N.Z. Basketball Trials This Week-End

Press, Volume XCIX, Issue 29222, 4 June 1960, Page 5

N.Z. Basketball Trials This Week-End

JN Wellington this week-end a hard task awaits Miss D. Cookerton (Matamata), Miss G. Symes (Hawke’s Bay) and Miss E. Yates (Canterbury). As the three New Zealand women’s basketball selectors, they have the responsibility of choosing the team to tour Australia at the end of July.

With six players selected for the trials, Canterbury dominates the representation for the Wellington tournament. Unfortunately

the plumber has been reduced by one as the result of an injury suffered by Miss B. Rowe. Miss Rowe has withdrawn from the trials, and her absence could be keenly felt.

Miss Rowe has represented Canterbury and the South Island for several years. She is brilliant in anticipation and her defence is remarkable. That Miss Rowe cannot still be considered for the Australian tour is unfortunate.

Peak Form

Canterbury players are at the peak of their form after an early start to the competition—earlier in fact than almost every other association in the country. The tension at the Wellington trials will be great; yet again Canterbury players have an advantage in that all but one of their number have had plenty of national tournament experience. However, the selectors have indicated that the form at Wellington will be the form that determines inclusion in the team, and with 35 trialists taking part no player will have an easy road to any one of the 10 team places.

Judy Dunlop, a goal attack, has represented Canterbury for four years and the South Island twice.

She is an excellent Held player and a reliable goal shooter, and gives little away in penalties.

Marina Fisher, wing defence, has represented Canterbury for four years and the South Island for the same time. A good field player on defence and attack, she gives excellent passes even when travelling at speed, and keeps her position well. Seven Years

Pamela Edmonds, at centre, has represented Canterbury for seven years and the South Island for three years. One of the fittest players in New Zealand, she intercepts and attacks very well and passes brilliantly into the goal circle. She has strong claims for the Australian tour.

Colleen McMaster represented Canterbury last year and was also selected for the South Island. Still a pupil at the Christchurch West High School, she is the youngest player to attend the trials. A good field player and reliable goal shooter, she may find the weight of experience of other trialists telling against her In Wellington. Veteran

Jean Mcßae (nee Fuller) has the distinction of having represented Canterbury for 10 years and the South Island for eight years. Her chances of going to Australia are extremely good. A fast player who always gives excellent passes, she inspires confidence in any team.