HOCKEY

Otago Witness, Issue 3775, 20 July 1926, Page 61

HOCKEY

INDIA v. NEW ZEALAND. INDIA v. NEW ZEALAND. AUCKLAND, July 17. The final hockey test match between the Indian Army team and New Zealand this afternoon ended in a draw, each side scoring one goal. The game was a thrilling one, and was marked by a sensational finish. New Zealand scoring in the last five minutes, after the Indians had held the lead for the greater part of the game. The match was played at Eden Park as a cartain-raisei to the Maori-Anckland football match, and there was a large attendance —estimated at 18,000. The ground was slippery after the rain, but the players made the best of it. The contest sparkled with spectacular play, the work of the Indian Army forwards being wonderful. The first spell was characterised by brilliant offensive movements, attacks and counter-attacks following in quick order. The Indians scored through the agency of Dhian Chand. who flicked a short pass from Susainathan Into the goal. The second half was stubbornly contested, the Indians holding the advantage till within a few minutes of time, when the New Zealanders launched a magnificent attack, and Bell scored'from the corner. The enthusiasm of the crowd was nnbonnded when the final bell went and New Zealand had made a draw of the game. Dhian Chand, by scoring the visitors' only goal, brought his total to 80 goals for the tour. After the game the Indian team was presented with a cup on behalf of the Hawke's Bay Association. The cup, which is the gift of Mr and Mrs Wall, of Gisborne, is for competition in India, and is to be played for annually. Perrin, the New Zealand captain, was Injured in the first spell, and was replaced by Cole (Auckland). An interesting feature of the Indians’ play was the wonderful ball control, brilliant stick work, and positional play by the forwards, and clever Hick passes by the backs. The play of New Zealand was in striking contrast, as they mainly relied on hard hitting by the rearguard and fast following up and bustling tactics by the vanguard. DESCRIPTION OP THE PLAT. New Zealand was quickly away. Perrin hitting to Burton, who took to the visitors’ twenty-five. New Zealand gained a long corner, which was well cleared by Kishna. A beautiful concerted attack by the Indians followed, Dhian Chand beatipg two men before transferring to Captain Cox, who was stopped on the- circle. Further rushes by the Indians gave them an advantage, and New Zealand was lucky to keep the goal clear. Ttyo corner hits were taken, but Fletcher proved safe. New Zealand was making the game very open, the forwards were revealing greet darfi. In a spirited attack Burton, on the left flank, was prominent in several good dashes. * A great New Zealand attack, initiated by Mahoney, saw exciting play in the circle. Ghulam Ali earned applause for great saves. The Indians were making great efforts to penetrate the New Zealand defence, and the backs were severely tested. A great sortie bv New Zealand, started by Burton, reached the visitors’ circle, Kishna stopped a spectacular run by lJhian Chand, but his hit went wido. Dhian Chand and Captain Bedchamber were associated in a great run from midfield. and New Zealand suffered two penalty corners. These were successfully cleared. Tangara Singh made a great run and hit across to Susainathan, who raced into the circle and passed to Dhian Chand who flicked the ball into the net. Indian-Army I ft 08 ** New Zealand N u. India returned to the attack, Tangara Singh taking into the circle and putting in a great shot, which Fletcher brilliantly stopped. Bells and Watts gained ground, and the Indians defended stoutly In close play Jagindai Singh showed great cleverance in stopping Hookham, and from his pose Dhian Chand ran through, being stopped bv Soper. A fine concerted rush by New Zealand resulted in a corner, which, however, was fruitless. India replied with a great counter attack and gained a corner. ' r lhian Chand stopped the ball for Captain Cox, who spoiled an excellent scoring opportunity by giving sticks. New Zealand rallied, and play was in midfield when half-time sounded. Upon resuming the Indians immediately attacked, beautiful combination and ball control being relieved by the forwards. A spirited rush by New Zealand looked promising, but the ball crossed the goal line. With beautiful short passes the Indians ran through, and Dhian Chand made a great effort to score. Burton and Bell were seen in clever play, and Khulan All cleared by kicking. New Zealand came back to the attack, and Barton tried to goal. With all aerial stroke a great Indian attack was held ly by Spiers, who was playing a good defensive game. Strategic attacks by the Indians were responsible for placing New Zealand strictly on .he defensive. The Indians gained a corner, and Fletcher, with a brilliant save, stopped a hard shot by Dian Chand. A sortie bv New Zealand resulted in two coiner hits, which were well cleared. The closing stages of the game were marked bv great New Zealand attacks, which ended in a corner from which Bell gaoled brilliantly. Indian Army 1 g°“jNew Zealand 1 goa.. New Zealand attacked again, and exciting plav followed in the visitors’ circle, where play was when the final bell rang, a great contest ending in a draw. SENIOR. TECHNICAL COLLEGE OLD BOYS v. CITY. The Technical College Old Boya v. City match was played on the Oval No. 3 ground, which was in bod order. Nevertheless, a fast and exciting game resulted, and there were flashes of brilliant hockey. 'The final result of two to one in favour of (Jit. was a fair indication of the merits of the teams. Old Boys predominated in the second Bpell, and but for the rough nature of the ground, which was against fast forward work, the result may have been reversed. Old Boys were without the services of Petherick at full-back, but Vernon, a promoted junior, acquitted himself well as a half. Henry Sew Hoy taking the back position. City attacked

strongly from the initial bully, but chances of scoring were missed owing to the rough state of the ground and the defence of the Old Boys’ rearguard. Play continued to be fast, each side attacking. City maintained the pressure, and their efforts were rewarded by Smith accepting a pass from Withel and finding the net. City 1, Old Boys nil. Stirred by this reverse, Old Boys' forwards got into motion, and taking the ball into the circle, Hinton swung in a hot shot which went just outside the post. Shortly after a good centre by Silver was accepted- by Johnston, but it went a trifle wide. Good play by the Mayston brothers again put City on attack, and Old Boys had to force a corner, from which Woodfield, with a splendid shot, found the corner of the net. City 2, Old Boys nil. Play continued in City’s favour, but the spell ended without further score. On resuming, Old Boys, playing with renewed vigour, carried play to City’s territory. The Ireland brothers were both playing well, and were equal to the occasion. Old Boys continued to press, and City were compelled to concede many corners. From one of these Potter stopped for Hinton, and Johnston following in well netted from the rebound. City 2, Old Boys 1. City again attacked, a fine run by Mayston ending in his shot going wide. Play fluctuated from one end to another, both half lines playing well. Old Boys continued to press, but were unable to score, the defence of City backs being too good. The game ended with play in midfield, and the scores unaltered. Messrs Robinson and Turbott controlled the game. Second Grade. University C 2, Technical Old Boys 1. High School Old Boys B 4, Technical College 3. Albany Old Boys B 7, High School B nil. LADIES’ GAMES. Otago 5, University 1. Training College A 5, G.H.S. 1. Technical Old Girls 3, Moinona 1. B Grade. Triangle B f 3, Training College 2. Otago B I 3, Kaikorai 1. Technical B II 3, Technical B 111 2. Technical Old Girls B I 1, Taieri 1.