HOCKEY

Hokitika Guardian, 16 September 1929, Page 2

HOCKEY

THE POPE SHIELD.

J BULLER v. WEST COAST. WON BY THE CHALLENGERS. (Westport “ News.”) On Thursday afternoon, in beautiful weather and .in the presence of a good gathering df spectators, West Coast hockey team wrested the Shield from the holders, Bulier. The game was fast, but the challengers were much the better combination. Their stick work was greatly superior to that of the latter players, who missed badly and put in a lot of feeble hitting Bulier had the sun behind them and immediately attacked. From a free Mrs Colvin sent the ball from well up the fieid, right through the goal, with a direction by the opposing captain. “Let her go.” Bulier again attacked and invaded the visiting circle, but the defence held good. Then the Coast went away with a brilliant run up field into Buller’s circle, Miss Fox saving. Misses E. Steven and McE-lwee went away up field, but Miss Furness held them up. f A (fast run by Miss Paterson was held up by Miss Bansgrove. Miss McGratTi made a brilliant rqn up field and bent all the opposition for Mrs Rutson to score a beautiful goal.

COAST 1, BULLER 0. Another Coast attack ended over the line. Bulier players were getting in one another’s way. Play swept up and down field in rapid rushes. Bulier players missing badly, one after another failing to connect with the ball. Coast invaded Buller’s circle and a sure goal appeared in sight, when Miss V. Stevens came along and pushed the ball over the back line. From two corners Coast pressed the attack vigorously but over the back line ended the play. Then Miss Neighbours went off with a brilliant run, Miss Patterson carrvirig on,* but hustled in the circle she failed to find the goal. Bulier returned to the attack, but Coast forwards went away in line and Miss V. Stevens saved by conceding a corner. Coast were back again and were temporary held up by Mrs Colvin. Coast spoilt some openings by offside play. Mrs Colvin sent Bulier away but Miss Furness, N with a fine solo effort, cleared. Bulier pressed 1 again and had a penalty corner, but Miss Hall made a briliant run up field and Bulier saved with a corner. Misses McEhvee and O’Donnell led a Bulier rush, which Miss Stapleton stemmed Coast .carried all before them into Buller’s circle, but the ball dribbled just outside the ‘ goal. Coast came away again, but were held up by offside play. Misses McEhvee and O’Donnell carried the ball down field but Miss. Leach returned to Buller’s quarters. ■ Miss Stapleton came away with, her front line;in.support and'sent out to Miss Hall, who centred. Miss Fox conceded a corner. Coast players were stopping the ball well with their sticks and playing with the better combination. Bulier forwards were away, but Miss Neighbours was not up in time to connect and Coast, led by Miss Leach, came with a run to Buller’s Quarters, Miss Bowden saving by finding the touch line. Bulier gained ground along the line, but play was in meutral when the half time whistle sounded.

Buller opened up with an attack but did' not tackle and Coast broke away. Miss Leach made a fine run, which Miss Bowden held up. Coast were back on attack again. Miss Neighbours had a nice opening, but lost possession by hitting too hard, Coast com ing back in a swinging attack. A free relieved Buller and Miss Neighbours was away again. The ball was travelling up and down 'field in rapid rushes. Mrs Colvin got in a strong hit, but JBuller’s combination was missing. Buller set up a series of attacks. Misses Hall and McGrath put in a nice passing run, which Mrs Colvin held up. Coast, however were not to be denied. Miss Furness made a brilliant stop and sent her side away, Miss Leach carrying on up to the circle and Miss McGrath finishing off the movement with a goal.

COAST 2, BULLER 0. Miss Hall went off with a nice run, beating player after player, until Miss Bowden held her up and cleared. A Buller rush took play to Coast’s circle Mrs McKane conceding a corner. The Coast ran the length of the field. Miss O’Donnell returned along the line Miss McKnight holding them up. Coast forwards were off in a hot attack, but Miss V. Stevens robbed them of the ball and cleared beyond half way. Buller carried on with a good line, but Miss Taafe brilliantly stemmed the attack and sent her forward line away. Buller came back, but Miss Taafe was again too sound and cleared. Miss Delaway, for Buller,, was doing good saving work and Miss Milligan for tlje Coast. - Miss Leach led a Coast attack which Miss Bowden cleared, Miss V. Stevens carried on, but Miss Bansgrove defence was invulnerable. Playing with more vigour, Miss Taafe made a brilliant run down field, Miss V. Stevens returning with a hard hit. Buller set up a sustained attack, from which Miss Hall and Mrs Butson relieved. Play quickly changed to the other end of the field and Mrs Colvin beat player after player into the circle, just to miss the goal by inches in her final shot. Mrs Buston and Miss Hall, working well together, took play up field, but Mrs Colvin, in a brilliant solo effort, raced the length of the field. Miss Bansgrove stemmed the attack and sent her front line away. Fine play by Miss Hall, Mrs Butson and Miss McGrath ended in *the last named beat-