HOCKEY.

Taihape Daily Times, 30 August 1918, Page 4

HOCKEY.

Yesterday the Huia Hockey team were called up to again defend the Huia Challenge Cup by the Old Girls. From the start the Huias realised that they would have to play their best if they wished to retain the cup, as the game. was tae fastest played this tcason. The Old Girls forced the play from the start and had the Huias defending. Play had only been going five minutes when E. Donovan scored for the Old Girls. Old Girls I, Huias 0. On resuming the play became faster and was up and down the field, both teams playing good hockey; but condition told, and the Huias got the Old Girls’ defending, C. Donovan scoring. Old Girls’ 1, Huias 1. On resuming the play still continued fast, but both teams were showing signs of tiring. Play was in midfield for a short spell when Huias were again attacking and E. Kilkolly scored. Huias 2, Old Girls 1. Shortly after this half time was called. On resuming the Old Girls 1 put in some good play and endeavoured to get through the Huias ’ defence, but this proved too solid. The Huias then again took the ball up the field, and after a good passing rush Miss C. DonoVan scored. Huias 3, Old Girls 1. From this on it was evident that condition was felling, as the Huias were repeatedly attacking, but the Old Girls were now playing a good solid defensive game, and continually their backs saved their side. However about five minutes before the call of time the Huias managed to get through, C. Donovan scoring. Huias 4, Old Girls 1. Shortly after time was called. Messrs. J. Harris and S. Eeul gave every satisfaction as referees

NOTES ON THE PLAY. The best hockey match of the season undoubtedly eventuated yesterday. both teams playing well f&r the Old Girls. Miss Brookey at full back played a good game and saved her side continually. E. McCauliflfe improves each match and her play both in attack and defence put /her ort on heigL own. Mrs. Pitt played a goo<f defen-

sive game. E., Jones and B. Richards are both good nippy players and were prominent. B. Campbell at times was good, but lacked the training to follow up. E. Donovan as centre forward played the game, but unlike 'thddy opponents her supports did mot •play to her; consequently she lacked the opportunities of scoring. L. Jones was always on the ball. D. Leahy was prominent in the first part of the game, but seemed to tire towards the end. M. Leahy and C. McLaughlin were also prominent at times but the pace was too solid for players lacking condition to continue. For the Huias R. Treadwell at full back was not up lo her usual standard and seems to lack the knowledge of her position with regard to being allowed to kick the ball in the circle. D. Bray and M. Donovan both played a good solid game as backs, and rallied to the occasion whenever called on to defend. The half line of the Huias was solid, E. Sinclair at centre playing well. M. Mullins seemed to strike form, and was one-of the most prominent players throughout. C. Siddles is also uippy, and was always there. C. Donovan as centre was undoubtedly the most brilliant player on the ground yesterday, always on the ball and always in her place when the ball was sent to her, and her shooting was good. As captain of the team I think a little praise is due to her, as she was occasionally heard encouraging her team, and certainly set a good example by her play. B’. Hall seemed to be more at home as inner forward and at times put in some good work. E. Kilkolly is improving and like the rest of the players yesterday seemed to be having a .day out. The wing forwards (A. Campbell and N. Liaurensen) were out for the day and made the pace hard whenever called On to do so. Both played well and most of the scoring is due to theseplayers, as they took the ball well up and then sent it into the circle.

I am sorry to see, Miss Gordon out of action, which is unfortunate for her side,, as she was practising well and was improving. She would .have been of g'reat assistance yesterday. However,- we hope to see her soon at. it again, as stated on my previous remarks condition told. .T; * ■)'