DOMINION WOMEN'S HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

Chronicle (Levin), 4 September 1947, Page 6

DOMINION WOMEN'S HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

. RANGITIKEI'S FINE SHOWING. WELLINGTON, Sept. 3. Surprises abounded at today's sectionai play at the New Zealand women 's hockey tournament, last year's joint champions, Auckland A and Otago, both meeting with reverses. Conditions were perfeet and the large crowds were thrilled by several exciting finishes. On previous performances the four main centres, Auckland, . Wellington, Canterbury and Otago appeared likely to emerge as section winners but Otago 's loss to Rangitikei who gave sounder team display, cost them their section. The defeat of Auckland A in Section C has brought the four teams level. Wellington A clinched their grip on Section A by comfortabjy def eating the" only otker unbeaten team Nelson, 5 — 0. The vital game in Section B was that between the unbeaten Otago side and Rangitikei which, the previous day, had been held to a draw by Rotorua. Betler teamwork gave Rangitikei a thrilling win of 1 — 0. Otago made strcnuous eiforts in the second spell but oft'side play proved costly. The team's performance was not comparable with that of last year's Otago side. Rangitikei proved that they arc likely to make a bold bid for the K Oup honours. Auckland A spelled some of their leading plavers against Canterbury B. This may have accounted for the lack of finish in teamwork but the deciding factor was a wonderfully iniproved display by Canterbury B. S. Looms (outside right) was outstanding for her speed and elever stick work wliile N. Whito (centre half) gave a great display and repeatedlv broke up dangerous Auckland rushes. Auckland 's defeat brought them level with Taranaki wkom they meet tomorrow wliile Eastern Southland and Canterbury, the other two leaders, also meet tomorrow. Canterbury A, unbeaten in Section D, had a bye. The other unbeaten team Ashburton was held to a draw by Auckland B. Ashburton meet Canterbury A tomorrow in the deciding mateh in this section. Results: — Section C. Canterbury B 1, Auckland A 0. Eastern Southland 8, South Canterbury 0. Taranaki, bye. Auckland A, Eastern Southland, Canterbury B and Taranaki have each had two wins and 0110 loss. Section IX Wellington B 2, Akitio 0. 'Ashburton I, Auckland B 1. Canterbury A, a bye. Canterbury A is unbeaten. Section A. Wellington A 5, Nelson 0. Wairarapa 3, Bush 0. Marlborough 3, Manawatu 0. Wellington rcmains unbeaten. Section B Rangitikei 1, Otago 0. Wanganui 3, Rotorua 2. Wellington Maoris, a bye. Rangitikei cannot be beaten in this section. _____________