MEN’S INDOOR BASKETBALL

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28323, 8 July 1957, Page 12

MEN’S INDOOR BASKETBALL

Nelson Wins S.L Title

Canterbury, after winning all its early matches, was defeated by Nelson, last year’s winners, by 56 points to 52 in the final of the South Island meif’s indoor basketball championships which was played at Ashburton on Saturday evening. The final, as the score indicates, was the most exciting and interesting match of the tournament which began on Friday morning.

Nelson did not win a clear advantage until the second spell, and, although the score at half-time was 34 points to 30 in its favour, Canterbury maintained a slight lead for most of the first spell. However, after the interval, Nelson, led by the two New Zealand representatives, B. Cotton and B. Bradley, proved that ±t was the superior combination and, through quick passing and accurate shooting, it retained the lead throughout.

The main scorers for Canterbury were R. Entwhistle (12), R Ewing (14), A. Mcßae (12) and R. Salt (6). For Nelson B Bradley scored 20 points, D. Charlett 17, and B. Cotton 15.

In an earlier match on Saturday Canterbury defeated Otago after a hard-fought game by 50 points to 36. Otago scored more freely in the first half and led by 22 points to 21 at half-time. However, towards the end of the match the Otago attack faded in face of a determined onslaught by Canterbury, which was able to score at will in the closing stages of the game. For Canterbury, R. Salt scored 19 points and R. Entwhistle 17.

The final placings in the tournament were:—Nelson 1, Canterbury 2, Otago 3> Southland 4. With its win Nelson retained the Bell Cup, the trophy awarded to the South Island champions.

Saturday’s results were:— Nelson $2, Ctago 25; Southland 56, Mid-Canterbury 27; Southland 42, West Coast 27;, Central Otago 51, South Canterbury 28; Buller 73, South Canterbury 53; West Coast 53, Mid-Canterbury 39; Buller 46, Central Otago 26; Canterbury 50, Otago, 36; Nelson 56, Canterbury 52; Southland 38, Buller 35.