HOCKEY.

Gisborne Times, Volume XXV, Issue 2154, 9 August 1907, Page 3

HOCKEY.

Tlic first matches of the last round for the hockey championship were ola.ved on the Victoria Domain yes-terday-afternoon, there being a good ittondanco of spectators. About half-way through the games a shower >f rain* came on, which caused both the players and onlookers a great deal of discomfort. CITY v. TE RAU.

This match was played on No. 1 ground, and resulted in a victory for Citv by the narrow margin of 1-goal, the scores -being—City 3 goals, Te Rau 2. From the bully-off Te Rau made the pace very fast, and attacked City’s stronghold determinedly, jity responding with a brilliant effort, and clearing their .line aifitcr lome splendid play, in which Martin, md Wilson sliono out. Gideon and Vlutu roturned to the attack, and Mutu was successful in sending the ball cleanly into the net, drawing first blood. Do vie shortly afterwards burned .tbe tables* by sending the ball into tlic net witli a neat drive, equalising the scores. Bayley next came into prominence by scoring a fino goal for City, which put. Te Rau on I their mettle, and from a fine rush I Cranvp registered a goal, again bringI i.ng the teams on a level. Some very I fast play ensued, both teams making I strenuous efforts to secure a victory. I'and AVilson, from a line passing rush, hit the winning goal for City, amidst

great applause. For the winners Bayley, AVilson, Armstrong, Doyle, and Martin played well, and wero mainly responsible for their victory. For the losers Edwards, Brown, Pine, and Mutu were the pick. Mr. Pfjvitt carried out the duties of referee in his usual capable manner, while Messrs. Smith and Olsen were the line umpires. AVEST END v. IvIA KAIIA.

On No. 2 ground the above teams tried hard to wrest a victory from each other, but after a spirited contest tho game ended in a draw, both sides scoring 2 goals. Tho game was one of tho fastest seen on ia local ground, and some first-class form was shown by both, teams. In the first half West End had all the best of the game, .and Pirie scored two fine goals from passing rushes. The Kia Kaha team were not beaten, however, AA itty and Brigliit each scoring a goal. Tlio play of the whites (Ivia Kahn) in the last half. was very good, and despite the fine ''defensive play of Olsen and Roderick their forwards succeeded in making a draw of tho game. For Kia Kalin Garrett, Hansen, Bright, and Grant were the most I conspicuous, while for tho losers 01Isen, Roderick, Pirie, and McDachlan I played best. Air. Lanrenson controlI led the game in an able manner, givI ing every satisfaction, while. Messrs. I Moore and Fraser held the line penI nous.

lmliorous in tlieir enthusiasm about tho victory of tho professional sculler, There is a proposal afoot to present tho champion with a house and land and oven to obtain a Government grant in aid. -.Noedless to say tho latter proposal is strongly condemned ns savoring of athleticism run mud.

STATEMENT BY THE UMPIRE. United Press Association —Copyright SYDNEY, August 8. The umpire in Saturday’s boat race in a letter to tho press, replying to criticisms, says: —“Had I given any other decision than I dill it would have paused n stain on Now South Wales sport, fair play, and justice, that would not easily have been washed out.” Ho adds: “Towns says that after Hie foul lie did not try. 1 leavo the public to judge if this is tho languago of a manly sportsman.”