HOCKEY IN THE NORTH

Taranaki Daily News, 24 June 1935, Page 12

HOCKEY IN THE NORTH

CONDITIONS NOT GOOD MEN’S AND WOMEN’S MATCHES. ROVERS AND WANDERERS WIN. Northern division hockey games on Saturday were played under unfavourable conditions, a cold wind blowing across the grounds on the New Plymouth racecourse. The results of the matches were:— Men? Wanderers 4 beat Army 1. Rovers 2 beat Rivals 1. Women. New Plymouth A 14 beat Y.W.C.A. 0. Urenui 8 beat Tariki 0. The game in which Wanderers beat Army by four goals to one was fast but disorganised. The cold weather gave the men plenty of vim and they were more inclined to mix up in the scrambles than to wait for the ball to come to them. The scorers were Alsop (2), Ewart and Clement for the winners and Lobb for Army. Wanderers, with the addition of Ewart in the forward line, had the experience required to cap its movements with scores. Army on the other hand was bereft of its penetrating power by the absence of Tiplady. Otherwise the teams were evenly matched. Ewart was the outstanding member of Wanderers’ team. His clever stick work and sense of positional play and combination gave the Other forwards many chances and the line moved aS a wellknit whole. Alsop maintained the excellent form he has shown in his latest matches and was dangerous in the circle. He and Clement made some fine runs and attacks came from the strong right flank. On the left Stephenson was without an inner but did well. Of the halves Allen in the centre combined well with Ewart and the reliable R. Booth on his right. E. Booth, right full-back, showed no lapse in form and his companion, Stevens, staged his best game of the season. , , Three of the dashing Army forwards lacked the steadiness of experience and R. Johnson, the fourth, lacked dash. Had the line possessed Tiplady it would probably have made all the difference in the result. Surman was the best of the halves, fast and capable with sound knowledge of technique. Wolfe in the centre had his first trial as a half and did not seem happy. Purcell put up a fine performance as full-back and Sole was sound.

The teams were:— Wanderers: Stephenson, Ewart, Alsop, Clement; Reed, Allen, R. Booth; Stevens, E. Booth; Holmes. Army: Haymer, R. Johnson, Downes, Lobb, J. Johnstone; Donaldson, Wolfe, Surman; Sole, Purcell; Logie. The game opened with Wanderers on the offensive, but attacks were ragged and Purcell, Sole and Surman held them back. Clement at last got the ball to the circle. From the attempt at goal the ball went to Stephenson, who scrambled with Sole and pushed the ball to Alsop. Alsdp sent in a hard, straight shot that tricked Logie. . Army retaliated but good defence by Stevens and E. Booth broke up the movement and Wanderers again became dangerous. Alsdp’s shot went wide and from another effort Sole drove the ball halfway up the field to J. Johnstone. Johnstone, although he fumbled, made a good run through the opposition to the circle but there was no score. Wandeters’_right flank again came into action and Ewart shot but was unsuccessful. A minute Or two later Alsop drove the ball in. After the bully-off Ewart and Alsop again hammered at Army’s defence, but Purcell was a stumbling block. He stopped a hard shot and hit the ball to Haymer. Army’s sparkle died quickly, however, and Wanderers attacked Once more. Stephenson picked up a pass and centred well for Alsop. Purcell’s tackle allowed the ball to go to Reed, who aimed at goal but was outside the circle. Alsop pulled the ball from a scramble in Wanderers’ twenty-five line and raced downfield to the goal. He ran through several men but waited too long to shoot and Logie irtidde a fine save. Both Ewart and Alsop called Logie into Requisition within the next few minutes. „ After half-time Haymer 'took the ball but felt the lack of a wing and Clement got possession,, centring to Ewart, who was ruled off-side. Wolfe was instrumental in putting Army on attack and Haymer and R. Johnson did their best to cap the movement. Lobb seemed likely to bustle the ball across the line, blit it went back to Alsop. With another spectacular solo run, Alsop reached shooting distance but Logie was too reliable.' Alsop’s second attempt was foiled by Donaldson, who, aided by Wolfe, relieved for a short period. Going to Wanderers’ right wing, the ball found Clement ready. A hard centre was deflected by Downes, who had joined Army in the second half. Wanderers, with Ewart, Alsop and Clement prominent and Allen supporting, struggled to score, but some really good work was made useless by the keeping of Logie in goal. He was tested three times until at last the fullbacks managed to clear. J. Johnstone and Lobb ran downfield and a good deal of scuffling ended in R. Johnson shooting fast from outside the circle. Another attack was led by Haymer, who pushed the ball to Lobb. Lobb, thrown off his balance, managed to find the net before he fell. Army pressed hotly once more but E. Booth took the ball and cleared to his brother. R. Booth made a good run but he was stopped at half-way and Surman put Army on the offensive. Fortune changing sides, Clement took the ball down the wing and it reached Ewart standing in Army’s circle. A short tussle with the full-backs followed, but Ewart beat them.

A minute later Wanderers were aggressive again. This time Ewart was in the right-hand<corner and centred cleanly to Clement, in excellent position. His stinging shot gave Logie no chance. On the stroke of time Clement dashed upfield and shot hard but he was a foot outside the circle. Wanderers 4 Army The referees were Messrs. R. Ward and J. Bond. RESULTS OF WOMEN’S GAMES. HEAVY SCORING BY WINNERS. Heavy scoring was the feature of the women's northern division games. Ure* nui, on its own ground, scored eight times against Tariki and Nsw Plymouth A on the New Plymouth racecourse piled up 14 goals against Y.W.C.A. Neither of the losers scored. The game at Urenui, in spite of the score, was fast and interesting, both to players and spectators. Urenui possessed superior material but combination of both teams was good. The scoters were H Trass (3), W. Raven (3) and J. Smith < 2) - , Prominent in, Urenui’s forward line were H. Trass and J. Smith, both exceptionally fast players, who made devastating runs through the opposition. The halves were all sound and energetic. In the backs E. Edwin was outstanding. B. Loveridge played splendidly in Tariki’s half line and was well supported by H. Young and G. Rumbal. D. James put up a good performance, despite a knock early in the game. Urenui opened up the game briskly and H. Trass sent play into Tariki’s ter-

ritory. B. Loveridge cleared far up the line for D. James to carry on the movement. Attractive combination was seen, and very soon Tariki had Urenui penned in its own twenty-five. E. Edwin, however, Was as alert as ever and wfth a well directed hit soon had her forwards away again. Well supported by G. ’White, M. Raumati and A. Newton, H. Trass and J. Smith attacked. P. Hall centred well to H. Trass. H. Trass flicked the ball to W. Raven, who was ready and shot a fine goal. Thereafter Urenui held the advantage throughout the game. The Urenui fotwards’ combination was perfect. J. Smith on the right wing dribbled, through repeatedly, finishing with well-timed centres, and H. Trass was always in position to transfer the bill to the other forwards. M. Lord and P. Hall and W. Raven supported well. Tariki defended strenuously, but teltef came when B. Loveridge and G. Rumbal cleared. However, G. White sent the ball hard into the circle and W. Raven stored. H. Trass broke away; and took the ball right through, with J. Smith following up in support. H. Trass shot a great goal. The second spell found Tariki attacking with more vim, B._ Loveridge being Outstanding. With splendid long hits She fed her forwards repeatedly, but they were rather slow to follow through. Mrs, Hall opened up for Urenui and the forwards' attacked. From a scramble in front of the, gdal-ihouth W. Raven shot another goal. H. Trass broke through from the bullyoff, but a pass , was intercepted by B. Loveridge and play was transferred to Urenui’s circle. Tariki had the Urenui backs on the defensive, E. Edwin, saving again and again with well placed hits. However, Urenui forwards Were soon in motion again and H. Trass scored. Tariki retaliated hotly but. G. White and A. Marton stopped the attack and 4 J. Smith went right through to score a fine goal. Directly afterwards a move was initiated by M, Lord and P. Hall, and M. Lord shot, but H. Young saved well. Her clearance hit was not hard enough, however, and J. Smith was ready, netting aiiofcher .goal. A few minutes later Urenui was back and from a melee in front of the goalmouth H. Trass shot. Tafiki’s goalie came out to meet the attack, but the ball hit her boot and bounced into the goal. Time sounded with Urenui pressing hard. Urenui 8 Tariki 0 Mr. Trass was referee. Y.W.C.A. had slight prospect of success against the leading team, New Plymouth A, but it fought gallantly. Typical of its ready play was D. Bates in the forward line. She showed complete fearlessness in tackling. New Plymouth A gave its usual display of sound, confident technique. Scorers were J. Hutchison (5), V. Moorhead (3), F. Frewin (2), R. Eagles (2), D. Morton and S. Brough. ' . Mr. J. Bond refereed. < UNUSUALLY OPEN GAME. ROVERS’ DEFEAT OF RIVALS. . Rovers’ defeat of Rivals by two goals to Ohe provided bditling hockey, uill- - open. Play, ranged from end to end with few individual flourishes, and the issue was always in doubt. The scorers were Murtagh and A. Innes for Rovers and Armstrong for Rivals. Rovers began the match with two men short and consequently Rivals Was pulled up repeatedly, for offside. Rovers, too, were tireless in Alling up the gaps in the ranlcs, whereas none of Rivals’ men produced much sparkle. ' Murtagh provided the energy among Rovers’ forwards and A. Innes showed his fine turn of speed, but the two did not combine their talents to best advantage. Lightfoot among the halves gave an excellent display. He has improved considerably and the ball rarely escaped him. The last defence lines were dominated by Ddvoreaux, whose easy swing and lusty kept Rivals back frequently. Wallace made some good saves. , ± Rivals’ forwards did not play up to their usual standard. R. Ward and Armstrong did good work and Bamden, a neW player, was useful. J. Innes was once more the hard-working' focal point of Rivals’ attack. As centre half he was supported by-Higginson, whose stick, however, often caught the referees’ eyes. Bennett rendered good cervicd as fullback. When he does not speculate he has good control and dears well* ■, a

The teams were:— Rovers: McLean, Collett, K. Ward, A. Innes; Lightfoot, Burgess, Walker; Devereaux, Darby; Wallace. Rival’s: Bamden, R. Ward* Wood, Armstrong, Lovail; Treeby, J. fates, Higginson; L. Innes, Bennett;. Watson. . ’ . Play began scrdtchily. Bennett stopped an attempt by A. Innes to put Revets on the offensive. .Murtagh bustled downfield with A. fates fa support, but Watson- hit the hard shot at goal over the line. Play swung up and down and Rivals lost two opportunities through infringement Gte occurred when Higginson put in an unbeatable shot but gave sticks. Although Rivals pressed hard, Rovers’ small team was on its mettle and the men did double work. A. Innes made three brilliant sallies but they were spoiled by his inability to centre. He was leaving his swing too late and let the ball out of control J. fanes and. Aimstrong sent Rivals'dWay but Waliade kicked a fast shot clear. He was called on again soon afterwards. The battle raged in Rovers’ twenty-five, but the off-side rule was Rivals’ strongest opponent. Except for a brief respite when A. Innes dashed down the lite Devereaux, Murtagh and Lightfoot had to exert themselves to the utmost to keep Rivals at bay. Hitting was wild and combination at a discount. A. Innes was responsible for the return of ROvers to the attack. After a free hit Murtagh followed in fast and beat Watson. Collett and Walker joined Rovers in the second spell. ' Rivals early started a movement and with the forwards well up it looked promising. Armstrong, dribbling past two or three men, scored. Rivals was not content to equalise and continued to be aggressive. R. Ward shot hard but Wallace Stopped the ball. Rovers, effected a clearance and A. Innes, tackled by Bennett, centrad to K. Ward whose shot was wide. After a .short respite A. fanes came down the line again. Collett took his pass, returned it;' 1 and Intes found the corner of the net.

After ■ its second goal Rovers, now a| full strength, kept the upper hand except for a few retaliatory rushes on the part of Rivals. The game was interesting and fast but the teams rarely reached the circles; for the most part the game, was confined between hall-way and Rivals’ twenty-five. J. Innes did not give up hope, however, and his energetic method was Rivals’ stfbng point. He gavS R. Ward several chances and Ward penetrated the defence. His centres to Wood, however, were intercepted. Barnden, Collett, R. Ward and A. fanSs took tilths in making dashes to goal blit none of their movements was rewarded. Close on tiifie Burgess frut Collett in possession. Collett gained a good dOal of ground in his run and passed well forward to A. Innes. The fait wing, facing through, shot and the ball rose shoulder-high. Watson, however, stopped it with his hand and made a fine clearance to the side-line. Rovers 3 Ri-als 0 The referees were l Messrs. P. Collings and R. Johnson. DRAW AT WHANGAMOMONA. QNE KOHURATAHI GOAL IN DOUBT. Kohuratahi and Whangamomona women’s hockey teams drew at Whanga-

momona oh Saturday ■ three all. The match was full of interest. The Kohuratahi teem played with excellent combination and wise generalship, making .it difficult for Whanganiomona’s crack players to mOve,- far without being strongly tackled., In the second half a KOhurdtahi forward shot a goal from ah off-side position, ah. opposing back and the goalkeeper • making ho attempt to stop the ball anticipating the whistle. It/was unfortunate for the umpire, a Kohuratahi resident, that the infringement went unobserved as the decision, spoiled Whangamomona’s chances Of winning the eastern division. Territorially honours were even but in the second spell Whangamomona kept up A vigorous attack, missing goals by inches. Both teams have improved since their last meeting, reflecting credit on the coaches, Mrs. A. Perry (Kohuratahi) and Mrs. Okey (Whangamomona). 4 ' ■ • NELSON BEATS MARLBOROUGH WEIGHT TELLS AT THE END. By Telegraph—Press Association. Blenheim, Last Night.

In a hard, fairly open game, despite wet weather, the Nelson Rugby team

defeated Marlborough by 12 points to 11 in a friendly match on ■ Saturday. Both packs played excellently, 'Nelson’s weight telling in the last 10 minutes, when the team snatched the lead for the first time. ' " ■■■, The Marlborough inside backs were always dangerous. Vass, McLean and Osborne scored tries for the winner and F. Stewart kicked a penalty goal. The. Marlborough tries were scored by O’Sullivan (2), and Haitana, Robinson converting one. ■'