NIGHT BASKETBALL.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 151, 29 June 1939, Page 23

NIGHT BASKETBALL.

SEVEN-A-SIBE GAMES.

■ ENTERPRISE OF THE Y.W.C.A. An innovation so far as basketball in Auckland is concerned has been introduced this year by the Y.W.C.A. Before Easter u group of girls from the association visited Australia, their stay in Sydney, they played several matches against Australian teams. As the Australians plaved seven-a-side aud the New Zealauders had prewously always played nine-a-side. tlio >cw Zealand girls were hopelessly outclassed. lherefore. when the Y.W.C A formed a night basketball club at the beginning of the season the teams participating decided to go the whole way with the international rules and play seven-a-side. This is the first time in New Zealaiul that seven-a-side basketball lias been played to any extent. The players quicklv adupted the rules and they show aptitude lor this form of play. 1 he association has the co-operation and ir need be. the help of the Auckland Association. but it is otherwise independent of the latter body. It does not send delegates to the New Zealand Association's conferences. but, apart from playing seven-a-side. it observes the rules . and manages the. games in • much the same wav as other associations. The innovation of niirlit basketball lias grpatly helped those girls who do not plav 011 Saturday afternoons. However, some of the players turn out on Saturdays as well. Only one court on the roof of the main building of the Y.W.C.A. in Cpper Queen Street is in use. and there are eight floodlights to provide illumination. The court is iHi the open air. but in the event of rain 11n* games can be continued in the ha sement. Miss Barbara Stalker is the organiser and. as a graded referee, controls the majority of the games. Some of the girls in the senior teams also assist in refereeing. Of the teams at present competing. George Courts are definitely superior, with Tattersnlls offering stiff opposition. Judging from their display on Tuesday night when they beat infirmary 20—!t. however. Y.W.C.A. Hostel's A team should soon be among the top teams.