Basketball PROVINCIAL MATCH

Press, Volume XCVI, Issue 28347, 5 August 1957, Page 12

Basketball PROVINCIAL MATCH

Canterbury Beats Otago

Conditions were ideal when the Canterbury senior representative team played Otago in the annual game for the Joan Young Cup. Considerable interest was taken in this fixture, and the South Hagley Park stands were filled. The game was disappointing and rarely reached the standard expected of a senior provincial fixture. As a try-out for both teams, before the New Zealand tournament, the game served a useful purpose. Beating Otago by 20 goals to 9. Canterbury proved its superiority, but it was not a particularly skilful performance, and the comfortable win came largely from the incredibly poor shooting of the Otago forwards. The teams were:— Canterbury.—M. Fisher, J. Dunlop, J. Irvine. S. Fisher, J. Bonafacio. J. Fuller, N. Tregonning (captain). P. Kdmonds. E. Back. Otago.—S. McCloy. S. Hayman, J. Powell, J. Barron.. P. Kerr. D. Ball, A. Tyler (captain), L. Muir, F. Davidson. Good Passing Canterbury won the toss and from the throw-off the ball reached the forward third, where an infringement for personal contact cost possession. Otago's passing delighted spectators as the ball moved swiftly to the forward third, where progress was checked by a similar infringement. From the free pass Canterbury made no mistake, and J. Dunlop opened Canterbury’s scoring with a lovely shot.

Play was very even for the next few minutes. Every pass was willingly contested, and the handling and catching at this stage was excellent. Canterbury goaled again from a splendid defence opening made by P. Edmonds, but Otago quickly retaliated and the score was evened.

From the next throw-off, Canterbury’s move cleanly reached its objective, and M_ Fisher earned just applause for a good shot which enabled Canterbury to lead 3 goals to 2. Otago goaled from the throw-off. but from this stage Otago's attack deteriorated and Canterbury gained

a slight advantage. Canterbury’s centres showed up well at this stage. Their passing was particularly well timed and through the commendable adherence to positional play they made scoring chances for the forwards.

Canterbury increased its lead to 8 goals to 3. Otago’s seven missed shots gave it no chance of remaining on even terms with Canterbury.* Canterbury’s forwards, although somewhat unsound in set movements, were skilful in evading Otago’s renowned defence, trio, A. Tyler. L. Muir, and F. Davidson, upon whom much reliance had oeen placed. Canterbury invariably achieved favourable shooting positions. Just before half-time. Otago scored when a defence interception by E. Back (Canterbury) was lost, and by half-time Canterbury led by 12 goals to 4.

When play resumed, Otago's defence tightened up play considerably. and Canterbury’s moves were frequently upset as Otago’s defence brought off some seemingly impossible interceptions. Mainly thorough the vigilance of this defence third. Otago gained a slight territorial advantage, and interest in the game quickened when Otago's forward. P. McCloy, twice succeeded in netting, to make the score Canterbury 12, Otago 6. Strenuous Effort Stimulated by the success, the Otfigo team made a strenuous effort and Canterbury was temporarily shaded in ail thirds. Otago's attack was not sustained, and when the forwards’ accuracy again lapsed. Otago’s play became haphazard and careless. With the score at Canterbury 14 Otago 8, Canterbury gradually assumed control again, and in the final stages, when Otago’s defence completely surrendered. Canterbury’s forwards, M. Fisher, J Ounlop. and J. Irvine, shot well to allow Canterbury to win easily by 20 goals to Otago’s 9. Although Canterbury’s forwards shot well, this third lacked cohesion and disappointed because of its apparent unawareness of the finer points of forward play. Canterbury’s centre third, although frequently tested by the swiftness of the Otago passing, was adequate, and J. Bonafacio. playing her first representative match, gave a sound performance. The defence players, E. Back, P. Edmonds, and N. Tregonning, were seldom fully extended, although P. Edmonds made some impressive saves in the first spell. Otago’s forwards, a hew combination, were tested in the game, and their nervousness and inability to find shooting form had its effect on the entire team. Otago’s tactics <f speed at all costs proved ineffectual and were not sufficiently varied. Referee:. Mr J. Robertson.