HOCKEY.

New Zealand Herald, Volume XLI, Issue 12663, 17 September 1904, Page 7

HOCKEY.

The representative match between Auckland and Poverty Bay was played last Saturday under adverse circumstances, which somewhat tended to spoil a many good exhibition. During the first half ot the game the weather was fairly bright and the "round good, but about half-time wie rain came down very heavily, making the ground very muddy. The first spell was ,very well contested, Auckland having, if anything, the best of the play, but the bad state of the turf handicapped the lighten team (Poverty Bay) to a large extent. This, with the improved combination of Auckland, broke down the Poverty Bay defence. However, they stuck manfully to it, never losing heart, and from time to time got short rushes on, hut were foiled by the Auckland defence. There is little doubt that had the weather held out the score would have been moro equal. Dr. Neil (in goal) did what he had to do in his best style. Allen (at back) played a splendid gamein fact, one of the best he has played this year. Hill, his comrade, also played a sound game. Both fully justified their inclusion in the team. Sherriffs was decidedly the pick of the halves ; especially in the second half he played a sterling game. Brown (the left, half) played a fairly good game, but was not up to his usual standard. Broadfoot, at centre half, has played better, but nevertheless he got through a solid afternoon's work. The forward line was well led by Barry, who played very unselfishly at centre; thougn he did not actually score himself he was indirectly responsible for more than one of the goals. Mason (inside left) played up to his best form and scored four of the goals, thus adding to his already large total this season. Brooksmith (outside left) showed that the' selectors had made no mistake. Me was responsible for two goals. ,1. Lepine (outside right) played a very good game, his centring being wry accurate. Miller (inside right; was disappointing, his form being not at all up to his usual standard. Roderick (in goal for Poverty Bay) had a hard time of it, especially during the second spell, but on several occasions he saved well. Sargisson was the safer of the two nacks, but the back division was undoubtedly the weak spot in the team. Wilson was the pick of the halves. The forward division was well led by Sharp, the captain, who played a sterling game. _ Sheriff played a good second to his captain. The rest of the forwards played an even game. With practice they should bo a tower of strength to their side, as they are very willing and keep at it to the last. Mr. T. Wright, who controlled the game, gave complete satisfaction to both sides, .<*e did not indulge in too much whistle for trivial offences, and this was much appreciated by both players and spectators. The Poverty Bay representatives departed for Gisborne last Tuesday. They spent five davs in this citv and were lucky in having such fine weather. They were shown nil the siirhts of the city, and one and all thoroughly enjoyed their trip, and were grateful for the hospitality shown them. The Gisborne boys promise the Auckland team a good time wheD Auckland return their visit next season. . , The Thames representative team will visit Auckland on Saturday next and play their annual fixture with the Auckland representatives. The Thames have a good team, and no doubt a very interesting game should be witnessed. The match will bo played at Alexandra Park, and as there is some talk of the Paeroa ladies playing the Auckland lady representatives on the same day. it would be a good idea if both matches could be arranged to bo played on that ground. The ladies' match could start at two p.m. and the men's at a-quarter past three. When Auckland play next Saturday's match against the Thames they will have played all the hockey associations in the Auckland province, matches already having been T)laved with Wnangarei, Waihi, and Poverty Bay, in all of which the city eleven have been victorious. The success of the smoke concert given to the Poverty Bay team was in a great measure due to the excellent management of Mr. Roes George (vice-president), who took a great deal of trouble to secure a good musical programme. The challenge cup presented by Mr. Moss Davis to the Auckland Association for competition, and won this yoar by the Auckland ! Club, may be expected very shortly from London, a letter having been received from Mr. Davis stating that it had been sent by him. .„ . , „. A ladies' hockey team will arrive from Gisborne by the s.s. Mararoa on Sunday. Too ladies are to be the guests of Te Huia members during their stay in Auckland. Ihey will be met by Te Huia ladies on their arrival. They are to be entertained at a gipsy tea on September 22, and everything will be done to mako their stay enjoyable. The match between Gisborne and the following ladies should prove interesting, as most of the local clubs will be represented: — Miss Long (Kopana), goalkeeper; Miss Barsta (Kotiro), right fullback; Miss AYatkins (Kopana), left fullback; Miss E. Gill (Moana), right halfback; Miss — (Kotiro), left halfback; Misso3 N. Gannon (Te Hum) and E. Prime (Moana), left wings; Miss W. Smith, centre forward; and Misses S. Ussher (To Huia) and Garland (Kotiro), right wings. This match is to be played on Kopana's ground, Gnehunga, on September 21, at three p.m., and a practice will take place on Kotiro's ground, Epsom, at three p.m. today. Mr. R. Young will act as referee. The Gisborne ladies have also sent a challenge to Te Huia ladies, which they have accepted and decided, to play on Saturday, September 24. [BY TELEGRAPn.— CORRKSrON'DENT.] Gisborne, Friday. The following team of lady hockey players leave for Auckland by the Mararoa to-mor-row:—Goalkeeper, M. Ousson; fullbacks, D. Jones and J. Kingston; halves, M. Humphries, M. Thelwell, E. Matthews; forwards, F. Bloomfield (captain), F. McCredie, J. Goffe, J. Somexville, B. Goffe.