LADIES' HOCKEY.

Press, Volume LXI, Issue 18479, 5 September 1925, Page 4

LADIES' HOCKEY.

SOUTHLAND RETAINS THE CHAMPIONSHIP. (FBXSS ASSOCIATION TBLIOEAU.) GISBORNE, September 4. In glorious weather, before an attendance of fifteen hundred, the final game in the New Zealand Ladies' Hockey Championship to-day resulted in a win for (Southland, who retained the championship, beating Ruahine by 3 goals to 2. The game was distinguished by the high standard of play of the som-uern forwards. j.ii luc o£jtsuiii& tiie southern half-backs we»e so j-,ood as usual, bui. mwie up Uie icen uy. iauu s iuU-oacKS piaye4 a great game, tiiuir deleiice being aiuiost mipenetrable. AiualiiUe's lOtAvarils were gootl individually, but lacKed the nnishod team woiK of their opponents, combination being ragged, and much mdiviuuai work. The hmves played a great game, but the fullbacks at times were inclined to speculate. The game throughout was of high standard, and the southerners' victory migiit be attributed to hard hittmg, better placing, and better combination. . The first spell was distinguished by Ruahine's persistent attack on tho enemy's goal, Miss T. McDowell doing great work on the "wing. On one occasion she put in a great fjolo run, but the shot in goal was blocked by Miss Hawke. Play changed to the other end, and Miss Bell, in centre, had a shot which Miss Brabazon saved, and from a scramble in the circle the ball came out to Miss Bell who sent across to Miss Horner, the latter shooting a beautiful goal. Southland «. ..1 Ruahine i.« .. 0 Play was evenly contested fintil within a few minutes of the end of the first spell, when Miss Mclntyre (Southing' started a rush, and in the circle again gott possession, but Mrs Duncan, Ruahine s goalie, saved. Then from a long_corfii" li»H went out to Miss V. Redfearn (Ruahine), who passed to Miss Foreman. The latter had a shot which Miss Hawke saved, but the ball bounced off another southern player, and Mrs Hoppi shot successfully xor Ruahino, hiaking the score; Southland »» ..1 Ruahine •• ..1 The second spell opened with a determined attack bv Southland with Miss 0. Bell prominent. l' ron J a fierce struggle in the circle Miss Ashley shot for the net. but Mrs Duncan countered. Then Miss Melvin seized an opening and shot into the net. Southland ••• Ruahine •. .. 1 Ruahine rushed the ball downfield, but the Southland backs were still impenetrable. After open play, Miss Clarke, for Southland, started a movement which terminated in Miss Bell finding the net. Southland >• •> " * i Ruahine • • v • * In the concluding stages, tho gam© was a very fast and brilliant exhibition. Ruahine pressed heavily, but Miss Horner returned. Miss Irencn checked and started a rush downfield, which ended in a struggle m the circle, and from an opening Miss V. Redfearn found the net. Southland i*« ** « Ruaihine Towards the end the groat struggle continued, and the bell sounded with Southland pressing Ruahine heavily. (PRKBS ASSOCIATION TEMSQRAK.) 100 yds Challenge Cup. Mr J. Edwards, a Giebornc resident, fesa presented the New Zealand Hookey Aaaoci*r tion with a handsome silver challenge cup, to be competed for annually at the tourt*. meats, for a 100 yds New Zealand .uadiee Hocfcey Championship. The condition* stipulate that only three, representatives frcm each Association shall enter. The offer has been accepted by the Association. Eighteen nomination* were received, and heate were run to*iay. Kesults:— First Heat—Mies Hepburn (Poverty Bay) 1, Miss Cook (Hawke'e Bay) 2. Won by a yard. Tune, iseeo. geoc-nd Haal—Wied' Eastwood (Poverty Buy* 1, M'es Foreman (Buahine) 2. Won by three yards- Time, laeee. Third Hoat—Mios Dawison (Wellington) 1, Mies Clark (Southland) 2. Won by a yard. Time, 13 l-56ec. „ , These six will compete in the final tomorrow.