HOCKEY.

Wairarapa Daily Times, Volume LXII, Issue 9736, 25 July 1910, Page 5

HOCKEY.

WELLINGTON v. WAIRARAPA

The Wairarapa hockey team played their first stiield match on Saturday last, when they were defeated by Wellington by six goals to three. The visitors had the upper hand iv the first half, but in the second the Wellington forwards proved very solid and the Wairarapa backs were much employed in defensive work. The ground was in an unfavourable condition and the attendance was meagre. At the commencement Wairarapa attacked aud the play was kept in the Wellington team's twenty-five for several minutes, but the latter's defence was sound and they soon found their oppoueuts' line. Scores that had appeared almost certain were lost by bad shooting. Wairarapa's good defence returned the play, aud from a corner hit M. Fisher shot a good goal. From the bully the visitors got the ball, and Hatch, after a good run, passed to Miuett, who shot the second goal for Wairarapa. The Wellington forwards now commenced to attack, aud from a free hit Campbell passed to C. Strack, who ran in and scored. Half-time was called with the scores: Wairarapa 2, Wellington 1.

Immediately on the resumption of play the Wellington forwards secured the ball, and after some good passing O. Strack again scored for the home team. Play continued very willing, each side defending and attacking alternately. The Wellington forwards again took possession of the ball, and, breaking through the defence. G-. Strack scored Wellington's third goal. Wairarapa made strenuous attempts to score, and got in the circle several times,but never for very long, Wellington backs defending splendidly. After a good deal of centre play and bard hitting, G. Strack shot for Wellington from a scramble in the ceutro. The Wellington forwards still playsd hard, and G. Strack was not long iv again scoring for Wellington. The Wairarapa defence was fairly good, but it was now impossible for them to win tne match. Reid (Wairarapa) got the ball and beat the opposing full backs, but the goal-keeper speculated and missed, and the ball rolled into the net. The closing stages of the game were all in Wellington's favour, and just on the call of time, by good passing, Loader got the ball and scored Wellington's final goal.