HOCKEY.

New Zealand Graphic, Volume XXXI, Issue XI, 12 September 1903, Page 736

HOCKEY.

LADIES’ HOCKEY CHAMPIONSHIP. Tiic ladies-' championship hoekcy tom nument, held under the auspices of the Now Zealand Hoekey Association, began at Wellington on August 29th, writes our Wellington correspondent. Tire earlier games were played on the association's ground at. Day’s Bay, in unfavourable weather, tin 1 ground being mostly under puller all the time. The fust, game was that, of Hawera v. Napier, which resulted, rather unexpectedly, in n win for the former by 2 goals to 1. "The game was n fast up and down one, but lacked combination, both sides hitting hard and trusting to luck. Owing to the rain spills were of frequent occurrence, which added greatly to the enjoyment of the spectators, who, in spite of amusement, heart ily applauded the players ns they struggled gallantly against the adverse circumstances. Misses E. Caplen and Q. Glen scored for Hawera, and Miss V. Simpson for Napier. Mr. Hjorring was referee.

At the conclusion of Hus match the rain was falling continuously, but on consulting the authorities it was decided to continue the play, and the Kiwi (Wellington) and Nelson teams took the field. The ground was appreciably worse, but the game was a remarkably fast one. and the Kiwis who appeared to enjoy thc mud playing with great dash and brilliancy, won by 5 goals io 1. Miss A. Edwin (Kiwi centre forward) was conspicuous for good p'-iy, and scored three goals for her side. She was ably backed up by Miss E. Kawsou (two goals) and Miss E. Bnlkley, who did splendid work ou the left wing. AHss E. Ledger (centre forward) scored for Nelson, and Miss T. Leggatt (outside left wing forward) also played well. Special praise is due to Miss Beeves (Nelson goal), who defended splendidly.

Palmerston North v. Aorangi (Wellington): Great excitement was felt over Ibis match, as the two teams met in tile linals last year, when Craven (Palmerston North) won. The representative hookey match, Canterbury v. Wei lington, was played at the. same time on tiic adjoining ground, but attracted very little attention until the girls’ match was over. Plav was very fast, each side attacking and defending alternately. Miss E. Abraham shot the first, goal for Craven, and shortly afterwards, for an inIringement of the rules by Aorangi. the referee awarded Craven a penalty goal. So groat an advantage to their formidable opponents took the heart out of the Aorangi-. and although they played n plucky, persevering game, they only scored one goal, while, the Cravens gained four in all. The Craven team gave an almost faultless exhibition of hockey, in which Misses E. Abraham, Dalrymple, Fitzherberi and Johnson particularly distinguished themselves. For the losers Misses Simpson, Watson, Kennedy and Hiiybittle were the piclc of the team, and Miss Heath scored the only goal. Mi. Hatch was referee.

Hutt (Wellington) v. Tc. Rata (Christchurcli 1: This game was disappointing nil through, and resulted in a win for rhe Hutt by two goals to nil, after a slow, uninteresting game. The Christohureh girls came up with a good reputation, but failed to justify. it. Misses llumfrey and Forbes scored.- for Hutt, and Miss Strange (in goal) was a tower of strength for Christchurch. '

In the second round, Kiwi (Wellington) met Hawera. Hawera played at » disadvantage, as one of their best players missed the ferry steamer, and was left behind, her pliiec being filled by an •luergenvy. The game consisted largely of alternate rushes up and down the field, the Hawera forwards frequently getting away with the ball, but their work in the attacking circle was weak, and they failed to score, although they had sevc-

ral narrow escapes. Miss E. Rawson shot tiic first goal for Wellington, and Miss A. Edwin made the remaining two, one from a penalty bully. Miss B. Fitzgerald worked hard and well, and was of invaluable service to her side, and Miss A. Rawson al-o did good work. The Hawera team wore individually excellent, and if they had had more combination would probably have won. Misses Glen, Contis and Baird showed line dash and speed for the forwards, and Misses Douglas and Greaves, at full back, hit hard and well, ami repeatedly saved their side.

Craven (Palmerston North) v. Hutt (Wellington). But little interest was taken in this match, as it was popularly expected to be a walk-over for Craven. 'The latter won by three goals to nil after a good game, in which a much larger score was only prevented by the Hutt goalkeeper, Miss Jackson, who defended with unexampled brilliancy, and was heartily cheered by everyone at the end of the game.