HOCKEY

New Zealand Times, Volume XXX, Issue 6624, 14 September 1908, Page 2

HOCKEY

GAMES ON SATURDAY. THE 1 LAST OF THE LADIES' TO URN AMKN T. GOOD, BUT IN CON GLUSIVIS. So the struggle for those gold broodies offered to the runner-up in the senior championship of the ladies' hockey is still undecided! The AVairarapa A and Nelson teams both went to Day’s Bay on Saturday afternoon fully* determined to settle it up, but, try as they might, neither could score. It should he explained that the teams met before last Tuesday afternoon, when Nelson were beaten by two to nil, but the latter protested successfully, and the .match was ordered to be played over again. As each team had fire points to credit, the result of, Saturday's game was important. A most interesting match was fully anticipated, and the Oobar consequently was a full ship when she took the teams and spectators over. It ivas a most interesting match, one brimful of incident and excitement, and stubbornly fought out from end to end. Now Nelson would gain a temporary advantage and now Wairarapa, but at no period of the game could anyone safely venture to prophesy who was going to oome out on top. In fact, both packs deserved to win, for they put all their heart and strength into it. It -was Wairarapa which was first to apply tho pressure, and a couple of mighty struggles took place in the southerners’ circle. Tho latter, however, were not allowing any scores, and 'presented an impenetrable front. The rest of the spell was rather in favour of Nelson, but every inch of the -way was keenly contested. Many cheers for both sides! Both teams got to it good and strong after the short interval which could be allowed, so that the pace became hotter and hotter, and tho cries of tho harrackers more vehement than ever. At times there was a perfect roar of “ Como on, blues!” “Buck up, Nelson!” and so forth. It was a hot fight! The ball was smitten to and fro mightily, and tho packs swept up and down with express speed, but always there was found a girl to rise to tho occasion and effect a good save. A particularly hot assault was only, staved off by the Nelson goal-keeper in tho very nick of time. Practically the same thing occurred at tho other end’ soon after. Tho last few minutes of the game put everybody in a perfect whirl of excitement, and it became absolutely impossible to keep the spectators- from encroaching on the field of play. With about a moment or two to go Wairarapa made a mighty effort, and tho ball was sent as close to the net as at any part of the game. It was a fine attempt, but unsuccessful.. So the game ended inconclusively, with hearty cheers for both packs. Then tho Wairarapa girls had another rush, but this time it was for the boat which was to carry them back to town. As they left tho wharf they were again cheered lustily. Though the match was. played in the most friendly spirit it waa under protest so far as Wairarapa was concerned. They want the whole question reopened, and will carry it on to tho New Zealand Hookey Association if necessary. The table below gives the position

of the teams at the conclusion of the tournament as nearly as can possibly bo ascertained 1 : riyd. "Won. Lost. D’rn. Pts.

Hawke’s Bay ... . 6 6 — _ 12 Wairarapa A ... 5 2 1 2 6 Nelson 6 2 2 2 6 Wellington A... . 6 2 3 1 5 Canterbury ... 3 2 1 4 WairarapaB ... 5 1 4 2 Wellington. B... 6 — 5 1 1