PIHAMA IN LEAD

Opunake Times, 27 June 1939, Page 3

PIHAMA IN LEAD

HOGKEY IN THE SOUTH DEFEAT OF EG MONT Previously undefeated, Pihama and Egmont met in the concluding round of the squthen? hockey series on Saturday, am by the odd goal in five Pihama, runners-up last year for lire provincial title, secured the verdict to head the points ladder. Despite the heavy nature of the ground, Pihama enjoyed general superiority,, and, although accounts in the second spell were oven, the lead established at the interval was maintained. Egrnont’s attack in the first few minutes of play fully tested the defence, and this was the only occasion in which Maindonald, in goal, made a tactical error. a hot shot from the winger X. Cann finding the net and opening the account. R. Svines was not up to his best in the first spell, in which be missed a fairly easy chance at goal, but improved out of sight after halftime, when only a rigid defence kept the fast forward out of the danger zone. In defence, E. Forsyth and A, Surgenpr, fullbacks, acquitted themselves with honours. Excess enthusiasm robbed Pihama of success in a number of its attacks, and a greater tally would have been possible with more accurate and less flurried hitting. The Pihama forwards showed greater adaptability to the conditions, to which they settled down more readily than, the lighter Egmont attack, which included one outstanding plaver in R. Campbell, at right half. The accounts were evened when Don. Forsyth, whose game at centre-half was quite up to his usual high standard, found Christian wanting in his defence of the net, and, in a heavy rain shower which preceded the interval, Symes broke < through to seme, thus giving Pihama a onennint lead. In the second half, the visitors pressed consistently, and after a succession of attempts. Symes goaled. Part of the’ lead was cancelled by a goal scored by B. Wallis, and the game ended Pihama 3, Egmont 2. The umpires were Messrs. A. Stevens and G. McGlasban.