcral in the lead with another good goal, this being-the. final score. Alos.srs Hogg and Neale refereed. Saturday’s results place Fed wal in tile lead in both competitions. ino scoring on the whole has been remarkably small., hederal having scored only four goals, and having the splendid record of oulv two goafs against? them in five matches, or, counting tho six-a-side. two goals in seven matctios. Kia Ora v. Convent. Kin Ora continued their run •ft ms. by heavilv defeating Convent, who, however, were shorthandod. Kia Oravtow have a commanding, lead in this competition. Central B v. Stoke. Tliis was another very .evenly contested game. Stoke . scored in th© first spell, and it was not till near the tml that .Johnston equalised for Central. ' - ' : , Tlie Rep. Team. Tlie date for . the Auckland match has now h<>e-i fixed for 17th July, and consequently the selection of tlx© local team will be held back for probablv another week. The selectors task von Id not seem to ho getting any easier ol solution as. the matches go on. ■ . *\t tlie 'Wellington competition on Saturdav the Wakatu Club (composed of old XoKou players), continued their victorious career by defeating the Wellington Club by 3 goals to 2, A p’ctnvo entertainment in aid of,the fund*to send the Shield team to Auckland will be given, on Thursday evening. Reserved seats can be becked at Hounsgll’s without - charge.