BASKETBALL

Press, Volume LXXIV, Issue 22501, 8 September 1938, Page 15

BASKETBALL

♦ NEW ZEALAND TOURNEY REVIEWED CANTERBURY’S PERFORMANCE [By SHOOT.I The New Zealand Cup lor championship in senior basketball comes to Canterbury for the first time since the inception of the tournament m 1826. Canterbury will hold the cup for the first six mouths, and (Wellington, who tied with Canterbury, will take possession for the remaining six months This arrangement was entirely voluntary by the Wellington representatives. A draw not being anticipated, provision had not been made for supplying two teams with championship badges so the available 12 badges were issued to the Canterbury players as it was their first victory. _ The Wellington team will be supplied as soon as the badges are available. ■ Canterbury, a team which has naa excellent material for many years, owes its success this year to the hatd-couil practice games. At previous tournaments the home side had lacked the dash of the other teams, as the grass courts on which all competition matches were played did not allow the team to develop the necessary speed The team which won the cup was the same team which came third in the 1937 tournament, with the exception of two players. In the forward line Jean Felton replaced B. Gluesteip, who was a South Island representative, and m centre. A. Fielding replaced F- ISouthern a South -Island and New Zealand representative. In the 1038 team theie was no weakness, and the excellent individual play made the team strong ip combination and excellent in speed canterbury v* Auckland Canterbury played its first match of the tournament against Auckland on Wednesday afternoon, August Jl. v au T terbury went on the field determmed to win. but somewhat apprehensive, tor the team had not forgotten its last encounter with Auckland, when the northerners, in a runaway match, scored 27 goals to Canterbury s i J After a few minutes play, however, it was evident that the 1938 Auckland side was by no means as strong as the previous years team. Practically a new fear o * ‘ h ® players had little of the confidence of their predecessors, and what spoiled most attempts at combined play were the noticeable weaknesses in some thirds. The team is made up of young players and with experience, it should develop into a strong side. Canterbury gave an indication ot ns strength immediately after the start ot the game. A goal was scored m me first few seconds' play, and the lead was maintained throughout the game The Canterbury players’ hopes were momentarily dashed when an injury Ui O. Wheatley forced her to retire; but C. Swan, who replaced her, soon ana.veo any fears by her splendid performance both in field play and in shooting. The whole team worked easily and accurately and won by 23 goals to -0. Canterbury v. Otago Canterbury showed much more confidence in Thursday’s match against Otago, and shot the highest number of goals scored in a single match at tiie tournament. The score was; Canterbury 27, Otago 12. O. Wheatley’s injury did not allow her to play again during the tournament, and CanteiTiury was fortunate that its fourth forward was one of such duality. She had a difficult position to fill, as during the five minutes O. Wheatley was on the field in the first game she scored, with her usual accuracy, nine goals. C. Swan proved an excellent substitute, however, and with J. Felton shooting almost like an automaton the team could not go wrong. Although the whole team played splendidly, the forwards were exceptionally fine in this match. All three threw the ball about most freely their handling anp positional play being all that could be desired. The Canterbury centre line was definitely superior to that of Otago, and the forwards were kept well supplied. The Canterbury defence had comparatively little to do in this game, but made the most of its opportunities. In this match and in the following ones, K. Palmer, defence, was replaced by M. Bradley. In the first match against Auckland, K. Palmer’s play was of excellent standard; hut her lack of height could not be risked against the tallei forwards. M. Bradley, making her debut in actual representative games was a definite asset to the side, and maintained her high standard of play throughout the tournament. Canterbury v. Wellington Up till the time they met, neither Canterbury nor Wellington had had a loss and the interest of the tournament was centred on the match between the two leading teams. It was unfortunate that the match had to be played in the x’ain, as the heavy and greasy ball marred the attraction of the fast passing and expert shooting which undoubtedly would have been exhibited if the weather had been better. There was nothing between the sides; each was as good as the other. Although team-work was an essential feature of both sides’ play, individual efforts were brilliant, and in spite of the conditions the game provided excellent entertainment for the spectators. Canterbury opened the scoring and had two goals to its credit before Wellington opened its account. The passing was fast, and each side was fully extended. M. Wilson, a Wellington defence, played a magnificent game and was easily the most outstanding player op the court. The Canterbury forwards were hard pressed to gain suitable shooting positions. Wellington made up the deficit in the scores and went into the lead, the score being 8-5 for Wellington at half-time. The second spell was even more exciting than the first, and Canterbury deserves much credit for its splendid recovery. From being three goals down Canterbury equalled, led. was equalled and down again before the score of U all was reached. Canterbury did not equalise right on time, as has been reported, but did so at least five minutes before the time-bell sounded. During the last five minutes, with each Side striving for advantage, no score was made and as time was called Canterbury was in possession in the Wellington goal area. The position was critical- To risk passing a ball so near the Wellington goal was hazardous, and the chances of getting the ball through the centre up to the Canetrbury for-* wards were small. The obvious thing to do was to throw the ball out, and this advice was shouted from players and spectators alike until the bewildered player in possession knocked the ball on to a Wellington forward's hands and so sent it out. The scores remained at 11 all. Canterbury v. Hawke’s Bay Canterbury had a hard game with Hawke’s Bay on Saturday morning, when, because of continuous rain, the match had to be played indoors at the Boys’ High School gymnasium. Conditions were anything but conducive to good play. The court was of less than regulation width, and there waa less than a foot of space between the side-lines and the surrounding brick walls. Also rain had leaked in through the roof, making some parts of the floor slippery and dangerous. A great handicap to shooting was a beam crossing horizontally in front and slightly above one of the goal hoops. Both teams were under the same disadvantages, however, and the standard of play was handicapped equally, For the first tirna Canterbury did not open the scoring, end Hawke’s Hay shot the first two goals ih the obstructed basket. There was a bad r meut when V, Flood. Canterbury’s captain and excellent centre, was winded. After a short respite, however, she was able to resume play; the team rallied and by sheer determination gained the next four goals withput allowing Hawke’s Pay to score again before half-time. Canterbury, who had played raggedly in the first speil, then settled down to steadier play and so gained the advantage. M.

Scott made splendid openings in Canterbury’s centre, and the positional play in each department was superior to thgt of the Bay. The comparatively low final score of 10-6 in Canterbury’s favour was partly due to the court conditions and partly to the short spells of 15 minutes played because of the delayed games; The Hawke’s Bay team was the best side fielded by that province to date, and it was very unfortunate to lose by one goal to each of the Southland and Otago teams. Canterbury v. Southland in its final game, that against Southland, Canterbury’s greatest defect was in its shooting. All three forwards were definitely off, and many clever passing movements ’were unfinished in the goal area. Too many long shots were attempted and were quite ineffective. Many short shots, too, went astray, but the combined strength of the team kept the forwards supplied and the strong Canterbury defence kept the opposition score down. A s in former matches, Canterbury’s play improved considerably in the second spell. The forwards had better luck in their shooting, the positional play improved, and the side comfortably beat Southland by 14 goals to 9. The following table indicates the points scored by the six senior teanjs: P. W- L. P. F. A. Pts. Canterbury ..5 4 1 87 58 9 Wellington .. 5 4 1 85 51 9 Southland ..5 3 2 Otago .. 5 2 3 Hawke’s Bay 3 1 4 Auckland 5 South Island Beats North After the Canterbury v. Southland match had been played, Wellington, playing its emergencies, beat Auckland by 13 goals to 8. An exhibition game of the new Empire rules followed. K. Palmer, of Canterbury, was included in one of the sides. By this time the light was fading and a drizzling rain was falling, so that the time of the South Island versus North match had to he restricted to 10-minute spells. Although no score was made in the first speil, the South Island showed up to better advantage with its superior combination ana speed. J. Miilai’d. a Canterbury defence, was injured early in the first half and was replaced by another Canterbury player, M- Bradley, whose brilliant interceptions returned the ball to her centre repeatedly. Three goals were scored in the second spell —two for the South Island and one for the North Island. Five Canterbury players were included in the South side. The teams were:— South Island —Forwards: J. Felton (Canterbury). J. Clayton COtago), J. Tyrell (Southland), and M. McGrath (Southland). Centres: M. Scott (Canterbury), Q. Winter (Canterbury), E. Neame (Southland) (captain), and MSinclair (Otago). Defence: J. Millard (Canterbury), J. Kelly (Southland), B. Drennan (South Canterbury), and MBradley (Canterbury). North Island —Forwards: J. Grainger (Wellington) (captain), R. Tong (Hawke’s Bay), M. Jenkins (Wellington), and J. Weybourne (Wellington). Centres: M- Blake (Wellington), J. Syme (Hawke’s Bay), B. Stone (Wellington), and I. Johns (Auckland). Defence: M. Wilson (Wellington), H. Bryan (Hawke’s Bay), J. Williams (Wellington), and M- Hirst (Auckland). Empire Rules The Canterbury representative team and another side of Christchurch players will give an exhibition of the new basketball rules, which have been adopted for New Zealand, on Saturday after the competition games have been played. The new rulings are as follows:—• When taking the throw-up the players mu>t stand with the hands touching behind their backs. There will be no guarding. At centre the alternate throw-off will be taken by the main centres standing on opposite ends of a 9ft line. A vertical or horizontal bounce to gain possession will be permitted. All lines will be part of the court—that is, the foot may be placed an but not over the lines. Only one shot at goal will be permitted; the ball will then be thrown in from tfie end line by the defence. Shots at goal must be taken within the 16ft semi-circle. The following team will appear against the Canter ury side: — Forwards: Joan Felton. ¥!• Turner, EMatthews. Centres; A. Fielding. F. Southon. C. Hawkens. Defence: O. Felton, M. Clark, N. Dick. Another exhibition game will be played on September 17 to allow the junior players who have been competing at the South Hagley courts to be present. Senior Competition Only one competition game in the senior grade will be played on Saturday. University has defaulted to St. Mary’s, and Technical will play Digby’s. The combined fifth grade and sixth grade Canterbury representative team will play Lincoln at Lincoln on Saturday. Players will assemble at the Midland Motors garage at 1.30 p.m. Mrs K. Macintosh will travel with the team as manager. DRAW FOR SATURDAY Fallowing is tiie Canterbury Basketball Association's draw for matches to be played on Saturday-'— Exhibition match, 3.30 p.m., school courts. International rules. Canterbury v. the Best (Mr D. McCormick), court J. Seniors. 2.45 p.m.—Digbys A v. Technical A (Mrs j. p. Cairney), court 1. Second Grade—2 p.m.. Sacred Heart A y. Technical B (Mrs J. P. Cairney), court Vl a P- m - Ngaio Bv. MaiFehau A (Miss V. Flood), court 2; 2.45 p.m-- Training College B v. Kaiapoi A (Mr P. McCor” rnlck), court 2; West A. a bye. Third Grade—Section 2: 2 p.m., St. Mary's B v. Technical P (Mr A. L. Gumming), court 3; Training College C v. y.W.c.A. A (Mrs A. l. Cumming), court 4; 3 p.m., S.L.C.C. v. Training College C (Mrs A. L. Cumming), court 4; St. Mary’s B V. y.w.C.A. A (Mr A. L. Cumming), court 3. At South Hagley Park Courts Section 1: 2 p.m., Moeraki A v. Monowai (Mr M. Kershaw), court 1; 2.45, Corsair A v. Technical C (Mr T. Paterson), court 2; 2.45, Moeraki A v. Technical C (Miss I. Weston), court '3; 3.30, Wainoni A v. Monowaj (Mr M. Kershaw), court 1. Section 3: 2 p.m., St. Mary’s C v. Sacred Heart B (Mr J. Timbrell), court 4; West Old Girls B v. Digbys B (Mrs W. Newsome), court 5; Richmond Old Girls v. Celtic (Mrs L. Harris), court 6: 3 p.m., St. Mary’s C v. Hagley A (Mr J. Timbrell), court 4; Sacred Heart B v. Celtic (Mrs L. Harris), court 6; Pigbys B v. Richmond 0)d Girls (Mrs W. Newsome), court 3. Section 4: 2 p.m., Weeks, Ltd., y. Orama (Mr T. Paterson), court 2; Marshland A v. Kowhai A (Miss I. Weston), court 3; 3.30, Kowhai A v. Weeks. Ltd. (Miss 1. Weston), court 3. Fourth Grade —Section t: a p.m., Macduft’s v. Canberra (Mr S. Tredennick), court 7; Rawea v. Bailantynes A (Mr N. Hill), court B; P.S.C. v. Smartwear (Mrs L. Dolheguy), court 9; 2.30, Sacred Heart C v. Technical E (Mr S. Tredcamck), court 7: 2.45, P.S.C. v, Bailantynes A (Mr N - Hill), court 8; 3 p.m., Smartwear v. Sacred Heart E (Mrs Dolheguy), court 9: 3.30, Macduffs v. Bawea (Mr N. Hill), court 8; 3.30, Canberra v. Technical E (Mr S. Tredennick), court 7. Section 2: 2 p.m., Richmond Pirates v. 8.8. C. A (Mrs S. R. Harris), court 10: 2 p.m., Hagley B v. Armstrong’s (Mrs D. Weir) court 11; 2.30, Richmond Pirates v. Argyle A (Mrs Weir), court jl: 3 p.m., Rovers v. Armstrongs (Mrs P. Weir), court 11; 3 p.m., Hagley B v, 8.8. C. A (Mrs S. E. Harris), court 10: 3,30, Monarch v. Argyle A (Mrs S, B. Harris), court It. Section 3: 2 p.m.. West Old Girls C v. Woolworths (Miss H, Mcßvoy), court IX; 2.45, West Old Girls C v. Training College D (Miss E. McEvoy), court IX; 3-30, Woolworths v. Training qofiege p (Miss R. McEvoy), court IX; North Beach A v. Kaiapoi B, at Kalapoi: Argyle B v, Kaia? poi B, at Kaiapoi. " Section p.m., Whitcomfles v. Linwood (Miss H- Beaqmont), court 18: HoL landers v, Corsair IB (Miss H. Phillips), court’ 18; Wainoni B v, Latex (Miss N. Calvert), court 14; 8.43 p.m., Whitcombes v. Latex (M»ss H. Beaumont), court 12; Stuarts v. Lin wood (Miss N. Calvert), court 14; Wainoni B v. Hollanders (Miss R. Phillips), court 13. Section 5: 2 p.m.. North Linwood v. Kiwi A (Miss K. Bampton), court 15; y.W.C.A. C v. Cathedral (Miss T. Thomas), court 16; Malrehau B v. Technical F (Miss S. Lancaster), court 22; 2.45, North Linwood v. Cathedral (Miss K. Bampton),

court 15; Kiwi A v. Mairehau B (Miss T. Thomas), court 16. Fifth Grade—Section 1: 2 p.m., Kal Ora v. Haere Mai (Miss M. Cosgrove), court 17; Digbys C v. D.I.C. B (Miss R. Cursons), court 18: West Old Girls D v. Technical G (Miss V. Belworthy), court 19; 2.45. Kai Ora v. Technical Q (Miss V. Belworthy), court 19: Digbys C v. West D (Miss R. Cursons), court 18; D.I.C. B v. Haere Mai (Miss M. Cosgrove), court 17. Section 2: 2 p.m., Pacific B v. A.B.C. B (Miss E. Perrin), court 20; Lyttelton Y.W.C.A. v. Millers (Miss J. Woodham), court 21; 2.45. Riccarton Recliabltes A v. Pacific A (Miss S. Lancaster), court 22; A.B.C. B v. Millers (Miss E. Perrin), court 29: Lyttelton Y.W.C.A. v. Buntings (Miss J. Woodham), court 21. Section 3: 2 p.m., S.L.C.C. v. Oddfellows A (Miss W. Dryden), court 23; Shipmates v, McKenzies (Miss N, Dick), court 24; 2.45, Oddfellows A y. Monarch Major (Miss W- Dryden), court 23; Technical H v. S.L.C.C. (Miss N. Dick), court 24. Section 4; 2 n.m., Bailantynes B v. Moeraki C (Miss F. Cursons), court 25; Star V. Arrapess (Miss N. Chamberlain), court 26; Gadsdens v. Radley (Miss M- Snelson), court 27: 2.45, Bailantynes B v. Philipson A (Miss F. Cursons), court 25; Arraness v. Moeraki C (Miss N. Chamberlain), court 26; Gadsdens A v. Star (Miss MSnelson). court 27. Sixth Grade—Section 1: 2.30, Bailantynes C v. Deanes (Mr M. Kershaw), court 1; North Beach B v. Y.W.C.A. D (Mr T. Paterson),'court 2: Columba v. Pmlipspn B (Mrs Dolheguy), court 9; 3.30, Danes v. Y.W.C.A. O (Mr J. Timbrell), court 4: Hagley C v. Bailantynes C (Mrs W. Newsome), court 5; North Beach B v, Philip - son B (Mrs L, Harris), court 6. Section 2: 2 p.m., Smartwear v. JCowhal B (Miss V. Wilson), court 22: 2 30, Pacific B v. Kiwi B (Miss V. Wilson), court 28: 2 p.m., Hinemba B v. Valdhurst; 2 p.m., L.A,O-G- v. Riccarton Rechßb|teg B; 3.39, Smartwear B v. Kiwi B (Mjss V. Wilson), court 28; Kowhai B v. Pacific B: Vaidhuvst v. Riccarton Reehabites B: Hinemoa B v. L.A.O.G. Section 3; 2 p.m., Speedee v. Technical I; Oddfellows v. Gadsdens B: 2.30. Kaiapoi C v. gealandja; 3.30, Zealandia v. Technical 1; 3 p.m.. Oddfellows B v. Kaiapoi C; 2.30. Oddfellows B v. Pitmans College; 3 p.m., Speedee v. Gadsdens.