HOCKEY.

Thames Star, Volume LXV, Issue 18239, 13 July 1931, Page 3

HOCKEY.

THAMES-HAUKAKI 2, WAIKATO > FAST, EVEN GAME. On Saturday last, the ThamesHauraki reps, met the B team of the Waika,to Association at Hamilton, and in a hard-fought game victory •went to Thames-Hauraki with 2 goals to 1. Play commenced at a fast pace and the opening exchanges were full of incident. The visitors attacked strongly, but indiscriminate hittiiig among the forwards lost opportunities. The Waikato goalie used his feet and twice booted the ball half the length of the field. At this stage the Waikato forwards were not dangerous and the visiting backs were able to hold them comfortably. The first score came to Thames when Hool raced down the left wing and centred accurately. Nankivell . was handy and deflected the ball f into the net. The red forwards now made their presence felt. This combined movement broke down, but Alsop came through fast and beat two men to score a fine goal. Half-time was called with the score still one all. Play had slowed down a little before the interval, but after the spell a fast pace was set and maintained to the end. The Waikato backs were adepts at putting: their opponents off-side. The visitors were unaccustomed to such artistry, and time and again their movements were checked by these heady tactics of the defenders. The second score to Thames came when Hool broke through on his cAvn and scored. For some time play was even, but in the closing stages Waikato made determined efforts to equalise, but the attacks were fruitless. >The game closed with the score: Thames-Hauvaki 2, Waikato B 1. Donkin played a fine defensive game for Thames, and in the half line H. Kerby Avas a decided asset to his side. When the game ended word had just come through from Christchurch that Waikato had drawn with Canterbury in a game for the New Zealand Challenge Shield.