Hockey side loses again

Taupo Times, Volume 23, Issue 57, 18 July 1974, Page 11

Hockey side loses again

The Taupo men's hockey side suffered another defeat on Saturday. I It lost 4-2 against the much stronger Ngapuna A team — last year's Bay of I Plenty competition winner. Taupo and Ngapuna were evenly matched for the first 10 minutes, with the home side attacking into Ngapuna's territory several times. Taupo's back line defence, however, was tested and in the 15th minute Ngapuna scored. I This resulted from Taupo players failing to mark their opponents properly. A slip by Taupo's fullbacks let Ngapuna in for another goal. Taupo answered this with some hard and fast play. In the first half right wing T. Dowman led several attacks, all of which were cut off. "Taupo was awardcd ... a penalty. corner, but failed to scOTe? Ngapuna's inside right played good, *• attacking hockey, drawing Taupo's defence from the goal area. A pass to an unmarked I player sent the ball into the goal. At the end of the, first half dbwn 3-0. The second half again saw determined hockey by Taupo.

Two penalties were given against Ngapuna. One missed and the other was disallowed because the ball was knocked forward. An obstruction by Taupo's backs led to a penalty and Ngapuna went ahead 4-0. A free hit for Taupo resulted in the side's first goal. ' From the 25-yard line D. Alexander passed to R. Nathoo, who went in to score.

This goal put some life into Taupo. Minutes later N. Bowden picked up a loose ball and made a break. The goal-keeper left his post for Bowden, who passed to Nathoo. Nathoo topped the movement off to score his second goal. The match ended Ngapuna 4, Taupo 2. ? * * * The previous weekend the Taupo side drew 3-aII

with Rotorua High SchooPs first XI. Rotorua scored first and Taupo answered minutes later. Rotorua . netted again and the half-time score was 2-1. Fifteen minutes into the second half Taupo was

awarded a penalty. D. Jeffares scored. Taupo was then forced back on defence. 90j ol. With very little time before the final whistle D. Jeffares went in to equalise. The game ended Rotorua 3, Taupo 3.