LADIES' HOCKEY

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 250, 13 June 1932, Page 6

LADIES' HOCKEY

SATURDAY'S MATCHES GOOD GAME AGAINST MOUREA WON BY ARAWA BY 2 GOALS TO ONE OTHER EXHIBITIONS POOR A disappointing feature of Saturday's ladies' hockey matches was the failure of two clubs to field full teams, the result in one of the games being an uninteresting, one-sided display. The most interesting match of the afternoon was the game between Mourea and Arawa, the decision, after a clean fast display, going to the Arawa side by the odd goal in three. Although fielding only seven players, Shamroclcs were successful in retaining their unbeaten record in the match against Hinemoa, who, although displaying some good stiekwork were beaten by players with more knowledge of the tactics of the game. Results at a glance. Mamaku 4 goals, beat Whippets nil. Arawa 2 goals, beat Mourea 1. Shamrocks 1 goal, beat Hinemoa nil. A Win to Mamaku Whippets could field only eight players against the Mamaku team and were obliged to adopt defensive measures throughout the game. For a time after the start Whippets held their opponents in mid-field, the forwards, however, not being capable of accepting one or two chances of breakaways which came their way. Mamaku were eventually enabled to transfer play into the Whippets territory and good passing rushes between their forwards, who were greatly strengthened by the inclusion of A. Bishop for the first time this season, were instituted. Many of these advances, however, were spoilt by offside play and Whippets were generally able to clear. Their forwards and halves, however, were lamentably weak and gained no advantage from the good work of the fullbacks. Mamaku's first score came as a result of a scramble in the Whippet circle, I. Barker intercepting a clearing shot on the left wing and finding the net with a hard shot. Following the restart Mamaku came back again but the forwards were finding difficulty in keeping onside against the depleted Whippet back line, and the total had not been increased when the spell had ended. The second half was only a repitition of the first, the visiting forwards showing up to better advantage, although offside play was still prevalent. Due to lack of tackling by the Whippet halves the entire Mamaku forward line was presented with a clearing shot which they utilised to good advantage enabling N. Brennan to successfully finish the movement with a good shot. Mamaku were now definitely on top and resulting play from a penalty corner in Whippet territory saw A. Bishop increase her team's total to three goals, another being added by J. Brennan as a result of fast following up of a forward hit. Mamaku were still attacking when the final whistle blew, giving them the game by 4 goals to nil. Shamrocks Narrow Win Although playing only seven players, Shamrocks, by more experienced tactics, were enabled to keep their unbeaten record intact by defeating the Hinemoa team by the only goal of the match. Shamrocks opened the game with an attack into the Hinemoa twentyfive, but their depleted forward line was stopped by the Hinemoa backs who placed their forwards on attack. However lack of experience caused them to be continually offside against the two Shamrock backs, and their advances were unavailing. T. Mitchell and J. Chaytor were showing great defensive form for Shamrocks, and with hefty clearing shot continually broke up dangerous Hinemoa attacks, one of these clearances resulting in Mattie Mitchell breaking through the Hinemoa defences and scoring for Shamrocks. Even play followed to half time, Hinemoa making strenuous efforts to equalise the score. Play was of an even nature in the second spell the tactics of the leading side making it practically impossible for Hinemoa to break into opposing territory. However one breakaway nearly resulted in a score for Hinemoa, J. Chaytor overtalcing a forward just in time to dfvert the shot at goal. In general play Shamrocks had a slight advantage, R. Ratema spoiling a good effort by turning on the ball in the circle, the penalty enabling Hinemoa to avert a dangerous position. Another chance was lost to Shamrocks soon afterwards when T. Mitchell received on the edge of the circle from a penalty corner, but her shot was delayed too long and Hinemoa cleared. Play was centred at half way when time was called giving Shamrocks the verdict by one goal to nil. A Fast Exhibition The best exhibition of the day's play was given in the Arawa versus Mourea fixture, the speedy Mourea players making the game fast and one of ever changing fortunes. Opening play resulted in determined attacks by Mourea with retaliation advances by Arawa, v/ho, however, were finding it difficult to check the movements of their faster opponents. Fairly clean stiekwork was being indulged in by both teams, both sets of backs being called upon to defend their own territory. A sudden rush commenced by the Arawa forwards took play into the Mourea circle where all the forwards followed in to bustle the goalie, enabling R. Martin to open Arawa's account. Mourea retaliated in an effort to make up the leeway, but were swept back by the Arawa backs and play centred in midfield for some time, until Mourea again broke away and R. Manahi in goal for Arawa was called upon to save her citadel, which she did in good style. Subsequent play put Arawa on the offensive and an attack developed in the Mourea circle which gave G. Allen a chance which she accepted by putting in a stinging shot which gave the goalie no chance and placed Arawa two goals in the lead. More combined play was shown by the Mourea team in the second spell

but many excursions into the Arawa circle lacked finish at the critical moment and the efforts were resultless. However good play was rewarded later in the spell when Mourea forced Arawa to concede a penalty corner, the shot going to R. Ipu, who made no mistake by putting in a hard shot from. the edge of the circle. In practically a last minute effort to equalise the score, Mourea came back again and exciting play developed in the Arawa twenty-five, but the defence was solid and a good game ended in favour of Arawa by 2 goals to one.