HOCKEY.

Taranaki Daily News, Volume LIV, Issue 78, 22 September 1911, Page 7

HOCKEY.

THE REPRESENTATIVE MATCH. AUCKLAND (1) v.TARAXAKT (I). The representative match between ! Auckland and Tajanaki, which was played at the Recreation Grounds yesterday, did not attract a very large attendance. Indeed, the attendance must have been very disappointing to the local Association, which had been to much trouble to arrange the match, so that followers of hockey would have an opportunity of witnessing a first-class exhibition, as played by one of the leading teams of the Dominion. The match proved very close and exciting, and the scores just about indicate the respective merits of the teams as disclosed by the day's play, although it must be rememl>ered that the visitors had the disadvantage of a rough sea trip. Perhaps Taranaki had more opportunities to score than the visitors; yet tfiey were unable to put the finishing touches on them. Auckland scored almost from the bully-off, and it looked as if the locals were in for a drubbing, but they improved as the play advanced, and more than held their own, evening up the score after about twenty minutes' play. In the second spell the Taranaki team were attacking more than the visitors, but both were sound on defence, and no score resulted. The game was fast and interesting, but did not provide any very brilliant play. The stick work of the visitors was greatly admired. The teams were as published yesterday. .Mr. F. Robertson and V. H. Beal admirably controlled the gameAuckland won the toss, and opened with tfhe sun behind them. Pretty passing by the Auckland backs carried play to the Yellows' circle, where Avery carried the ball out and gave the visitors a free hitt, which resulted in a corner. Auckland still attacked, and a hot shot by. Mason beat Stephens, scoring Auckland's goal within four minutes of the start. Auckland came to the attack again, but Curtis saved nicely, and good play by Rowe, Avery, and Harris transferred the scene to the Blues' circle, where Harris had two ineffectual shots, one of which hit the post. Play was now very fast, and travelled up and down the field, both teams getting within striking distance, but no score resulted, although Priest again had hard luck in missing the goal. However, a few moments afterwards Taranaki again got into the circle, and Priest hit a fine goal,' equalising the score. On resuming, Taranaki again attacked. firiffen put the ball into the net, but unfortunately had hit it from outside the circle, and Auckland were given a penalty. The visitors took a turn at attack, and Stephens cleverly turned a hot one from the goal with his foot. The local backs were now showing better combination, but the visitors' defence was good, and : solid hits by Porter and Rowe put them into attacking position, where Pardon missed a nice opening. A hot rush by' tilio locals gave Harris an abortive shot, which went over the goal. Half-time en-1 sued with the visitors' attacking, and the score Auckland 1, Taranaki 1.

The second spell, like the first opened with Auckland attacking. Good play by Thompson, Avery and Harris carried play to their opponents' circle, from whence Norton, with a dribbling rush, removed it and placed the Yellows on the defensive. Mason had a shot, but Stephens saved grandly, and Taranaki returned to the attack, Auckland's circle being the scene of same hot work, but the defence was sound, and corner resulted. Auckland were still kept penned, and a hot shot by Griffin had hard luck in striking the bar. Porter and Co. cleared, but a hard drive by 11. Harris carried play back, and still Taranaki pressed. J. Harris had a great opening, and made a fine attempt, which Allen was lucky to stop, and the ball went behind. On resuming play (travelled fast- to the other end per medium of Mason, Kavanagh and Itowe, but only ■temporarily, its' the Yellows came again, aml'the Blues were again in trouble, but J. Harris got off-side and gave relief. The Yellows soon afterwards had another, unsuccessful sJiot. The Blues next took a turn, and invaded their opponents' circle, but sticks spoilt a likely attack. For the next five minutes Auckland made strenuous efforts to score, but the local defence was equally sound, and none of the shots passed •Stephens. Obstruction by Avery gave the visitors' a fine hit, and tho ball went behind, repeating the operation a few moments later. A lone-handed rush by .1. Harris took play to the visitors' circle, where Allen cleared by kicking out. Time ensued .sooir'afterwards, with play in neutral territory.

For the visitors, Norton was the pick of the backs. Rowe, Porter and Kavanagh made a solid trio of half-backs, whilst Mi\t)on and Whitaker were the most conspicuous of the forwards. Stephens was very successful as eus,todian ,of the local goal, and saved some hot ones. Curti.s (hack), Mick Harris and Thomson (halves), J. Haris and Priest (forwards) were the most prominent.

THE DINNER. In the evening both teams were the guests of the Taranaki Hockey Association at a dinner in the Criterion Hotel. ■Mr. 'Ft P. Corkill (president of the Association) presided. The tables were prettily decorated with the colors of both teams, and after fidl justice had been done to the good fare provided by Host McKean, a pleasant hour was spent in.toa.st and song. The following toast list'was honored: "The King," "Auckland Hockey Association and Team," propositi by the chairman, and responded to by Ilessrs. Norton (manager) and Mason (captain); "Taranaki Hockey Team," proposed by Mr. Mason, and responded to by Mr. J. K. Avery; "The Referees," proposed by ■Mr. Norton, and responded to by Messrs. Fred Robertson and B. IT. Beal; "Kindred Sports." proposed by Mr. W. Wood, and responded to by Mr. A. L. Chappell; "The Ladies," proposed by Mr. 1). R. Porter, and responded to by Mr.. Sage; "The Taranaki Hockey Association," proposed by Mr. Parton. and responded to liv Mr."Cm-kill; "The Press" and "The Chairman''.

Sours were rendered by Messrs. F. Hooker and I'. A. Mason. Mr. Lewis accompanied on a piano -kindly loaned by Messrs. 11. Collier &•' Co. ' At the conclusion, the visiting team were driven ito the breakwater to catoh thu Itarawa. which bad been delayed for the purposi-.

THE NORUEN CUP. ) Palmerston, North. Yesterday. Thames forfeited to Manawatu for the North Island semi-final of the Norden Cup for hockey. The final will be played between Manawatu and the winner's of Nelson and West Coast (South ( Island) semi-final.