HOCKEY HAPPENINGS

Rotorua Morning Post, Volume 2, Issue 311, 26 August 1932, Page 2

HOCKEY HAPPENINGS

TEAM DISAPPOINTS ALTER ATION S NECESSARY IN REPRESENTATIVE SIDE. VISIT BY KEREPEEHI. (Notes by "Sticks.") Although the Rotorua women's representative team in its match against Hamilton, last Saturday did not suffer defeat, the team generally did not produce the form and combination expected of it, and it is apparent that alteration is necessary in several positions. Taking the play generally, Rotorua had the best of the play and should have scored on several occasions, its failure to do so being largely the tactics of playing 3 backs and no goalie employed by Hamilton, resulting in difficulty being experienced in remaining on-side. Also, too many passes from left to right went astray and as right wing, | G. Swinton was a disappointment. Behind her also a weakness was evident, and in consequence additional responsibility was placed upon E. Mitehell in the right full-back position. It is disappointing to find that both G. Swinton and R. llpu, who were the wealcest links in the team, do not appear suited to representative hockey, as their club play leaves nothing to be desired. However, both are young and may yet justify their claims for future inclusion. Best Forwards. M. Werahiko, T. Manarapa and Mattie Mitehell were the pick of the forward line and when opportunity arose kept the opposing backs on the alert. The bully, T. Wharekura, was

far below her best form and it is evident that laek of regular play so far this season has told its tale. She showed little of the leadership which in the past marked her play and will have to improve to retain her place in the team. Although she played quite a fair game, J. Chaytor was not at her best and appears to be getting a little careless in her methods. However, we are so used to seeing her play an outstanding stick that perhaps she may be excused for loss of form, which, I consider, is only temporary. * As centre half, little complaint could be made of T. Mitehell, and she was solid opposition in both defence and attack. Both full-backs, K. Tekuru and E. Mitehell were sound, the latter playing up to her best form and demonstrating her well lcnown aptitude for the position of captain. It remained for her to score the goal which made the result a draw and the movement in which she took the ball the greater part of the field to net for Rotorua was a brilliant effort. It might be said that this occurred but two minutes before the call of time, denionstrating her determination to pull Rotorua out of the fire. As goalkeeper, J. Tanner was perfectly sound and made some good saves, the ball which got past her being practically impossible to save. It is evident, therefore, that at least one alteration will have to be considered by the selectors when choosing the next te&m, and it is to be hoped that L. Tanner (Te Puke), who was chosen to play last Saturday in preference to R. Ipu, will be available. Match with Kerepeehi. In response to an invitation forwarded by the local association, the Kerepeehi Association have accepted a match in Rotorua and have suggested that it be played on September 10. It is understood that this date is acceptable to Rotorua and it will he pleasing to see the Kerepeehi representatives in aetion here again, after an absence of some years. Dominion Tourney. Owing to the late entry of the West Cqast team, the New Zealand Women's Hockey Association have found it necessary to alter the draw for the Dominion tourney, which' commences this week. West Coast have been allotted to the B section, thereby creating a bye with seven teams and necessitating the first games in this section being played to-day instead of to-morrow. The A section games will commence to-morrow and both seetions will take the greater part of next week to decide the winners to play off for the "K" Cup. In local circles to-morrow, the only game will he that in the A grade between Mourea and Shamrocks, at 3 p.m. and it should prove one of the brightest of the season. Owing to the school holidays, it has been found necessary to postpone the final match in the B grade between Whippets and Mamaku until to-morrow week.