HOCKEY.

Putaruru Press, Volume VI, Issue 244, 5 July 1928, Page 8

HOCKEY.

PUTARURU v. N.Z. PERPETUAL FORESTS. These teams met at Putaruru on Saturday, when a most enjoyable game ended in a win for the visitors by 3 goals to nil. Though the margin appears somewhat decisive, and was fully earned by the native team, the home side had a full share of the game in midfield. At the 25, however, there was not quite enough dash and cohesion when approaching the hard hitting native backs, and the forwards appeared timid in comparison, only Misses Wheeler and M. Rolfe showing any disposition to take the game to close quarters. The Maoris started off with a great rush, their quick stick work and sure eye being telling factors in non-plus-sing their opponents. They were also more fleet-footed and persistent in their tackling, though their position play was nothing near as good as that of the home team.

In the first spell the Forest team notched two goals from the sticks of Misses M. Raimona and M. Hoko. In the second spell the home team settled down somewhat, and had several chances, but lacked finishing power in the circle. The Maoris’ only score was the result of a great individual run by Miss Hoko from halfway. In one rally a Maori back sat on the ball and the team was lucky to escape a penalty bully. Other chances were lost through lack of combined driving power when near goal. For the visitors Misses Rangi Ipu and Kimi Kahura proved to be a pair of hard hitting backs whose work largely contributed to their side’s victory. Misses Jane Herewini at centre half, Mary Raimona, inside left, Rosie Ipu, outside right, and Mary Hoko, bully, also distinguished themselves, the latter being a fine individualist of great determination. As it was only the second match of the home team, largely composed of novices, their' play was quite goofi. The main defects were that the backs did not support the halves, and a lack of finish in their opponents’ 25 by the forwards. Misses Wheeler and M. Rolfe were the only forwards to harass the defence persistently, both playing well, with the former vieing with Miss Hoko as the best on the field. The halves as a line kept position well but were too slow for the fleet-footed Maori forwards, and like the backs lacked power in their shots. As a line they were weak in tackling, but good in supporting their forwards. Miss Semple was the only other Putaruru player to show up, displaying fine stick work at times on the wing, but on the whole was too closely watched throughout to ever become really dangerous. The game was watched by several hundred spectators, the sides being as follows:

Putaruru (red and white). —Goal, Mrs. Anderson; fullbacks, Mrs. Brown and Miss N. Sneddon; halves, Misses Miller, Dunstan and Sayers; forwards, Misses Semple, M. Rolfe, E. Wheeler, E. Rolfe and O. Benton. N.Z. Perpeutal Forests (green and black). —Goal, Mrs. M. Waata; backs, Misses R. Ipu and K. Kahura; halves, Misses C. King, J. Herewini and M. Naera; forwards, Misses R. Ipu, R. Hunia, M. Hoko, M. Raimona and S. Naera. Umpire: Mr. Griffiths. PUTARURU LADIES’ TEAM. The following will represent Putaruru ladies against Kia Ora (N.Z. Perpetual Forests) on Saturday at Putaruru : Goal. Mrs. Anderson ; backs, Mrs. Brown, Miss Gallagher ; halves, Misses E. Rolfe, Dunstan, O. Benton ; forwards, Misses Semple, M. Rolfe, E. Wheeler, E. Berg, J. Sneddon. Reserves, Misses Sayers, N. Sneddon, L. Miller. Bully-off 1.45 p.m. sharp.