HOCKEY.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 974, 21 August 1903, Page 3

HOCKEY.

KIA-KA.HA V. WEST END.

(By Bully-off.)

Despite the inclement weather there was a large concourse of spectators to witness the contest between the above teams. The ground was in a very slippery condition, and it was anticipated this would spoil good play, but, nevertheless, those who had braved the elements to support this popular sport, wore treated to a splendid display, some very brilliant play being indulged in. Unfortunately it was marred by an accident, Clark (West End, a keen hockeyite who has done much to popularise the sport) being struck by a hard driven ball from Lewis just above the eye, and therefore had to retire from the field to seek medical attendance. I sincerely trust he will soon recover from his mishap, which was purely an accident. The following were the teums : Kia-Kuha : Brosnahan, Garrett, Sharp, Evans, Willock, Somerville, Maude, Hanson, Bright, Shaw, and Wells. West End: Bushnell, Douglas, Wepiha, Clark, Lewis, Poanauga, Kohero, Bussell, Campbell, Somervell, and Wi Friday. The game was an exceptionally good one, and those who had takon the state of tho ground into consideration were agreeably disappointed. From the bully-off play was very fast. Kia Kaha started aggressively, and soon had the ball in West End’s 25, which was promptly stopped by Clark and transferred to the other end of the field. Sharp, however, gained possession, and passing to Shaw the latter had a good run, but the redoubtable Wepiha proved too much for him, saving nicely. Some good open play was then indulged in, Maude having one particularly good chance. He, however, mulled in consequence of overrunning himself. Play was very even from this, some good individual work being done. Kia Kaha pressing very hard had a free hit given in their favor just outside West End’s circle. Garret passed to Hansen, who promptly transferred to Bright, and enabled him to secure a goal, tho score at half-time being Kia Kaha 1, West End nil

On resuming play was more loose, and through the splendid combination of the Kia-Kaha team they constantly pressed West End. Both Poananga and Wepiha, however, got in some good individual runs, but could not pass the back division of their opponents, Sharp and Evans particularly, who in defence were very sound. From a good run by Somerville, some good passing enabled Maude to gain possession, and he succeeded in scoring, amidet applause. Kia-Kaha 2, West End 0. Kia-Kaha, continuing their aggressive play, quickly added another to their credit, Bright scoring, Kia-Kaha 3, West End 0. Clark’s unfortunate mishap seemed to have demoralised the West Enders, and theKia-Kahas added two more goals in quick succession, one of which should have been easily stopped by Lewis, who was playing in anything but his usual form. The game ended—Kia-Kaha 5, West End nil. Those most notable for Kia-Kaha were Sharp, Evans, Bright, and Maude, whilst those most prominont for West End were Wepiha, Clark, Poananga, Campbell, and Wi Friday. Mr Pavitt refereed in his usual able manner, and is to bo commended for his promptitude in penalising for “sticks” and "obstruction.” He was assisted on the lines by Messrs Mercer and Doyle.