INDOOR BASKETBALL

Press, Volume LXXXVII, Issue 26492, 6 August 1951, Page 3

INDOOR BASKETBALL

SOUTH ISLAND TOURNAMENT MEN’S CHAMPIONSHIP WON BY OTAGO CANTERBURY SUCCESSFUL IN WOMEN’S SECTION Canterbury won the South Island women’s indoor basketball championship by beating Nelson comfortably in the final on Saturday evening. The Canterbury men’s team, after two good wins over Southland and Nelson, was beaten by Otago by two points in the final match of the tournament, Ctago winning the championship. This match was easily one of the best played in Christchurch. Many spectators attended the tournament, which was completed in one day. Otago and Canterbury were very evenly matched, and particularly in the first two quarters the shooting by both sides was uncannily accurate. The scoring rate was also fast during this period, and 63 points were scored by half-time, Canteibury having a one-point lead at this stage. The pace was considerably slower in the third quarter, but quickened again towards the end. At no stage was mere a greater difference than five points, and in the last three minutes both teams threw the ball about freely. Ctago led 43-41 beginning the last quarter.- I. Payne Increased this lead by two points with a fine field goal. The last few minutes were played at a furious pace, with the Canterbury captain, L. Hack, scoring two fine goals, and T. Flaws one for Otago. Canterbury was unlucky witi: several shots, particularly in the last quarter. Payne was top-scorer for Otago with 15 points from seven field goals and one penalty. J. Alabaster scored 13 from five field goals and three penalties. Hack and M. McDougall each scored 12 points for Canterbury. Hack's points came from four field goals and four penalties, and McDougall’s from six field goals. S. Robertson scored 11 points, from five field goals and one penalty. Otago overwhelmed Southland in one of the earlier matches by 58 points to 33, but was more pressed in the match against Nelson. Canterbury established an early lead against Southland, and at halftime led 31-14. Southland reduced this lead to 39-33 after the third quarter, but Canterbury's attack was too strong in the last quarter, with Southland failing to score. Women’s Matches The Canterbury women's team had to fight hard in the first two matches against Southland and Otago, but beat Nelson 36-19 in the final match. It was not until' the last quarter, however, that Canterbury really took charge, and at the beginning held a six-point lead at 18-12. Nelson was unfortunate in losing the two guards, A. Kirby and M. Walls, who were sent off with five fouls against them. The Canterbury forwards were continuously on the attack, and these two players had played magnificently in keeping the scoring down. L. Luxton was outstanding for Canterbury, and scored several brilliant field goals in the last quarter. She scored 15 points from seven field goals and one penalty. '' The Canterbury-Otago match was one of the best in the women’s sections. Otago had the upper hand and led until the last quarter. Otago led 18-8 at halftime and 22-19 after the third quarter,, but excellent shooting by B. Rowe, B. Newey, and L. Luxton changed the state of the match. The following is the position of teams:—Men: Otago 3 points, Canterbury 2 .Nelson 1. Southland 0. Women: Canterbury 3, Nelson 2, Southland 1. Marlborough 1, Otago 0, North Canterbury 0. The B grade men's competition was won by South Canterbury on points. The following are the results:— Men.—A grade: Otago 42. Nelson 34; Canterbury 50, Southland 43; Canterbury 38, Nelson 35; Otago 58, Southland 33; Nelson 45, Southland 37; Otago 47, Canterbury 45. B grade: South Canterbury 48, Marlborough 37; Marborough 34. North Canterbury 28; North Canterbury 42, South Canterbury 30. Women.—A section: Canterbury 33, Otago 30; Southland 38, Otago 31; Canterbury 35, Southland 26. B section: Marlborough 43, North Canterbury 10; Nelson 53, North Canterbury 5; Nelson 42, Marlborough 23. Final: Canterbury 36, Nelson 19.