HOCKEY

Southland Times, Issue 18928, 30 April 1923, Page 7

HOCKEY

THE COMPETITION OPENS Ideal weather favoured the opening of the ladies’ A grade competition on Saturday afternoon, and the playing areas were also in good order. Several changes have been made in the personnel of each of the teams since last season, but the teams appear to be of more even strength than formerly. It was apparent on Saturday, however, that none of the competing teams had had sufficient training and the play slowed up considerably towards the closing stages. There was also a great deal of mis hitting, a fault which should be rectified before the competition has far advanced. COLLEGIATE (3) v HIGH SCHOOL (0). Play opened at a fast pace, with both teams playing an open passing game. In the opening stages the advantage went to Collegiate, whose players combined better and passed more accurately than their opponents. The first goal came after five minutes’ play Miss Ashley scooping the ball past the goal-keeper after a good forward rush in which practically the whole line took part. For a time High School more than held their own and on several occasions took play with a rush to Collegiate circle. One easy chance of equalling the score was missed owing to the forwards not following up. During the latter part of the spell the play was very even and no further scores resulted. The greater part of the second spell was also evenly contested and although mishitting on the part of the backs allowed the forwards of either team to break through on several occasions, weak passing spoiled good chances of scoring. The pace slackened toward the end, but good passing by the forwards resulted in Miss Ashley and Miss God ward adding a goal each for Collegiate. WINTON (3) v ROSEDALE (2) Rosedale showed a considerable improvement over their form of last season and in the first spell kept the visiting team fairly busy. Winton, however, played with more finish and their concreted forward work frequently troubled the home back. The first goal was scored by Win ton, Miss H. Horner sending in a fast one from the edge of the circle. A few moments later a strong Rosedale attack developed from half-way and after a prolonged struggle in the circle, Miss Davis scored. The play to the end of the spell was fairly even and each side added a goal, Miss Norman scoring for Winton and Miss Smith for Rosedale. In the second half the Winton team’s passing was more accurate than in the first spell and their attacks always appeared to be more dangerous than those of their opponents. The home team’s defence, however, was fairly sound, and only one goal was added to the visitors’ score.