HOCKEY.

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXI, Issue 4103, 16 July 1900, Page 5

HOCKEY.

UNITED v. WELLINGTON. Tlie Wellington - United senior match, played at Island Bay on Satur, day, was closely ionght. Both teams were in good form, and played hard all through, but both were hampered by the soft state of the ground. United won by 3 to 2, and the scores about fairly represent the state of the game. United forwards began the attack early in Hip first spell, and after some vigorous play, mainly in Wellington territory. Hickson and Haddock scored in quick succession, while two shots by Hickson struck the goal-post. A'shbolt and Pearson repelled several ’Wellington rushes into United twenty-fives until a piece of play between Gilmer, Cooper anu Stewart gave Stewart a chalice,' and ho placed a goal to the credit of Wellington. The spell ended United 2, Wellington 1. The play in the second spell travelled rapidly up and down the field, until Wellington forwards, playing well together, furnished Stewart with a second opportunity, and ho scored again. With the score now even a hard struggle began'for. the victory. United forwards, pressing’ often into their opponents’ circle, 'found themselves handicapped heavily by the mud and water in this part of the field. Also, they were handicapped ‘by the Wellington backs, of whom Preston and Wheeler put in a. lot of hard work. Wheeler played a capital game all through. The game looked very much like ending in a draw, until at length Ruddock got in a fine shot fo? United, just three minutes before call of time-. Among the winners’ backs Ashbolt played a splendid game, Richardson also putting in some sound play. Taking each team as a whole, it may be said that both forward divisions showed good senior form, but that Uniteds had tho advantage in backs.

s KARORI v. ST. JOHN’S. This match was played on St. John's ground at Island Bay, and resulted in a win for Karori by 4 goals to 1.. The first spell was remarkable only for tho number of corner hits which were conceded. The play was not confined to one en'd of tho field, and both sides were nearly scoring on several occasions. Bub the shooting was poor, and the play in 1110. striking circle was; not of a very brilliant nature. At half-time tlie score was one all. The second spell showed a slight improvement, and some fast play resulted. Karori were, however, playing with superior combination, and managed to register 3 goals. At one period of the game St. John’s seemed to fall to pieces for about ten minutes, and Karori scored two rather easy goals, in rapid succession. From this onward the game was evenly contested, and no further score resulted. Davies and Mackenzie were tho pick of Karori forwards. They work well together, and bring off some very clever combined' play. Putnam at wing played a* far game. Spiers at full-back playedi one of the best games on the field. His hitting was vigorous and timely, and he saved bis side’on many occasions. For St. John's, Simm and Smith, left and right wings, played fast and spirited games. They followed up well, and when they learn to use their sticks more cleverly will prove a bard pair to stop. Butler at bully got through a good deal of work, and was always on the ball. Pope and Stuckey at full-back played sound, useful games, and hindered Karori considerably. Taken as a whole, Karori played with more combination and cleverness than their opponents. Their forwards won them the game, and played consistently throughout. Some of St. John’s do not seenr to have shaken dowij to their positions yet, and were nob in their places when wanted. However, both sides played, af very cheerful game; and are locking forward to their, next meeting. '

Wellington second and St. John’s second met at Miramar, and the match resulted in a victory for the Wellington .'.by 7 goals to 2. The- winners played ‘a very fair game, their forward division being particularly efficient. St. John’s also showed an' improvement on previous play, but lacked combination. Tile forwards should play more on the nail, and keep their places. Stevens at half-back and Hutchens and Drummond at full-back played well on the defensive, and G. Williams on the forward wing was a distinct. gain to the team. Mr Ryan acted as referee.