Auckland Wins N.Z. Hockey Tourney

Sun (Auckland), Volume 1, Issue 114, 4 August 1927, Page 8

Auckland Wins N.Z. Hockey Tourney

WAIKATO SOUNDLY BEATEN FAST AND EVENTFUL GAME After a splendid contest full of incident and of a good standard of play Auckland defeated Waikato by the handsome figure of six goals to nil in the final of the New Zealand Hockey Challenge Shield tournament decided at Remuera yesterday. Auckland completely outclassed its old rival in the forward department and in general proved to be superior in combination and team tactics. Waikato put up a very fair showing in the first session, and the backs, Ewen and Allen, in conjunction with Melville, a clever goalie, kept the home side at bay with commendable determination. Gradually, however, as the game wore on and Auckland’s attackers hammered away almost unceasingly at the defence, the garrison tired under the pressure, and during the last fifteen minutes could not withstand the strain. Three goals were secured by the town boys in that time, and the van was working in magnificent unison and with complete understanding. The passing and clever gathering of the ball had Waikato’s defenders baffled, and only Melville’s dependable pads saved a double-figure score. Waikato’s forwards were much disconcerted by their opponent’s halves, of whom Radcliffe was a half-line unto himself. Many a promising movement was nullified by his timely stick and big reach. Dr. Leonard, located at right half, was an ever-present thorn in Waikato’s left flank, and often a movement initiated by the wing man did not get further than its incipient stage. Haggett gave a patchy display, sometimes brilliant, but frequently unconvincing. He was altogether too fond of working his way up among the forwards so that his sector was often left unmarked. Davis was in excellent fettle at right fullback, and his clearing was almost invariably flawless. Prater, associated with him, was safe, but he was troubled by the rough condition of the turf, consequently his driving sometimes lacked sting. Lucas, between the goal posts, spent a fair portion of the game leaning up against one of them, particularly in the second half, but when Waikato’s vanguard looked dangerous, he was ready for some splendid saves. The obvious fault with the units of the visitors’ front line was their

foolish bunching and tendency to rob one another of the ball. These tactics were fatal in the enemy circle, and after a lot of hard work in getting the ball within shooting range, bunching ruined many golden opportunities. The halves, though fairly good on the defensive, failed to supply their forwards with the leather, with the result that these men had often to drop back and get it for themselves. THE GENERAL RUN OF PLAY The teams were: Waikato.—Melville, Allen, Ewen, Granville. Sweeney, Peters, Thomas, McKinnon, Sexton (captain), O'Regar., Bradley. Auckland. —Lucas, Prater, Davis. Dr. Leonard (captain). Radcliffe, Hagget, Greenbank, J. Carter, E. Watts, Fletcher, PhilpotL Waikato was first to attack and the van reached Auckland’s circle, where the Blues had some anxious moments, but Davis cleared. Auckland then attacked. but was repulsed by Ewen. but maintaining the pressure and a fine movement, in which Watts, Carter and Philpott were associated, saw the last net a splendid goal from the edge of the circle: Auckland 1, Waikato 0. After 10 minutes’ play, Fletcher had to retire from Auckland’s team, having received a blow on the face. After the stoppage Waikato initiated an offensive actuated by the half-line. Working the ball to the circle edge, the van made strenuous efforts to score, but the defence held- Fletcher soon returned to the front line after medical attention. A breakaway by Auckland carried play to the Waikato circle, where Eric Watts transferred to Carter, who drew the goalie but misjudged the goal mouth, and pushed the ball just outside the net. Bradley then set Waikato’s van in motion, passing to O’Regan; the latter essayed a shot, which was cleared by Davis. Further pressure was relieved by Radcliffe, who intercepted a pass from O’Regan to Sexton. Bradley was again seen in a flank rush, but Davis accepted the pass intended for Sexton. Philpott then set Auckland’s van on a sortie and passed to Watts, who dribbled a few yards, then sent on to Carter, but the inside right was off-side. The free hit was stopped by Radcliffe, who carried the leather up the field, and transferred to Watts, who was held up by Ewen. Matters were evenly contested with the advantage swinging evenly between the goals for some minutes. Bradley then got away, but Dr. Leonard broke up the movement After a bout of scrambling play Peters, centrehalf for W'aikato, sent O’Regan away, but the effort was nullified by Davis. Then Auckland made a sally, and a fine solo run by Eric Watts looked like a certain goal, but over-eagerness upset his direction finding, and his shot flashed a yard outside the post. Half-time was called immediately afterwards: Auckland 1, Waikato 0. j After the spell play continued at a fast pace, with Auckland getting rather j the better of the encounter. The [ Greens were not to be denied, and they I made things hot for the Blue jerseys, | but sound defensive work by Frater ! and Davis kept the net intact. A series ; of assaults by Auckland found Melville between Waikato’s posts ready ; and saving magnificently. ’ Further promising movements by Sexton’s men were spoiled through 1 faulty circle tactics. A splendid run initiated by Philpott, who transferred i to Watts to Carter, gave the inside

right a chance, which he made full use of with a long shot, which beat Melville. • Soon afterward a left-wing attack found Philpott and Fletcher associated in a pretty passing rush, and Fletcher carried the leather into the circle and shot past Melville’s pads, putting Auckland three up. Auckland forwards made a sharp assault on the Waikato circle, and Carter let go a hot shot, which Melville stopped while on his knees- The gam* then became one-sided. Greenbank made a fine solo run. ars carried play to the enemy circle, where he rushed in and goaied in great style: Auckland 4, Waikato 0. Auckland’s van was now master of ceremonies, and F*!etcher and Eric Watt* added two more in quick succession. The final whistle found Auckland with six goals in its bag, while Waikato had failed to score. WAIPA V KING COUNTRY {Special to THM SUS.> • TAUMARUNUI, Wednesday. Considerable interest centred in the representative hockey matches here this afternoon, between teams from ladies’ and men’s associations of the Waipa and King Country centres. There was a good attendance of the public, and the games were well fought out, resulting in a win for the Waipa men and a win for the King Country ladies. The details were as follow: — Ladies’ Match.—King Country 3. v. Waipa 2.—The home scorers were Miss K. Carlson (2), Miss E. Carlson (2) 2nd Miss D. Fraser (1). Scores for the visitors were registered by Misses Leathern and A. McCready, one goal each. The sides were fairly evenly matched but the King Country forward* were superior to their opponents, and controlled the game in their department. Men’s Match.—Waipa 3, v. King Country 2. —The Waipa scorers were Coombes (2), Finch (1). For King i Country Patrick (1), Liddell (1). The contest was very even an ; through, and the visitors deserved i their victory* _ h Messrs F. Christmas and S. saran \ refereed both matches.