HOCKEY.

Taihape Daily Times, 12 September 1919, Page 5

HOCKEY.

HUIA A V. (JLD GIRLS,

NOTES ON THE PLAY

Yesterday’s match resulted in a wio for Huia A by five, goals to two. The ground could hardly be said to

be in first-class order, as Wednesday’s rain made it very greasy on top. The Huias’ won the toss, and from the bully quickly pressed the attack, this was, however, quickly turned into defence, and f#)m a line passing rush, started by L. Jones, J. Spooner shot | a nice goal for Old Girls, this being 1 during the first three minutes of the game. For the next fifteen minutes the play was very fast, but central, neither side being able to overcome the superb combination play of their opponents. Then the Huias gradually pressed forward, and E. Kilkolly scored from an awkward angle. The play being now one all, became even more interesting, as a fast passing rush by

the Old Girls wa s only prevented altering the score by the unerring precision of the Huia goal-keeper. The Old Girls, however, were not' to be denied, and made another sharp attack from which E. McAuiiffe scored. A few minutes to go to half-time, C Donovan secured the ball from a tussle in the centre of the field, and taking it down to the circle, even-1 up the scores. Half-time was called with the score two all. Though the scores were even at half-time, if anything the Old Girls had been playing the better game,

their combination and wing play surpassing anything seen here this season. During the first five minutes of the second half two fine passing rushes were made by both sides, and from one of these-C. Donovan, playing right up to her previous standard, shot another goal for Huias, The play settled down around the. centre of the field for the next twenty mintucs, when a rush enabled C. Donovan to put still another goal 'to her Credit. Play now became very fast, and the Old Girls made several splendid attempts tc score, but the Huia backs knew their positions too well. From a Sice' position on Online out, A. Campbell seerwed the ball, and taking it right up the wing into the circle, shot a lovely goal. The Old Girls made several hard attacks but, were in every instance prevented‘from , scoring, though on one occasion, just 1 on time, it looked as if they must score; but the Huia goal-keeper agaiu . saved the situation. The game termin- I ated without further score. Huia’s five, Old Girls two. I Though this will not be the last : match of the season’s fixtures, it set- t ties the season’s issue and the Cup i goes to Huia A, The Old Girls, though j beaten are not disgraced, as their play during the last few matches has been

a pleasure to watch, and it has only been hard luck that they have not finished the season with more wins to their credit. Yesterday their wings, D."Leahy and L_ Jones played a great game, as also did E. McAuliff, who seems to show to more advantage as a forward than in her old position aback. It is hardly fair to individualise the respective players, as everyone in the team played ahead of anything seen here this season. For the Huias M. Donovan and Mrs Moore played a hard, solid, and unfaltering game, while M. Mullins put in a lot of hard work also. The rest of the team all played above thenusual standard, and all helped to make the game one of, if not the fastest and keenest contested of the season’s play. Mr Rankin refereed to the entire satisfaction of all concerned