HOCKEY

King Country Chronicle, Volume VI, Issue 471, 5 June 1912, Page 5

HOCKEY

TE KUITI WIN BOTH MATCHES. Notwithstanding the very mixed weather on Monday quite a large number jouHeyed to Cotters' paddock to witness the hockey matches between the Te Kuiti and Te men's and ladies' teams. Taken ali round both game 3 were very interesting. Unfortunately for the visiting_ men's team they were without their two main players —the''bully'" and goal keeper. The absence of these two men, more narticularly the former was keenly felt, and Molloy, who played a sterling game throughout for the home team, was successful in getting possession of the ball on nearly all occasions. The ground was somewhat against the visitors owing to its uneven surface.

The ladies' match was played first and the local girls soon showed their superiority by attacking, mainly through the agency of Miss B. McDonald, who was undoubtedly the best forward on the ground. She was ably supported by Miss L. McKenzie and M. Bayley, these three players putting a lot of vim into their hits. However the defence of Te Awamutu wa3 too sound for some time, but Miss B. McDonald was not to be denied and shot a very fair goal. Despite strenuous efforts on the part of the visiting girls to score, Misses I. Graham and Boddie cleared well, and Te Kuiti soon were attacking again, but could not penetrate the visitors' defence. The first spell ended in favour of Te Kuiti by one goal to nil. On changing ends Te Awamutu attacked for some time but could not get", through, and Miss I. Graham sent the ball well back down the line where Miss M. Bayley centred and Miss Ellison carried play to Te Awamutu's circle where play dwelt for a time and the same player shou a good goal. From this out the game was never in doubt, although the visitors momentarily attacked, only to be driven back by a well timed hit by Miss L Graham. Another goal was notched by Miss B. McDonald, and the game ended —Te Kuiti three goals, Te Awamutu nil. For the winners Misses B. McDonald, L. McKenzie and_M. Bayley (forwards) and Misses Ellison and I." Graham (backs) played really well, and for the losers Misses Alexander and K. Murtagh showed the best form.

The men's match followed on immediately, and from the start it appeared that the visitors would fairly romp over the home team. They scattered well over the field and passed beautifully one to the other, taking the ball on "the wing" and attacked immediately. However McColl and Turner, although somewhat slow at first, saved when a score seemed certain. The scene of action was transferred to Te Awamutu quarter, where Semmens shot a good goal. Te Awamutu seemed to get disorganised and were called on to defend for some considerable time and Burgess shot another goal for the home boys. The first spell ended in Te Kuiti's favour by two goals to nil. The second spell was in favour of the home team and Semmens and Molloy eacft shot goals. The final score being—Te Kuiti four goals, Te Awamutu one, this score being obtained from a "penalty bully awarded for a breach of the rules by a Te Kuiti full back kicking the ball in the circle. For the winners Molloy and Semmens showed best form, while Silcork (Te Awamutu) was the best back cn the ground. _ _ In the evening a social was held in the Alexandra Rink to which fully fifty couples attended. The floor was not in the best of order, but the gathering thoroughly enjoyed themselves. Good music was supplied by Messrs J. Hetet (piano) and McDonald (cornet) and a plentiful supper was handed round. The visitors returned home by the 2 train on Tuesday morning, after thoroughly enjoying themselves. A return match between the men s teams will be played at Te Awamutu on the 26th inst., when a pleasant time is promised by the Te Awamutu