Shock Defeat By Manawatu

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30529, 26 August 1964, Page 19

Shock Defeat By Manawatu

(N.Z. Press Association) DUNEDIN, Aug. 25. In one of the greatest surprises in the history of the New Zealand women’s basketball tournament the little-fancied Manawatu team defeated the New Zealand Cup holder Canterbury, by 37 goals to 31. Perhaps Canterbury underestimated the strength of its

opponents, but its choice of the less-experienced B. Winter and H. Hutton in defence, allied to inaccurate shooting of C. McMaster in the early stages, brought about this unexpected result. It will be surprising, however, if Canterbury fails in their remaining eight games to remedy the faults which this defeat revealed. From the outset Manawatu’s accuracy in the goal area posed a problem and the Canterbury defence, a new combination, was no match for the competent Manawatu forwards, J. Vernon and J. Fell. Canterbury’s faulty play in the early stages was in marked contrast to the almost flawless play of Manawatu which had a defence, skilful in regaining possession of Canterbury’s missed shots. Manawatu’s centres were

speedy and astute and the forwards goaied brilliantly. Held Early Lead Manawatu quickly Increased its early lead to six goals and held it for the remainder of the first half. Canterbury's efforts to reduce its lead were partially successful. In a brief attack Canterbury added four splendid goals to make the score 13-11. Then Manawatu steadied and there was no doubt that the frequent infringements and penalty shots which Canterbury conceded completely bewildered the players who were never able to produce their best form. Increased Opposition Manawatu’s forwards met increased opposition and their shooting became less accurate. The Canterbury forwards,. J. Martin and C. McMaster, now dominated play in their area. Canterbury appeared to be getting on top when it reduced Manawatu’s lead to three goals, but the vital shot at this stage failed and Manawatu went away again to win by 37 goals to 31.

Mastered Attack In the afternoon Canterbury’s defence quickly mastered the Northland attack and their unceasing vigilance ensured that Canterbury retained the attack. Retaining a four-goal advantage for most of the second spell, Canterbury tentatively increased

its lead in the closing stages to win uy 35 goals to 27. First Grade.—Rotorua 28, Matamata 22; Auckland 31, Wellington 20; Manawatu 37,' Canterbury 31; Southland 29, Hawke’s Bay 20; Northland 31, Otago 31; Auckland 20, Matamata 25; Southland 23, Otago 17; Canterbury 35, Northland 27; Rotorua 38, Manawatu 18; Hawke's Bay 23, Wellington 20. Second Grade.—Nelson 39, Waikato 33; Tauranga 27, West Coast 20; Auckland Minor 38, Taranaki 22; Wanganui 40, Ashburton 26; Hutt Valley 37, Southland Country 19; South Canterbury 35, Te Kawau 20; Tauranga 30, Taranaki 19; West Coast 30, Waikato 16; Wanganui 43, Southland Country 17; South Canterbury 30, Nelson 23; Hutt Valley 27, Auckland Minor 21; Ashburon 26, Te Kawau 20; Waikato 27, Taranaki 18; West Coast 31, Wanganui 31; Auckland Minor 31, Southland Country 25; Hutt Valley 30, Tauranga 15. Fourth Grade.—Horowhenua 2.6, Buller 17; Marlborough 38, Hawke's Bay Minor 31; Hutt Valley Minor 38, Wellington Minor 19; Otago Minor 42, Kaikoura 13; Horowhenua 30, Hawke’s Bay Minor 28; Hokitika 29, Kaikoura 17; Hutt Valley 27, Auckland Minor 21; Otago Minor 33, Wellington Minor 24.