Horowhenua Women Win Hockey Match

Chronicle (Levin), 19 September 1949, Page 2

Horowhenua Women Win Hockey Match

In a fast and exciting game, Horowbenua snatched a lastminute win against tlie Wellington Maori women's hockey representative team at the Otaki Domain on Saturday before a good crowd. " With excellent scoring opportunities going begging on both sides, it was an even game up to the last few minutes, and just when a scoreless fdraw ' seemed likely Horo whenua netted from ,a goal-mouth melee. Wellington had their chance in the opening spell to get two goals, but in the second half Horowhenua gave a greatfy improved display and appeared to be urilucky not to score twice. There was very little between the teams. Wellington held the territorial advantage in the opening speli, E. Enoka, right wing, sending across some well-timed centres which were not taken full advantage of in the circle. The inners fumbled too much instead of shooting. Hofowhenua's backs, particularly M. Bishop, tackled well, and got their team out of some awkward situations. The forwards made several good sorties on the 'Wellington goal, but M. Weko and R. Utiku played a rocklike defence, while R. Tamaki was seen to advantage in goal. F. Royal did'fine work at centre-half for Horowhenua, G. Soloman, left wing, made some effective runs down the Wellington wing, but her centres were not taken advantage of. B. Hakaraia brought off two magnificent saves in goal for Horowhenua. Horowhenua showed to much better advantage in the second half, giving the Wellington defence plenty to 'do. R. Hakaraia, centre forward, was prominent with several solo efforts. N. Johnston, inside left, was always prom-

inent in the attacks and went close to scoring. Borgia Hakaraia, left wing, was always to the fore for Horowhenua, but appeared to be over-anxious near the circle, losing good opportunities. 1 A few minutes before time Horowhenua were awarded a penalty corner, and a melee developed in front of the Wellington goal, from which M. Bevan, inside right, completely beat the defence. Mrs. M. Pene (Wellington) and Mr. Ralph . (Horowhenua) were the umpires. Rahui Beat C.O.G. In the early game Rahui proved too •experienced for the youthful C.O.G. (Wellington) juniors, winning by three goals to nil. Rahui played forceful hockey an'd the forwards' shooting had plenty of sting. C.O.G. did well to hold the strong opposition to late scoring. Scorers for the winners were M. Cootes (2), R. Cribb. Mrs. E. Debreceny (Horowhenua) and R. Utiku (Wellington) umpired.