WOMEN’S HOCKEY

Taranaki Daily News, 6 September 1935, Page 5

WOMEN’S HOCKEY

TOURNAMENT nearing END. BRIGHT MATCHES YESTERDAY. By Telegraph—Press Association. Gisborne, Last Night. The Dominion women’s hockey, championship was continued to-day in fine weather.' Present indications are that Eastern and South Otago will fight out the final, though the defeat of either tomorrow would bring in an additional team. In section A Eastern leads by two points from Southland. If the latter wins against Canterbury to-morrow, and if Eastern is beaten by Auckland, Eastern and Southland must play off for the leadership in that section. Similarly, in section B South Otago leads by two points from Akitio but if the latter beats Wellington to-morrow' and if South Otago is defeated by Wairarapa, then South Otago and Akitio must play off. During to-day’s play Miss M. Norton, Marlborough, suffered a broken collarbone but is progressing well. Except for about 10 minutes early hi the second spell Eastern was in complete control aganst Canterbury and won by five to nil, bringing its total of goals for to 20 with none scored against it. Eastern's combination among the forwards, especially near the circle, was sound and accurate hitting by the whole team worried their opponents continually. Eastern’s full-backs were superb on defence and practically nothing got past them. Canterbury’s strength rested mainly with the individual brilliance of Misses M. McKenzie and G. Mortimer. Eastern’s goals were scored by Misses K. Bond (3), H. Reid and M. Nicol. Southland beat Marlborough 3—o. The game was very even in the first spell and well into the second spell, when Miss Norton, Marlborough, retired, The goals were then scored by Belsham (2) and Mclntyre.

Greater experience and accurate hitting by Miss G. Lowe enabled Auckland to defeat Bush 4—l. There was little between the teams up to the interval, but from then op Auckland was defintely superior. For Auckland goals were scored by Miss G. Lowe (3) and Mrs. Gawler, while Miss M. Bailey scored for Bush. In the game between South Otago and Ashburton play was fairly even in the first half, but in the second spell South Otago displayed a superiority and won 6—l. South Otago backs and forwards combined well and short-passing rushes near the circle enabled it to beat the defence. Scorers for South Otago were M. Scott (4), Lillicrap and Krefts. For Ashburton Donaldson scored. Akitio had no difficulty in beating Poverty Bay B 3-nil, showing better combination and cleaner hitting throughout. Akitio’s goals were scored by Misses O. Yeoman (2) and M. Reid, Ruahine drew with Wellington, no score. The game was very even, but Ruahine appeared unlucky in the circle, several hits missing the net by a few inches. The defence on both sides was good. To-morrow’s draw is:—

A Section: Southland v, Canterbury, Poverty Bay v. Marlborough, Eastern v. Auckland, 'Bush a bye. B Section: Akitio v. Wellington, Wairarapa v. South Otago, Ruahine v. Poverty Bay B, Ashburton a bye,