HOCKEY.

Gisborne Times, Volume VII, Issue 450, 21 June 1902, Page 1

HOCKEY.

A glorious day favored the opening matches in the newly inaugurated series of games between the A and B teams of the throo respective clubs. West End A played City A on the No. 1 ground of the Victoria Domain, whilst Kia Kaha B battled for supremacy against West End B on the No. 2 ground. I will take the play of the A teams first, dealing with the B match later on. Lewis and G. Busche bullied off at the commencement of the first spell, and for some considesable time the ball was kept going from one end of the ground to the other, the play though willing being very desultory and by no means a good, exposition as regards any scientific points. J. Adair, for City, was the only scorer in this spell, City thus leading by a goal to

nil. At the start of the second spell City obtained the services of Wells, who proved a great acquisition, although even uhon City were playing one man less than their opponents. After some rather exciting play Pliinmer made a desperate rush and succeeded in gaining the coveted honors, both sides now standing with one goal each to their credit.

Some short time later Buscke, who was claying with great determination, made a ucky speculator and registered a goal for City, who thus, as at the end of the first spell, were one goal to the good. From the very beginning of the third spell both sides strained every nerve to score, but the only point registered was a goal from a free kick scored by the West End Captain, Lewis, the scores at the end of the game reading West End 2 ; City 2. The first match thus ended in a drawn game, to the great satisfaction of all concerned, who although desirious that their respective clubs should win, were yet pleased that no victory was recorded against either. The play was very disappointing, -he members of both clubs seeming now to think that they are letter perfect and that they do not need to pay any attention. to the finer points of the game, a fact which I would commend to their common-sense in the future. All players in either team did their level best, and it would be invidious to comment more favorably on one player than another. Messrs Pavitt and Maude acted as referees. whilst Messrs Bright and Rowlands discharged the duties. of line umpires. Kia Kaha B played (as before stated) West End B, and were successful at the close of the game, leaving the ground victors to the tune of 4 goals to. 2, a very creditable performance considering that on paper they were playing what should prove to be the champion B team of the district. Details of this match are unfortunately not to hand, the assistant reporter having by some mischance mislaid his notes. Messrs Garrett and Evans capably filled the position of referees, the names of the lino umpires were lost as aforesaid. The next match es are set down fo July 3rd, the contestants being Kia Kaha A v. West End A, and Kia Kaha B v. City B. The large number of spectators present on Thursday testified to, the growing popularity of this fins vvinter game. Cleft AsHi