Dominion Hockey Tourney Opens

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 112, 2 August 1927, Page 12

Dominion Hockey Tourney Opens

WAIKATO DEFEATS COUNTRY FAIR STANDARD SHOWN The first round of the New Zealand Hockey Challenge Shield tournament was decided yesterday afternoon at Kemuera, when Waikato defeated the Auckland country representatives by 4 to 1. The sides were more evenly matched than the score would indicate, and although Waikato got the better of the second half, the first session was •yenly contested. Waikato’s forward line moved like clockwork, and its circle work was invariably more accurate and carefully considered than Country’s exhibition. Further, Country’s wing halves were absolutely off their game, and were unable to support the vanguard or to make any showing at defence. Turnbull, at centre, was the ony unit who was of real worth to his side. THE PLAY IN DETAIL The teams were: Waikato.—Melville, Allen, Ewen, Granville, Sweeney, Peters, Thomas, McKinnon, Sexton (captain), O'Regan, Bradley. Auckland Country.—Postlewaite, Salmon, Carl, Johns, Turnbull (captain!, Smith, T. Finch, Hewlett, Grimmer, Matthews, Goertz. Referees, Messrs. H. B. Speight .and X. Howard Norton. Waikato secured from the bully-off, and a run by Bradley took play to Country's circle, where Carl drove clear. Play swung to opposite territory, and T. Finch took charge, but Waikato’s backs were safe. Thomas, light wing, got possession for Waikato, and swept down the line, but lost control in the circle. Play hung about midfield for a stage, and Waikato’s forwards got away, but McKinnon’s push shot missed the goal by a foot. Shortly afterwards Waikato made another sortie, and some scrambling resulted in Country’s circle. Postlewaite cleared twice, but O’Regan eventually beat him in the struggle, Uast and open play followed, with honours even, until Grimmer got away for « ’ountry, with Goertz in support, but the opportunity was lost when the latter lost control in attempting a back stroke shot at goal. At this stage Mr. Morton had to retire suffering from an injury received a few minutes before through being struck with the ball.

Soon after resuming. Countrv was cornered, but the Waikatos failed to convert the chance. Country’s opportunity came a little later, when play centred in Waikato’s circle, but faulty stickwork nullified some chances. Goertz took the ball from the baseline, and sent across to Grimmer, who Irad a clear shot, but in speculating he missed the ball altogether. Country made further strong attacks, and Waikato’s custodian, Melville, saved brilliantly twice in succession from hard .-hots by Grimmer. A likely attack by Country saw Hewlett transfer to Goertz, but the latter was offside. From ihe free hit Waikato set up a determined attack, and Bradley sent across a, beautiful centre, but it was mulled in the circle. Play swung to the other end. and T. Finch ran down the right •wing and centred to Grimmer, who drove a hard shot from the edge of the • Ircle, beating Melville all the way. Waikato 1, Country 1. Half-time sounded immediately afterwards.

Upon resuming, Waikato took up the attack, but the van was repulsed by Salmon. Country then initiated an offensive, and a lucky shot hit the goal post and went outside. Play swung to the opposite twenty-five, and Waikato invaded Country’s circle, where Postlewaite had some anxious moments, but bunching and desperate scrambling kept the ball out of the net. A vigorous and even bout of hockey followed, until Waikato had Country hard pressed in its twentyfive. Then Waikato worked the leather to Country’s circle, where Sexton saw his chance. Waikato 2, Country 1. Two minutes later Waikato’s van sallied forth, and O’Regan added the third goal. Roused by the reverse, Country set its attacking party In motion, and Matthews made a fine solo run to the Waikato circle, and passed in. but the chance was spoiled by over-eagerness. The centre of action shifted to the other half, and Bradley, left wing for Waikato, obtained possession, and, swerving in on bis own, sent a terrific shot high into the net. and Postlewaite could only dodge the ball. Flushed jwith success, Waikato maintained the pressure, and Bradley essayed more hard shots, and almost succeeded in goaling. The game evened up a bit for the next five minutes found Country making desperate efforts to reduce the deficiency. The final whistle found Country stiil on the attack. The game ended: Waikato *, Country 1.