STILL CHAMPIONS

New Zealand Times, Volume XLIII, Issue 10073, 11 September 1918, Page 8

STILL CHAMPIONS

POVERTY BAY VICTORIOUS LADIES’ HOCKEY TOURNAMENT FINAL.' History repeated itself at Karori Park yesterday afternoon, when the Poverty Bay ladies’ hockey team defeated Canterbury in the final for the interprovinoial championship. At the beginning of the tournament it was seen that the Bay had once again succeeded in getting together a team that would do the province every credit, but with teams of the calibre of Manawatu and Canterbury in the field it was apparent that the girls in scarlet would have to assert themselves to retain the much-sought-after cup. Such proved exactly the case. Wellington early showed that they were hardly in the same class this year as any of their three rivals, and the finals resulted in a struggle between three evenly matched elevens. The defeat of Manawatu by Canterbury left the latter and Poverty Bay to argue possession of the cup. The victory for the northern girls was well deceived and popular, and the Canterbury girls were the first to acknowledge the right of the Bay team to the title of champions. The game itself was bright and spectacular throughout. Canterbury heartened their supporters in the early stages by attacking with great vim and determination. but the Bay backs played brilliantly on the defence. It was a case of lively attack versus dogged resistance, a combination that usually results in “as you were.” When Poverty Bay properly found their feet, however, they became extremely dangerous, and the southern backs had to put in some good work to keep the northern “flyers’’ out. Towards the end of the spell there were one or two incidents that pleased the spectators. Poverty Bay dashed down the field and the charge ended in Miss Ruth Malcolm taking a “fly” at goal. Miss T. Dobbyn (Canterbury goalkeeper) saved with her customary coolness, but the general position remained dangerous. Another opportunity presented itself to the Bay forwards, and Miss Malcolm made a second attempt within a few minutes. The ball went outside the posts, however, and the spell ended without any score. The second half opened sensationally. Prom the bully-off the Poverty Bay forwards raced away, and a stinging shot by the energetic Miss 1 Pearce gave Canterbury’s 'keejper no chance. Poverty Bay 1, Canterbury 0. ■ From the play that followed it was apparent that Canterbury had spent a good deal of their energy. Their attack had lost much of its strength, and the hitting of the backs was not nearly forceful enough. Poverty Bay's second goal followed an incident that was extremely unfortunate for Canterbury. , The Bay girls had been attacking in ■ the circle, and from a breach by the goalkeeper the referee ordered a penalty, bully. This took place very near:' the goal. At the. first attempt Miss -Dobbyn saved, but. Miss Malcolm recovered the ball and shot It into an unprotected goalmouth. Poverty Bay. 2. Canterbury 0. After this Canterbury put more life into their work and it was a good piece of play that ended in the Canterbury girls scoring their only goal. The player responsible was Miss Ritchie- Poverty Bay 2, Canterbury 1. There was no further score, and Poverty Bay left the field champions for the fourth year in succession. , , The referees were Messrs .Fragnell. and Edwards. After the game Mr J- C- Cusack presented the oup to the winners, and the runner-up shield to Canterbury. Cheers were given for each team, and the utmost good spirit prevailed throughout.