HOCKEY

Southland Times, Issue 20865, 29 August 1929, Page 8

HOCKEY

EASTERN v. WESTERN OTAGO. .. MATCH AT HERIOT. Ideal weather prevailed yesterday when Eastern travelled to Heriot to play a return match with West Otago, the visitors winning by 4 goals to one. The ground was in good order and a fair crowd of spectators witnessed the game. In the first spell, the exhibition of both sides was not up to standard, although at times there was some interesting play. Both teams livened up in the second half and some good hockey was witnessed. M. Aitcheson played a good game for West Otago and her stopping was a treat to watch. Miss E. Maley, one of the Eastern fullbacks, was the mainstay of the team. Her hard hitting and cleverness saved her side on many occasions. Misses C. Strachan and C. Allen also played well and their combination gained ground for Eastern on more than one occasion.

Bad passing and over-running the ball by both teams lost many opportunities in the circle. After the match, the visitors were entertained at tea. On behalf’of the West Otago team, Mr. T. L. Floyd thanked the visitors. Mr. A. D. Crawford replied on behalf of the Eastern team.

The following were the teams. — Eastern: Misses M. Thompson; E. Maley, A. Hastings; E. Johnson, M. Paulin, M. McVicor; C. Allen, C. Strachan, M. Donnell, M. Maley, M. Murdoch. West Otago: Mrs. Moffat; Misses I. Patterson, E. Gardyne; I. Brownlie, C. Patterson, S. Boylen; Mrs. Ryder, Misses M. Aitcheson, P. Patterson, 11. Turnbull, G. Williams.

From the initial bully, play centred in midfield and hard hitting by both sides proved of no advantage to either team. Play went to the Eastern territory and M. Aitcheson took the ball into the circle but A. Hastings tackled and cleared. West Otago attacked strongly again and again, but good defence by the Eastern backs kept them from scoring. C. Strachan with a hard hit sent the ball to the West Otago end, but M. Moffat rushed out of the goal and saved. M. Murdoch secured and passed out to C. Allen who centred back to the first-named player, but she was tackled at the goal mouth and relieved of the ball. Eastern strenuously attacked, but many chances were missed by wide shooting. West Otago cleared and G. Williams took the ball down to the Eastern circle, but E. Maley saved well. A good pass was sent by C. Strachan to M. Maley who with a nice solo effort took the ball into the circle and found the net. Eastern 1, West Otago 0. C. Strachan secured after the bully and with good stick work beat many players. She passed to C. Allen whose centring pass was intercepted by C. Patterson and cleared. Play remained in midfield and the ball was passed out to C. Allen who took it to the Eastern circle and scored on her own. Eastern 2, West Otago 0. Half-time then sounded.

On the recommencement of play, West Otago secured and attacked strongly. E. Maley cleared with a good shot. Up and down play ensued, neither side having the advantage. West Otago again made headway, but E. Johnston relieved. West Otago again took play to the Eastern circle, but bad passing and over-running of the ball, spoilt their chances. A good dribbling rush by the Eastern forwards resulted in M. Maley finding the net. Eastern District 3, West Otago 0. From the bully, the ball travelled to R Brownlie who took play to the Eastern territory where she was tackled by E. Maley and lost possession. West Otago continued to attack, but E. Maley, who was playing a great game, saved Eastern on many occasions. From a melee in front of the West Otago goal C. Allen netted. Eastern Southland 4, West Otago 0. Hard hitting by both sides resulted in a corner in the Eastern territory. Mrs Rider secured and hit hard for the goal-mouth, but M. Thompson turned and hit out for the corner, M. Maley clearing. The West Otago forwards- attacked, but were unable to finish off their movement. M. Maley took play to the Eastern circle where she paused too long before shooting. I. Barclay attacked and saved. Play went up and down field and a rush by the West Otago forwards resulted in I. Patterson finishing off the movement by finding the net. Eastern Southland 4, West Otago 1. Time sounded shortly after. Mr T. L. Floyd controlled the game.