Cambridge And Auckland In Bright Hockey

Waikato Independent, Volume XLV, Issue 6282, 26 August 1949, Page 7

Cambridge And Auckland In Bright Hockey

Hockey supporters were treated to of the most interesting and spectacular games seen on the Square this year when St Luke's the leading team in the Auckland Competition played Cambridge ou Saturday. St Luke's were the winners by 3 goals to 2.' Ground conditions were excellent, the Square having been cut and rolled in preparation, and with good weather condi tiona prevailing everything was in favour of fast hockey. Prom the outset St. Luke's attackei and with good passing movements seemed to dazzle the Cambridge defence, and despite strenuous efforts on the part of the backs pressed home their attack to score within a few .minutes of the opening bully. It looked as if the Cambridge team would be outclassed by the visitors. However from then on Cambridge rallied > and gradually moved from the defensive to the attack. St Luke's scored from a penalty corner, then Cambridge with fast open movements pushed the play down to the .opposing goal and just beforo half-time scored easily from a niipvement down the left wing. About ten minutes after half-timo Cambridge by employing bustling tactics and with quick following up on the part of the forwards, overwhelmed the opposing defence again, to equalise, 2 all. St Luke's began to increase the pace and after several passing movements down the centre of the field moved the play suddenly -over to their left wing who took the ball fast down the field to score with an excellent angle shot. Play then moved rapidly up anil down the field with both teams striving hard but with Cambridge on the attack the game ended with no further score. The game generally was one in which physical fitness and ability to maintain the pace counted a great deal. If anything Cambridge were the fitter team tout St. Luke's were nltore polished in their movements. JUNIOR GAME In the Junior team Cambridge als.) rosq to the occasion when they held St Luke's to 3 goals to nil. Play at all times was very even the game moving up and down the field. Cambridge were most unfortunate not to score on two occasions through the of the forward line and a true indication of the game would be about two goals to tliree. Both games were played with little thought as to the result and all teams gave of their best to provide an exhibition of fast, open, and at times brilliant hockey.

After the games the visiting teams were entertained to afternoon tea and a dance at night. Speaking for the Cambridge Club, Mr C. W. D. Clark, the Captain, commented on the sporting spirit which prevailed throughout the game and expressed the hope that St Luke's would consider their trip worthwhile and return next year. In reply Mr McClennon stated that quite frankly they had come down with the idea of showing the Cambridge Club some of the finer points of the game but were so impressed with the standard of the game in the town that they proposed presenting a cup for annual competition between the twoi clubs. He concluded his remarks by thanking the Ladies for their work to mjake the trip and social function so enjoyable,