FAST AND OPEN

Waikato Times, Volume 122, Issue 20511, 30 May 1938, Page 12

FAST AND OPEN

BRIGHT, DRAWN GAME AOTEA AND COOTS A fast and open m/.tch was expected when the competition leaders, Colts and Aotea, met on Saturday and hockey followers were not disappointed, the game providing the best exhibition seen at hockey headquarters this season. A draw was a good indication of the trend of play, for although Colts held the advantage of the first half, when they established a lead of two goals, Aotea had definitely the better of the second spell, their repeated thrusts keeping Colts almost continually on the defensive. The teams were : Aotea. —Coombes, Magnall, Beale, Kelly, L. Jenkins, A. Jenkins, Maluschka, Hoff, Powdrill, Hunter, Forster. Colts. —O’Hara, Hockell, Clark, Clough, Ilarvey, White, Wycherley, McKibben, Perrelt, Cleave, Curteis. Aotea drew first blood, Powdrill opening tlie scoring with a good goal following sonic fast work by the Aotea forwards. Colls made progress with a determined sally. Curteis taking Ihe ball on his slick down the right and sending it across lo the other side to Wycherley. The other winger brough! the bull into Hie circle where in Iho subsequent melee Ilarvey goalcd nicely. Aotea Ahead Aotea set up a brisk attack, but it was only of brief duration, Wycherley initiating a counter attack down the left. A short centre was carried on by the inside forwards, Perrett gaining possession and sending a hard shot to the boards that gave Coombes no chance. Forster took Aotea to the circle with a fast run down the outside and the next few minutes saw a succession of attacks on Colts’ goal, both Hoff and Powdrill being prominent in the circle. Colts were not slow to counter attack, but Beale, the ex-Auckland player, playing in the full back line for Aotea, was too sure and his sound tackling and nice clearances thwarted two promising attacks. Matuschka’s pace changed the venue of play to Aotea’s' advantage, the fast winger bringing the ball right down to the circle. However, his centring effort was unsuccessful and Colts were given a chance to clear. Colts gradually forced Aotea baok and a fast attack was inaugurated by Curteis with a nice run down the side. Ilis centring shot was true and from scrambling play In the circle Perrett was able lo goal easily to make the score 3—l in Colls’ favour Vigorous Attack After Hie interval Aotea set up a vigorous attack and began to bustle the defending backs. After one determined attack Forster seemed certain to goal, but luck was with Colts, who were able \o send the ball away from the danger zone. Forster brought Aotea close again with a tricky run down the side. He sent a beautifully judged centre across to Powdrill, the latter connecting cleanly and sending the ball past O’Hara, between the sticks, for the best goal of the match. Aotea came again with an irreslstable rush that took them to the circle. Hunter made a great effort to goal, but his shot was beautifully blocked by the goalie. Aotea were not long In making another bid, Forster and Powdrill taking the ball down the side. From willing play in the circle, Hoff shot a hard one past the goalie for an equalising goal. Aotea were not to be denied now and their forwards again surged to Ihe circle. Following a bully, Hoff again secured and,, catching the opposition out of position. beat the goalie again with a hard shot. Colls began to assert themselves at this stage and the forwards, taking a new lease of life, attacked briskly down the centre- McKibben capped off a fine movement with a good goal that placed the teams again on equal terms. The game continued to be played at a fast pace, the play being marked by alternating fortunes. The game ended without any addition to the score which at the final whistle was— Aotea 4 Colts 4 Messrs A. N. Kirk and J. W. Coe were the umpires.