HOCKEY.

Sun (Christchurch), Volume I, Issue 193, 19 September 1914, Page 11

HOCKEY.

THE CHAMPIONSHIP SHIELD.

WELLINGTON BEATS AUCKLAND. Press Association. . • .•. AUCKLAND, September. 19. The Wellington and Auckland representative teams tried conclusions for the possession of the championship hockey shield this afternoon, in the presence of a crowd of seven hundred spectators. Wellington had sent what was generally regarded as being a very strong team, and as five previous tussles for the shield had left honours even so far as both wins and points were concerned, a very strenuous match was expected. Messrs L. C. Kent and H. V. Walton officiated as referees.

Auckland played towards the sun in the first half and quickly took the initiative, but Dwyer cleared the first dangerous rush, and play settled down to quick exchanges about midfield. Early it became apparent that the Auckland full-backs were at the top of their form, checking Wellington tactics with certainty ami skilfully opening up play for their own vanguard. Clever manoeuvres by Auckland left wing following upon long cross passes, gave .Jaeobsen a chance which resulted in hot play in the Wellington centre, but, McEldqwney and Dwyer rose to the occasion and cleared.- In an open attack of an attractive nature Wellington got away at a great pace, Sheerau showing up in a tricky sprint down the right wing. The centre was trapped, but the attack was swung round to the right wing, whence Loader agaiMrippedin a splendid cross. The attack was cleared,' however, ■> and.. Auckland made the play, for\»ome time. Wellington, got .off on a runaway attack from a. timely .clearing kick by their goalkeeper and the movement was irresistible, G. Strack taking charge in the Auckland circle, and, after cleverly'drawing the defence', he left an opening which his brother Con swung into the'Auckland'net. like a Hash. AVelJingtoir 1, Auckland 0.

The score • caused an already fast game to speed- up considerably, and Auckland made the pace a cracker. A series of rushes resulted, however, in nothing more eventful, than a couple of wide .shots. Wellington maintained their policy of open formation, and were alert to move off in a body when any Opening came from the exchanges in their area. 0. Strack led this forward attack with consummate skill, and few opportunities Avere missed, tire Aucklaiid defence being tested severely on several oceasio/ns. Whenever the Auckland attack slackened in the slightest Wellington made the play. There were no half measures and the Wellington team, as half-time approached, settled into an admirably-effective working combination, with each line competent to fulfil its own responsibilities. A •movement by the left was made possible by clever work in midfield, leaving Boyd at inner left with an open goal and a clear shot. He made no', mistake ; and whizzed in a beauty which put Wellington two goals to the good. At the half-time whistle the scoie stood—Wellington 2,, Auckland 0.

Second Spell. Wellington attacked from the opening bully, but immediately Auckland hovered about Wellington's circle. The home half-back line, which had boon found wanting in the first spell, in notable contrast to an excellent showing by the visitors' trio, showed some signs of improvement at this stage. Play was confined to the Wellington twentyfive, but there was, -however, no stingto the local attack, and a series of gasps of disappointment, marked as many ineffectual shots at goal. Mahoney, the inner: left for Auckland, failed Avoefully with the goal at his mercy, and Whittaker (centre forw-ard) pulled an easy one wide. The Wellington team appeared to be resting- ill, its operations, but the inactivity- waar fatal, because Whitaker dashed into the Wellington circle and scored Auckland's first goal, to the accompaniment of an outburst of enthusiasm from a naturally partisan crowd. Wellington 2, Auckland 1. Roused by this reverse, Wellington brightened momentarily, but soon play again raged in their half, Auckland playing with great heart. It was during one of these confined.strugglesthat Mahoney, Auckland's inner left,-worked across skilfully and brought the scores level with a smart shot. Wellington 2, Auckland 2.

Following this reverse, Wellington livened up to some purpose, and first Loader, and later Sheeran, tried Auckland's • goal-keeper,' Hallam, severely. Hallam used his pads and his feet very skilfully, and saved his net from apparently'certain scores. Before the call of time, amidst great excitement, Wellington added another goal, and the game ended— , ' "Wellington .. .. .. ..3 Auckland.'/. .. .. .. ..2 ENGLISH LADIES WIN. GOOD DISPLAY AGAINST OTAGO. - ■! '■ '- Press Association.

- DUNEDIN, September 19. The ladies' match, England v. Otago, was a good game, but the finished play of the English team was too good for the local g'iil.s, who .vere a "ittle rugged in their .methods, and inclined to hit too hard. The forward line of the English played magnificently, and the team well deserved all the goals scored. The final scores were: — ' England 6 Otago 0 NEW ZEALAND LADIES' TEAM. \ ■/ ■■■' DUNEDIN, September 10. The following team has been chosen to represent New Zealand, at Wellington, on September .'SO: — Goal: Miss M. .Arthur (Tarauaki). Backs: Misses E. Birchley (Jiauawatu) and D. Tinney )Wellington). Halves: Misses M. Malcolm (Poverty Bay), 1). Rabbidge (Southland), M. Swain (Hu wives Bay). Forwards: Misses M. McDohnall (Wellington), S. Kruse (Canterbury), R. Malcolm ('Poverty Bay), M. Pearee (Canterbury), and R. Neilson (Wairarapa). Three further players are yet to be selected.