Checkers A Retains Lead In Basketball

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30759, 25 May 1965, Page 18

Checkers A Retains Lead In Basketball

The competition leaders, Checkers A, retained its lead in the senior grade indoor backetball with a good win over University when games were continued at Cowles Stadium last evening.

With the New Zealand eaptaln, J. Taylor, still on the Injured list, Rex A was without a star player, but was still a far superior combination than its opponents Ranglora and recorded another good win. Rebels A won by default from Burnham and Brighton drew the bye. Although winning by a large number of points. Checkers did not look Impressive against University. University marked well on defence and allowed the forward combination of D. Entwistle, S. Chamberlain and J. Baker Mttle latitude on attack.

In the second half Checkers kept the keyhole dear for some good cutting by J. Baker. Universities lack of cohesion on attack and hesitancy in attempting shots at goal was all too apparent and although working hard on defence, nullified their efforts with unsure and inept attacking play. Far superior teamwork and ball handling gave Rex A a comfortable win over Rangiora. With V. Young dominating r’av in the centre position and

always prominent for the rebounds, Rex had ample possession and the forwards, J. Gaskill and L. Webster, moved well on attack. A. Giles and J. Taylor guarded and Intercepted well for Rangiora but any advantage gained from these Interceptions was too often lost with poor passing in the forward court.

Over-eager guarding gave B. Blight and L. Webster opportunities to net several penalty shots and these put Rex further in the lead. A tiring Rangiora team tried hard to contain the quick-moving Rex forwards, with little success. A last minute burst by Rangiora raised the score in their favour but they were well beaten by Rex A. Results of games:—

A Grade.—Checkers 31, University A 2: Rex A 26, Rangiora 13; Rebel A 7, Burnham 0: Brighton a bye. Lower Grade.—Shoga A 8. Rangiora B 8: Brighton C 18, Rex C 10; Brighton B 21, Rebels B 20; Varsity B 18, Orients A 13: Wigram 14, Rex B 12; Stars B 7, Rebels C 0: Stars A 16. Y Girls A 8; Masons t N.A.C. 0: Taxes B 6, Burnsco 5; Rebels D 14, Stars C 2; Rex D 7, Lincoln 0: Deaf Girls 8. Y Girls B 8; Taxes A 24, Burnham 10.