ON THE HOCKEY FIELD.

Dominion, Volume 6, Issue 1825, 11 August 1913, Page 3

ON THE HOCKEY FIELD.

SHIELD GAME. SOUTHLAND'S MEN BEATEN. A somewhat big reputation preceded the Southland team to these slioies, and it must be said that 011 {Saturday tliey strove worthily to maintain 11. They were beaten, however, by 4 goats to nil, and tlio shield still reposes safely upou the Wellington wall. Tub southerners played well and solidly, but were uclicient. even as were the Hawke's Bay men a fortnight ago, in polish and "snap." They are a strong team and well trained, ami a team one whit weaker than the oik 1 " which Wellington put in the field would probnbjy have given them the shield. Many times they swooped down on the home goal and there wero many times, too, when a quick hefty .smite would probably have "rung tlio bell." The hefty smites wero there jn abundance, but minus the essential ingredient—suddenness. In this respect the lightning-like shots of the local forwards must have fairly opened the southerners' 1 eyes. Tho respective goal-keepers—Strang (Southland) and Dwyer (Wellington)—were nothing short of brilliant —especially Dwyer. Tlio weather was perfect and there were between five and seven hundred spectators.

The First Two Scores. Straight from the "bully" the Wellington men'swept into Southland's end; they stayed a moment or two and beat a hash* retreat, Retreat and attack in hurried fashion was tlie order for eome minutes with honours even. Wellington worked into their opponents' territory and the ball rushed about the circle at a terrific rate. Suddenly, out it flew to C. Strack, from "whom, just as suddenly, it travelled to Boyd, "and from whom, more suddenly than over, it was netted. Wellington. 1; Southland, 0. The local men were in the circle again on resuming, but an infringement gavp Southland relief. By solid hitting they took play into the circlo where, however, M'Eldowney sent them to the right-about by a splendid effort. The next few minutes, saw Wellington romping about in the enemy's property, but tlio hefty stick work of the southern men proved too disconcerting: One or two more of the local attacks ended in nothing. Then Southland descended upon tlio goaling area in real.seriousness. Pullyn gave temporary relief, but back surged the Southland forwards and fiercely the battle raged. Repulsed again were the invaders and for a little tun 0 the locals held them safe. Then, with a terrific clout, Oi Southland back completely changed order, and off galloped the visiting .forwards. Dwyer, the goal-keeper, was standing too' far out, was beaten badly, and _on went the ball straight for the Wellington goal. Thompson, however, galloped across and saved, and once more Southland were dismissed. Play hovered in mid-field for «i moment, until C. Strack and Robbie; after an exhibition of passing which pleased the onlookers immensely, rushed the ball to Southland's circle, where Strack had no difficulty in scoring. AVellington, 2; Southland, nil.

The Finest Goal. Three minutes later saw the local forwards again battling in the circle, and from Boyd's stick camo Wellingtons third goal. Southland made a few spasmodic attempts on Wellington's goal, but were always repelled. Things were busy in the visitors twenty-five, and in a minute came the finest goal of the match. From a bunch of legs "and swinging sticks the ball shot out to the wing, where Griffiths swung into position, and with extraordinary accuracy slammed it into the goal. Half-time sounded with the tally: Wellington, 4; Southland, nil. Second Spell. Equally as warm was the pace in the second spell. The Southland iorwards got to within striking distance, but a wretched shot by Sampson comprised tho result. They continued to press, however, and Dwyer was called upon to save, which same he did most effectually by booting the ball into the adjoining field. A minute later he was obliged to repeat the feat. Tho challengers' attack did not let up, and the Wellington backs fought grimly .111 defence. Dwyer in goal was well nigh impassable. Henderson struggled solidly to open the scoro for the visitors, but his shooting was not of tho right eort. Wellington got into their opponents' ground for a bit, but their shooting was poor. A temporary disablement, to C. Strack relieved Southland, but tho Yellow and Blacks attacked "hotly,.and for the next ■few minutes they fairly peppered tho visitors' goal-keeper. Strang,' however, kept them all out. C. Strack sccured from half-way a little after, and rushing the ball down the side line, slmt it infield to Boyd, who, however, with more force than accuracy, sent it past the goal. Soon after Henderson initiated a nice tit of combined play for the visitors, and the ball was carried to the Wellington end, but a clumsy hit spoilt the chance. Similar luck attended several more of their efforts, and timo sounded with "Wellington four goals to tho good. Messrs. Mitchell and Gendall controlled the game. ' Junior Club Match, Before tho shield gaino Wellington and 1v.Y.M.1. juniors replayed their game, ordered as the result of a protest. K.Y.M.I. won by 3 goals to 1. Ladies' Trial Game. Two ladies' trfal games—senior and junior—were played early.in the afternoon. The A team won by 3 goals to 1. Misses Pickering, Mollor, and Young scored goals for the winners, while Miss Harris obtained the goal for her side. The A team won the junior content by 4 goals i° niL ________