FAST HOCKEY

Bay of Plenty Beacon, Volume 10, Issue 3, 24 July 1946, Page 8

FAST HOCKEY

WIIAKATANE DEFEATS TUHOE

Whakatane beat Tuhoe in a well played, fast clean game last weekend, the standard of play generally showing a great improvement over earlier games. From the opening bully a fast pace was set and the play changed- ends rapidly without either side showing any superiority until Rigden for Whakatane netted from a nice centre by Crawford. Again after the bully, play changed ends rapidly and Tuhoe pressed hard -but a free hit in the circle to Whakatane for offside play relieved a dangerous situation. Play continued to seesaw from end to end with Tuhoe doing a lot of attacking but the forwards did not appear to have the necessary 'finish to net the ball ance they had entered the circle. Whakatane cleared the ball and B. Johnson went through to score after a fine solo effort from the half-way line.

Tuhoe again pressed hard but good play by the Whakatane fullbacks cleared to the line. Whakatane attacked and Rigden was unlucky when after netting a nice shot, play was recalled for a free hit to Tuhoe for offside play by another Whakatane player. From their own 25, Tuhoe carried the ball through with nice play, the forwards swinging the ball around very well, and P. Hohua following up fast netted for Tuhoe. Half-time arived with the score Whakatane 2, Tuhoe 1.

From the bully good play by Whakatane found B. Johnson well up with the ball and from a nice centre Cox netted. Tuhoe then pressed hard but a long clearing shot by Crawford reduced the pressure only to find Tuhoe back in Whakatane’s circle when the ball was cleared to Cox who took play right to the opposing circle with a beautiful run and centred for Hammond to find the net. Johnson notched the next try with a beautiful shot and shortly afterwards repeated this performance.

Whakatane again pressed into the circle but Tuhoe cleared and carried play into Whakatane’s circle but failed to net. The ball swung up and down for some time until a nice hit by P. Hohua took the ball well up and his centre found the Whakatane backs out of position and B. Hake netted for Tuhoe. Whakatane 6, Tuhoe 2. The final whistle found Whakatane again on the attack with the final score Whakatane 7, Tuhoe 2. Players in prominance on the day were Johnson who was always dangerous when in possession of the ball. Rigden and Cox also played a good attacking game. Crawford at centre half was reliable but could have fed his left wing more to advantage. B. Walker and W. Mokomoko played excellent games as fullbacks for Whakatane.

P. Hohua for Tuhoe played an excellent,game but appeared to lack support.