HOCKEY.

Otaki Mail, Volume 26, 5 September 1919, Page 3

HOCKEY.

TE HOEO (2) V. OTAKI (1). -' The above match caused considerable i interest and drew a large number of ' spectators at Otaki on Wednesday, i being played in ideal weathor. The ground was in good order, the players in splendid form, and taken all round the contest was one of the best played locally for some time. Early in the game Otaki made supreme efforts to I score, but Te Horo played a fine defen- ' sive game, and it was only through a hard scramble within five yards of the goal that the defence was broken . The ball was sent hard in,' rebounded twice, and before anyone was awaro of what had happened had slowly crossed the lino. With a goal in their favour Otaki i played determinedly, but Te Horo were i equal to the occasion, and the spell ended without further score The second half was equally as fast as the first, and play was of a high standard. Combination, hitting, and stoppiiig were outstanding features of the game, while the best of feeling predominated. To Horo shortly after opening attacked and M. Fitzgerald scored a goal worthy of a fine player. With scores even play was brisk, and onslaught after onslaught was made in both halves. Play continued of an even and interesting nature. Finally Te Horo, through the shooting of Fitzgerald, scored a second goal, -just before call of time. One timekeeper states time was overplayed, but the other is equally positive that time was not up —in any case the referco was not acquainted as to the decision of the former.

The game throughout was hard, fast, and interesting, and played in a way that did credit to both teams. There was no unnecessary rough 'play, and tho few mishaps that did occur —and that, might happen in any match—wexe purely the result of accident, and this players readily acknowledged. The way the boys of both sidos used their sticks was a treat to witness, their hitting and stopping being very creditable. Once in the circle the teams worked most energetically, and it was a noteworthy fact that they kept their posiions. Combination, on the atack, was especially good, and it was only by sound defence that tho scores were not larger. Members of both teams played well, and credit is due to all for providing splendid sport. Mossrs Noble and Nicolson were referoes.

Y.M.C.A. (1) V. TAINUI (0). I This match was played at Levin, and was attended by a large number of spectators. From the hop off Tainui made things hum, getting into the circle about a dozen times, but could not find the net. At half-time the homo boys had only got over the visitors' 23 line twice. On changing ends Tainui again made for the circle on many occasions, but could not score, being ever-anxious. Just, about five minutes to go, Alf Atkins got the ball from a pass—somo said he was offside —and had no difficulty in finding the net. From this on Tainui made big efforts to score, but in vain. jSTo side sounded with the scores one to nil in favour of the home boys. Messrs Bull j and Noble controlled the game. For the winners they were all evens in tho backs, and in the forwards Alf Atkins was the pick. For the losers Lima in goal had practically nothing to do, as Y.M.C.A. only got into the visitors' circle three times. Geo. Wintorburn ] was the best back on the ground. His j hitting was a treat, and oh many occa- ; sions the spectators had some hair- ' breadth escapes. C. Enoka was of no help in the backs, and might have done better in the forwards. In the halves Bowden was the best, Burns at times being dashy and may be heard of later. Kershaw was right off colour. In the - forward division Kehu, as usual, was the best, with Ferguson next. Dayton and August also showed up at intervals. S. Enoka was not at his best, and like his brother may have done better elsewhere. This loss will give the more experienced players a lesson, viz.. Rehua, Patching, Puna, Mahinia, ; and Murray, who did not go up. ""...eaSS** The Otaki an.d 5* Horo State school bbys have arranged to play a match at the latter place to-morrow afternoon. Two matches of interest will be played for tho championship on Wednesday. The Excelsior team will play Otaki at Otaki, while Tainui will journey to Te Horo. After Otaki's performance on Wednesday last Excelsior will have to supply their best team to win.