HOCKEY.

Gisborne Times, Volume X, Issue 962, 7 August 1903, Page 2

HOCKEY.

CITY DEFEATS KIA KAHA. | By Bully-Off.] The popularity of this game was manifested yesterday by the increase in the number of spectators, amongst whom there was a good sprinkling of the fair sex. A better exhibition of tho game has not been given this season, beiDg fast from the start, the ground being in perfect condition, and-littie or nothing to choose from in either of tho teams engaged. If anything the prospects at the start were in favor of Kia Kaha, who defended the western goal, having the sun at their backs; but the fact of their having never suffered defeat gave City an impetus to fight for all they were worth if they wanted to be anywhere near the top at the finish of the season. Mr Wi Friday officiated as referee, being ably supported on the lines by Messrs Russell and Mercer.

Right from tho bully-off the City team played an aggressive game, and within a minute of the start Martin passed to Delamere, who after a good run transferred to Tanner, the latter being enabled to score, thus placing one goal to City’s credit. City 1, Kia-Kab'a nil. Kia-Kaha then pulled themselves together, and all the play for the next few minutes was in City’s 25. Sharp, playing an excellent . game, passed into centre, and things looked very unsafe for City; a corner, however, was the result. From this some good passing was indulged in on both sides. After some very hot work, Maude gained possession and scored, thus equalising. At half-time the score stood—City 1, Kia-Kaha 1. On resuming, play was very even, Shaw having one good run, which, however, was stopped by City’s goalkeeper. From a spectator’s point of view, it was hard to foretell the result. After seme close play, M. Doyle secured possession and succeeded in scoring. City 2, Kia Kaha 1. Some fine play was then indulged. in, which was a treat „to watch, both sides striving their utmost. No other score, however, was registered, and the game finished in favor of City by one goal. All the City man played well, although lacking 1 combination. The most prominent were Martin, Jarman, Tanner, Dines, Clements, and the goalkeeper, J. Doyle. The same might be said of the Kia-Kaha, who from the captain down played a good game, those who showed up well being Evans, Maude, Bright, Sharp, and Somervell. ,