LESSONS FOR WATER POLO PLAYERS

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30677, 17 February 1965, Page 11

LESSONS FOR WATER POLO PLAYERS

'THE Canterbury water polo teams returned unsuccessful from the national championships held in Dunedin's new Moana Pool. It was evident that if Canterbury intends to go to future national tournaments and win titles more emphasis must be put on the players being able to think and play water polo together before the championships.

This was proved when, after three losses, Canterbury held the eventual winner, Waikato, to a 4-5 decision after an exciting match. Although Canterbury did not win a match at the tournament proper it had previously beaten Otago and retained the Miller Cup on goal average. The senior B team w'on its matches against Otago and Auckland but lost to Manawatu and the undefeated title-winner, Wellington. Wellington also won the colts grade in which Canterbury won two and lost two matches.

In the Ryan Cup interisland club final Beckenham was far from disgraced when it lost, 2-5, to the Wellington Club. Four of the

Wellington Club players were later picked for The Best to play against Waikato. The Rest, which also included one Canterbury player, P. Hatchwell, beat Waikato, 4-1. I.Gunthorpe (Canterbury) was selected for the New Zealand junior team to visit Australia for 17 days and compete in the Australian championships. Gunthorpe, a particularly promising player, should gain considerable experience from the tour.