HOCKEY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2089, 25 May 1907, Page 4

HOCKEY.

OPENING OF THE SEASON,

Tho Poverty Bay Hockey Association opened their season at Victoria Domain yesterday afternoon. There was a good number of spectators present- and a lively interest was taken in the matches. On No. 1 ground West End met Kia-Kaha and on No. 2 ground City played Te Ran. WEST END V. KIA-KAHA.

Promptly at- 3 o’clock tho above teams took the field and presented a pleasing picture in their distinctive colours as they lined out. West End’s colours arc red and black and KiaKalia’s all white. West End started well and pressed their opponents for a time, hitting cloanly and passing well, but the sound defence of Kia-Kaha kept them at bay. For West End, Oliver, Olsen and Hooper put in some good work, dribbling and passing with great judgment. Bright, Hansen and Willoek defended well for Kia-Kaha. Kia-Kaha brightened up a little and some very fast play ensued. Witty, Willock and Garrett were responsible for a determined attack on West End’s stronghold and Witty succeeded in drawing first blood. West- End then assumed tho aggressive and after some hard fighting Sim landed a good goal amidst applause. The score brought the teams on oven terms again and both sides went to work in real earnest, and indulged in some splendid driving. Then Kia-Kaha registered another goal, Grant hitting a nice goal. Half-time was then called, and the sides changed over. On resuming play, Hooper, for West End, was responsible for another goal being added to West End’s total, thus bringing the scores even. No further scores resulted, the gamo ending in a draw. For Kai-Kaha, Bright, Hansen, Witty and Willock were the pick. For West End, Oliver, Olsen, Rice and Hooper played well. Mr. Jas. Sadler controlled the gamo in a most efficient manner.

CITY V. TE RAM.

This match was started at 10 minutes past- 3 on No. 2 ground, and it was seen as they took their places that Te Itau were two men short. City attacked from tho start but owing mainly to the grand defensive play of Brown, AVi Friday and Buslinell their efforts proved fruitless. J. Wilson played a great game for City, his dribbling, passing and driving leaving nothing to be desired. From a fine rush by City, Grinlinton scored a goal. Brown touched the ball but did not succeed in preventing the score. Te Rau at this point decided to make the pace and after a gallant attempt Tanner succeeded in guiding the ball between the post 3, thus equalising the score. Some long driving was indulged in by both sides and altogether the form shown was very good considering it was the first match of the season.

In the second spell Smith scored another goal for City, and so no further score was registered City proved victorious by 2 goals to 1.

For City, Wilson, Doyle and Martin played well. The latter as goalkeeper did a lot of useful, work in getting his side out of danger at critical moments. The Te Rau players all “grafted” like Trojans. City’s colours are green and white and Te Rail’s are black and blue. Mr. Pavitt had charge of the whistle and controlled the game in his usual efficient manner.