HOCKEY.

Otaki Mail, Volume XXVIII, 20 August 1920, Page 3

HOCKEY.

TE HORO (2) V. EXCELSIOR (1). I The -Excelsior players were up ; against a : tough ! proposition on Wednesday when they met a strong combination from Tc Horo. Play from the bully was what one might call willling, luckily marked by an absence of i rough play, aud the game was first in > one circle and then the other. Oftthe goal-keepers were called up to slave off stubborn attacks, and Romeo, the Levin goal-keeper, may bo justly excused for missing two hot i shots by Vic Morgan and Mick Fitzgerald. Although these players failed to penetrate the defence in the first 1 half, their onslaughts were so determined that eventually the net was , found, both goals being the outcome of 1 fine shots, following tip-top play. Levin players were most determined I to even matters, and play bocame brisk, but Jamicson, in goal for Tc Horo, repeatedly saved. A change of play with Levin was tried, players reversed their positions, but still to no decided advantage, although To Horo, c at times, were hard pressed. On the other hand, the southerners were doter- i mined to keep the lead, and by hard and judicious hitting cleared the circle ' and in turn attacked. On some occa- \ sions the ball flew past the post by ! inches only. Well on in the second half Pink from a difficult angle shot, ' and as a result a goat was awarded, j making Te Horo 2, Levin 1. From ' this to the eud of the spell play was hard and fast, but, when time was called no further score had been registered. Messrs Broughton and Nicolson f were referees. Te Horo well deserved their win; on the dav's play they were the better team. Their combination was good, their hitting strong, «hUe their only fault'lav in bad stopping. They played unselfishly, centred at the right time, and played to the side lines when •>• occasion arose. For the winners Jamicson in goal net i only used his head but his feci to decided advantage, and saved repeatedly. f Spiers also played well, his .-oolness ( being most marked, while Marino's - hard hitting was his prominent feature. The others played splendidly without exception. Levin, though beaten, were by no means disgraced, aud played a solid , game. The forwards were not seen at J their best, due largely to the southern- . ers smothering the play of the backs. - ] but still Bell Brothers, Hopa, and Brougfuon made but few mistakes, i Pink and Fox, generally most reliable I players, were below usual form, al- I though at times they put in fast play, f Although Williams played well he was , i not at his best, while other hacks were J also hampered by the Te Horo vanguard. I The match had a bearing on the championship, as if Excelsior had won _ they would have taken the cup for the j season. At present Excelsior have sustained one loss and two draws. Te _ Horo al-o have suffered a loss and two ] draws, but both their drawn games hove been ordered to be re-played. % Both are against Foxton. s ■ j. At the conclusion of the hockey match at Otaki on Wednesday trouble - arose between excited spectators, due, chiefly, to a ruling given by one of the i referees, Mr Broughton. The proceed- f ings at one time threatened to be dis- . •vreeablc. and it was unfortunate that members of the management committee were implicated, while, others stood ' idly by instead of giving proper ad- < vice. Such behaviour of both officials and spectators was most reprehensible. 1 A proposal is on foot to play a ' North v. South hockey match a* Otaki ; in view of a proposed mutch with Manawatu on a date yet to be fixed. , A match with the Feilding representa- , tives is also under consideration. j