BRIGHT HOCKEY

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXIII, Issue 22469, 13 July 1936, Page 16

BRIGHT HOCKEY

CHALLENGE FOR SHIELD AUCKLAND TEAM'S SUCCESS MARGIN OF TWO GOALS In the fastest hockey match seen in Auckland this season the Auckland representatives retained the New Zealand Challenge Shield hv beating Wellington on Saturday by four goals to two. The ground at Papatoetoe was in first-class order and the play at times was sparkling and reminiscent of that shown by the All-India side which ! visited the Dominion last season. Although Auckland had the better of the gaUle territorially in the first spell, play was very oven and Wellington was leading bytwo goals to one at half-time. Setting the pace on the resumption Auckland was repulsed arid Wellington narrowly missed increasing its lend. Auckland returned, however, and secuied two goals in fairly short time. Wellington became bustled and, with smart stickwork, the Auckland forwards riddled the defence to add another goal before the final whistle. Had Wellington played throughout like it did in (be first half, it would have secured a draw, at least From the first bully the pace was fast. The Auckland forwards broke through and Lawry. the inside left, sent in a fast drivo to secure a goal within the first minute of play. Wellington then showed its attacking force and swept down the field, but Ed wards' shot hit the post. Wellington equalised the score when Bramwell sent in a fine drive from a corner. Wellington, 1; Auckland, l. With clever understanding and bright stickwork Wheatley and Cooper raced down the field, but Wattani, Auckland's goalkeeper, tackled bard from the edge of the circle and the ball was lost. It was from a freehit, near in, a short time later that Wheatley crashed the ball in head high to crive Wellington the lead of two to one, which it retained until halfway through the second half Auckland's second score came when Robertson secured from a penalty corner. He took a Quick shot from the edge of the circle and found the back of the net. Auckland continued to press and it was only Moore's brilliant judgment in tackling well out and using his pads to effoct that prevented several further goals. From a melee in the goalmouth Roughton snapped the ball in to make the score:—Auckland. 3; Wellington, 2. Wellington made a few short-lived attacks, tint Auckland was pressing hard again when Chapman trapped the ball close in and scooped a beautiful shot high into the net, making the final score: —-Auckland. 4; Wellington. '2 Moore was the outstanding Wellington player and gave a splendid exhibition in goal. Wattam, the Auckland goalkeeper, also was good, although he was shaken early in the game with a collision when tackling. Koth sets of fullbacks were sound. The Auckland pair, IH Jones and F. Clark, were particularly solid, althouirb they tended to obstruct on occasions. Wilson and Shaw both hit cleanly, but they olayed too deep at times. Wellingtons halves were excellent. Chambers, the captain, played a splendid game, while Bramwell, with fearless dash, was always dangerous. Wellington's centreforward, Cooper, who suffered a broken nose a few days ago, was not seen at his best, although he made a few brilliant runs. Wheatley, the inside right, was the outstanding forward and he received sound support from Fergusson on the wing. Practically all Wellington's attacks were sent down this flank and Martin and Edwards saw little of the ball. The Auckland halves wcro good and Robertson, as usual, was a tower of strength. Tliero was little to choose between the forwards. Wellbourne was, perhaps, the most prominent with his fast dashes down the line. He and Lawr.v showed a good understanding.' Houghton displayed excellent stickwork, but was inclined to go too far alone. Monteith and Chapman combined well, although they w;ere allowed little latitude. Messrs. W. A. Scott and 11. Watts were umpires