TEST HOCKEY.

Thames Star, Volume LXIII, Issue 17649, 29 July 1929, Page 5

TEST HOCKEY.

N.Z. V. AUSTRALIA.

WIN FOR THE VISITORS.

BY PENALTY GOAL ONLY.

(Bv Telegraph.—Press Association.) WANGANUI. July 29. The Australian hockey team won the first test against New Zealand on Saturday bv a penalty goal to nil. Tbe visitors had the better of tbe play, but solid defence by tbe New Zealand hacks kept tbe score down. The New ■Zealand team was weak in the forward line, notably in the outside positions.

The Australians gave a glimpse of their best foym in passing rushes eariv in the game and had New Zealand in difficulties. The New Zealand goalkeeper stopped a hot one and later saved the situation with a fine shot to the side line. The home forwards then got within striking distance but Idle defence was sound. New Zealand had a “life” when Nettleton sent in a. shot from- closo in,, the goalkeeper glancing the ball behind the net. Another Australian attack was cleared by Spiers, who was proving a tower of strength in the back line. The Australians continued to have the better of play, but half-time sounded without any score. When nlay was resumed tbe visitors met with some ill-luck in tbe way of casualties. Wanless had to retire for p, few minutes owing to a knock on the nose, and 0. Connie was out of action for a few minutes with a head injury. The Australian got going again and Hudson had two shots from forward scrambles in the circle, hut the ball was turned over the goal line each time.

The'visitors kept up the pressure, and were frequently dangerous. A shot from Nettleton skimmed over the top of the goal. New Zealand took a turn at attack and Thrush put the hall over the ton of the goal. New Zealand was penalised for obstruction in front of the goal, and in a penalty bully the visitors were awarded a penalty goal for a further obstruction. The home team set up a vigorous attack and reached the goal month, but the hall went behind...

New Zealand kept up the pressure with two penalty corners, but Australia found relief from a free hit and time was called with flew Zealand again in front of the Australians’ goal, hut no score had resulted.