HOCKEY.

Manawatu Herald, Volume XXXVI, Issue 1251, 28 May 1914, Page 3

HOCKEY.

FOXTON A. (4) v. SHANNON

This match was played on the local ground and resulted as above. From the start Foxton attacked and soon had Shannon backs in trouble. After some smart forward work McMurray opened Foxton’s account with a good shot from the edge of the circle. On resuming, the local forwards again rushed the ball into the circle and McMurray again succeeded in netting the ball. Foxton 2 —Shauuon o, inside the first seven minutes. Shannon’s blood was now up and they waded in with such goodwill that Foxton was kept busy defending. Good work by Woods and Ingram saved the situation and play was transferred to midfield. After a bit of even play Foxton forwards rushed play into the visitors’ circle, the defending backs hitting behind to save the situation, but the resulting corner hits were of no benefit to Foxton. Time and again the local forwards were within an ace of scoring, but at last Hazlett managed to beat the goal keeper with a good angle shot. Later Bryant just missed and McMurray sent in a beauty that struck the top bar. When half-time sounded the score was : Foxton 3—Shannon 0.

With the sun behind them the Shannon players set out to make things lively, Foxton however were still going strong and bad somewhat the better of the fast play which followed. After some good passing amongst the forwards Negus was successful in scoring a neat goal. Foxton 4 Shannon 0, After 'ome even play Shannon attacked but could not penetrate the home team’s defence. At this stage Ingram had to retire owing to an injury to his knee. Shannon again pressed and from a scramble in the local’s circle succeeded in scoring a well deserved goal. After this play was of an even nature and when the whistle sounded Foxton was leading by 4 goal to 1. A criticism of the play will appear in Saturday’s issue.

The local ladies’ team played Otaki, at Levin, yesterday, and although defeat was suffered by four goals to nil, the game played by Foxton was an improvement on their previous displays. The score is a fair indication of the strength of the two teams on the day's play, although Foxton had hard luck in not scoring on oue or two occasions. Otaki scored two goals in each spell. Of the Foxton players Misses Bowe (2), Hodgson, Bryant, and Wanklyn were the pick. There is good material in this team, but more practice is required. The players are too fond of hitting the ball behind the Hue when in a tight corner, thus giving the opposing side an advantage. They are also too slow in getting their sticks into position, and yesterday in this connection the Otaki girls beat them every time. All the faults are due to one cause : want of knowledge of the game and practice, and the players should take every opportunity available for further practice. At Moutoa, Foxton B. were defeated by 12 goals to nil. Levin A beat Levin B by one goal to nil, and Shannon Ladies beat Levin by one goal to nil.