Taupo hockey X1 beats Rotorua 2-0

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 49, 20 June 1974, Page 10

Taupo hockey X1 beats Rotorua 2-0

The Taupo men's hockey team had a 2-0 win over Rotorua Maroon in slippery conditions at Rotorua last Saturday. Taupo had several young, talented college players in the team. The game began with Taupo applying the pressure and emerging the attacker. It took the side several minutes to settle down as it was playing into the wind and heavy rain.

Taupo' s first goal came after Rotorua Maroon was penalised for dangerous tackling. D. Jeffares passed the ball towards goal and N. Brown picked up the re-bound and scored. Within minutes of this goal, Taupo's good passing gave it another chance. The defensive line centred the ball to R. Nathoo at centre-forward. The ball was passed to Brown on the right wing, who drew the opposing player then hit down field. Nathoo picked up on the wrong side and cracked the ball into the goal to put

Taupo two goals ahead. At this stage, the Taupo backline had little to do. However, fullbacks Jeffares and J. Smith showed their form when called upon. Rotorua made several good runs on the right wing but S. Quinlin broke them up. The half-time score was Taupo 2, Rotorua Maroon 0. In the second half, Rotorua came back on attack and had several shots at goal. Taupo's new goal-keeper Paul Free saved well and kicked away hard. He was well supported by the fullbacks. The game settled down to even play by both sides. Nathoo and Brown made several runs but were tackled and could not finish their moves. The college players D. Veneal, R. Jenkins, J. Williamson and B. Read all had sound games. On Saturday, the Taupo team will again play a team from Rotorua — 1 this time on the Kaimanawa Reserve. Team organiser, Mr R. Nathoo, said Taupo should be able to field a reasonably strong team for the match.