South Island Too Good For North

Press, Volume C, Issue 29603, 28 August 1961, Page 15

South Island Too Good For North

(New Zealand Press Association)

DUNEDIN, August 27. Complete mastery by the South Island, which scored goals st the rate of two a minute, was the feature of the North Island versus South bland basketball match, played at Dunedin yesterday. The South bland team looked a winning side all the way, and easily beat the North, 50-31. The match was the climdx of a week of good basketball at the New Zealand tournament, and, although it wtas played at a great pace, was too one-sided to be very exciting. The North Island could not match the cohesion of the South Island players, many of whom have ployed several matches together.

Otago's L. Muir at wing defence gave a polished performance. Her spectacular interceptions and accurate passing drew the admiration of the large crowd. The goal shooting by Canterbury’s C. McMaster was breath-taking. Her accuracy from all parte of the circle was among the finest seen at the tournament. She was ably supported in the circle by her fellow Canterbury player, J. Dunlop, who also shot a number of goals. Southland’s sole representative in the team, M. O'Neil, at goal defence, and the captain, E. Simpson, as goalkeeper, were not pressed often, but, when they were, they proved equal to the test. The star of the North Island team was the Rotorua goal-shooter, M. Te Moananui, who was responsible for some fine goals. C. Cole, at centre, played well, as did C. Robinson, the speedy Rotorua centre. J. Powell, the North Island goal attack, was an asset to her side. She was a quickthinking player, and a number of the North Island's goals were possible by her quick passes to the goalshooter.