N.Z. BASKETBALL TOURNEY

Press, Volume LXXXIX, Issue 27130, 28 August 1953, Page 2

N.Z. BASKETBALL TOURNEY

CANTERBURY TAKES LEAD OTAGO HOLDS AUCKLAND TO DRAW (New Zealand Press Association) INVERCARGILL, August 27. Otago showed good form on the third day today of the New Zealand basketball tournament being played at Surrey Park, Invercargill, to hold Auckland to a draw in a game in which the handling of both teams was superb. The score was 17-all. The result of the game leaves Canterbury, the present holders of the New Zealand Cup. one point ahead on the championship ladder.

Ctago and Auckland are level in second position, but Otago has played six games, one more than Canterbury and Auckland.

The games today began in bright sunshine, although a south-easterly wind again made conditions unpleasant away from sheltered spots. Neither Otago nor Auckland held an advantage in any particular department. In the Auckland centre, however, N. Nicholls was outstanding, and the court work of I. Low in the forwards was very good. Ouida Morris was the most successful scorer for Auckland. L. Osborne and E. Tait showed up in the Otago defence, and V. Harrington was consistent at goal. Hawke’s Bay, which conceded a narrow victory to Canterbury yesterday, was beaten by Southland this morning. Once again Southland produced the game that won the admiration of the crowd yesterday. It thoroughly deserved its 19-11 win. A. Craig was outstanding on defence. Southland beat Manawatu, 24-11, in the afternoon. Manawatu held its own in the first half, but in the second it was outclassed. Strong centres and forwards gave Wellington' an easy win over Tauranga by 26 goals to 13. The Tauranga defence was no match for the strong Wellington forwards. The Wellington centre, V. Hare, played brilliantly, and H. Fraser and C. Warne were impressive forwards. For Tauranga H. Anderson and M. Kissling played well in the forwards.

Although, it was fairly fast, the game between Otago and Wellington was not particularly interesting for spectators. The players mishandled frequently,' and took a long time to settle down. Otago s advantage in the circle gave it a 19-14 win. V. Hare played well for Wellington, ano M. Schroder was outstanding in defence J. Buchan, a forward, was the outstanding player for Otago. Hawke s Bay and Wanganui Played th” second draw of the senior series—l7-all. Hawke’s Bay, showing signs of tirednefe after its strenous game with Auckland yesterday afternoon, and the fast, game with Southland in the morning, did not produce its true form. In the first 10 minutes of its game with Canterbury Tauranga played soundly and held its own. However, when Canterbury settled down the Tauranga defence coulo not cope with Canterbury® long passe® Canterbury won, 43-12. The Wanganui team’s strong centre and forward play gave it a comfortable wir, over Manawatu by 31 goals to 12. Position of Teams After three days’ play in the senior grade, the points scored are-Canterbury, five games, 10 points; Auckland, five games, 9 points: Otago, six gamfes. 9 points; Southland, five games, 6 points, Wellington, five games, 6 points; Hawke s Bay, six games, 3 points; Wanganui, five games, 3 points; Tauranga, five games, 2 points; Manawatu, six games, no points. In the second grade, all teams have played seven games, with the exception of Taranaki and Southland Minor, which have played six. Points are:—Hutt Valley, 14; Matamata, 10; South Canterbury, 10; Taranaki, 10; Southland Minor. 9; Rotorua, 9; Ashburton, 7; Horowhenua, 6; Marlborough, 4; West Coast, 3; Nelson, 0; Waikato, 0. In the third grade, all teams have played six games. Points are:—Canterbury Minor, 12; Northland, 10; Temuka, 10; Hokitika, 8: Thames Valley. 5; Wellington Minor. 5; Kaikoura, 4; Wairarapa, 4; North Otago, 1; Otago Minor, 1. Results were:—

First Grade.—Canterbury 43, Tauranga 12; Otago 19, Wellington 14; Southland 19, Hawke's Bay 11; Wanganui 31, Manawatu 12: Auckland 17, Otago 17; Wellington 26, Tauranga 13; Hawke's Bay 17, Wanganui 17; Southland 24, Manawatu 11. Second Grade.—Ashburton 24, Marlborough 19; Matamata 17, Waikato 11; Hutt Valley 27, Southland Minor 14; Horowhenua 16, West Coast 14; Taranaki 16, Rotorua 15; South Canterbury 20, Nelson 11; Ashburton 27, Hprpwhenua 14; West Coast 14, Waikato 13; Hutt Valley 35, Marlborough 13; Matamata 20, Nelson 10; Rotorua 29, South Canterbury 17; Taranaki 28, Waikato 6; Southland Minor 26, West Coast 23. Third Grade,—Temuka 22, Wellington Minor 17; Hokitika 17, Otago Minor 14; Northland 34, Wairararpa 11; Canterbury Minor 23, North Otago 14; Thames Valley If. Kaikoura 5: Canterbury Minor 26, Otago Minor 13; Wairararpa 25, North Otago 15; Wellington Minor 20. Northland 14; Temuka 25, Kaikoura 19; Hokitika 19, Thames Valley IL