WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Title Hopes Recede As Canterbury Falters

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30531, 28 August 1964, Page 13

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL Title Hopes Recede As Canterbury Falters

"The Press" Special Service DUNEDIN, August 27. Canterbury’s chances of retaining the New Zealand women’s indoor basketball championship further receded in the hail, rain and sleet at Dunedin today. The title-holder was held to a draw by little-fancied Matamata.

Canterbury dropped back to third place, one point behind Sputhland and three behind Rotorua. In the morning Canterbury had beaten Wellington, 33-23. The biting cold and sleet showers made accurate passing an impossibility during the game with Matamata. The opposition’s determined play and the frequent infringements Canterbury conceded gave Matamata a decided advantage in the early stages. Canterbury’s defence was severely restricted through fear of incurring further penalties, and the Matamata forwards were allowed great freedom.

However, Matamata played with intelligence and skill, and was considerably aided by Canterbury's poor use of possession. Down 12-17 at half-time, Canterbury made amends for its early indifference, and J. Blair’s unfailing support and C. McMaster's brilliant shooting enabled it to level at 20-20. Canterbury then went ahead, but some careless passing gave Matamata possession and the opportunity to bring the scores level. Four-goal Lead Against Wellington, Canterbury capitalised on first use of

the more sheltered goal, and raced into a four-goal lead. In a strong gusty wind McMaster and J. Martin skilfully adapted their attacking moves and scored well. Wellington's centres failed to penetrate Canterbury's capable defence, and frequent saves by K. O’Reilly and H. Hutton enabled Canterbury to increase the lead to 21-8 at half time. Seldom under pressure in the second spell, Canterbury disappointed by Its erratic play. The first half skill and judgment was abandoned, and faulty filay on attack provided Welington with . vital scoring chances. However, Its lead, though reduced, proved sufficient. Results First Grade.—Northland 34, Manawatu 23; Otago 37, Matamata 19; Southland 26. Auckland 23; Rotorua 31, Hawke’s Bay 16; Canterbury 33, Wellington 23; Otago 18, Manawatu 16; Southland 18, Northland 15; Auckland 25, Hawke’s Bay 15; Matamata 27. Canterbury 27; Rotorua 27, Wellington 20. Second Grade.—Ashburton 37, Auckland Minor 19; Southland Country 29, Te Kawau 22; Wanganui 37, Nelson .15: West Coast 23, Taranaki 20: South Canterbury 23, Waikato 22; Hutt Valiev 29, Nelson 21; Tauranga 27, te Kawau 18; Auckland Minor 22, West Coast 16; Waikato 28, Ashburton 27; Hutt Valley 27, Taranaki 10; Tauranga 34, Nelson 25; Southland Country 33, South Canterbury 31; Wanganui 24, Te Kawau 9. Third Grade. Canterbury Sub-Associations 37, North Otago 20; Thames Valley 18, Putaruru 10: Eastern Bay of Plenty 34, Temuka 21; South Auckland 22, Canterbury Sub-Associations 18; Putaruru 18, Poverty Bay 18; Thames Valley 26, Eastern Bay of Plenty 23; North Otago 23, Temuka 16.

Fourth Grade.—Horowhenua 20, Hokitika 20; Hutt Valley Minor 35, Hawke’s Bay Minor 12; Otago Minor 18, Buller 9: Marlborough 24, Kaikoura 23; Kaikoura 19, Horowhenua 17; Marlborough 31, Wellington

Minor 17: Hokitika 24. Buller 15; Otago Minor 21, Hawkes Bay Minor 7. Points First Grade—Rotorua 12: Southland 10; Canterbury, Otago 9; Northland 7; Auckland a; Matamata 3; Hawke's Bay, Manawatu 1: Wellington 0. Second Grade—Wanganui 13: Hutt Valley 12; Tauranga 10, Auckland Minor, West Coast »; South Canterbury 8; Waikato 7: Ashburton 5; Nelson. Southland Country 4; Taranaki 1; To Kawau 0. Third Grade.—Thames Valley 8; Eastern Bay of Plenty 6; North Otago, South Auckland, Temuka 4; Canterbury SubAssociations 2; Poverty Bay, Putaruru 1.

Fourth Grade.—Hutt Valley Minor, Marlborough, Otago Minor 10; Hokitika, Horowhenua 7; Kaikoura 4; Hawke's Bay Minor 2; Buller, Wellington Minor 0