West O. G. Secure Grip On Basketball Trophy

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30794, 5 July 1965, Page 9

West O. G. Secure Grip On Basketball Trophy

West A produced one of its peak performances when it beat New Brighton convincingly in the ninth round of the Canterbury senior women’s basketball competition

on Saturday. Its grip on the . championship trophy, the Ed na Yates Rose bo wi, now seems most secure. Its closest rival, Sacred Heart, was decisively defeated by Technical, and Teachers’ College, displaying rare determination, registered its first points this season by forcing St. Nicholas to a draw. West B had the bye. Results: — West * 30, Hew Brighton 21. Technical 35, Sacred Heart 26. Teachers' College 24, St. Nicholas 24. Points.—West A 14, Technical and Sacred Heart 10, New Brighton 8, West B 7, St. Nicholas 4, Teachers’ College 1. ,

HEW BRIGHTON V. WEST A As its captain and goalkeeper, M. Neiman, was not available for this game. New Brighton was forced to make positional changes and the resulting initial uncertainty allowed West to move smoothly to a five-goal lead. In spite of this setback, New Brighton fought well and for a time play was very even. West's defence, K. price and M. Islip, kept the New Brighton forwards under tight control and in the face of their tenacious defence, New Brighton forwards lost accuracy, and West grasped the initiative. In a splendid burst of fine attacking play, West A, with almost perfect shooting by its forwards, C. McMaster and L. King, swept to a 19-10 lead at half-time. Good combination in alt thirds enabled West to dictate the trend of play, but New Brighton’s D. Smith and J. Buchanan, with strong support from the centres, N. White and C. Emery, revealed better form in the second half and scoring was evenly shared. The New Brighton defence, J. Brownie and C. Holland, managed to subdue the West forwards, and from gains in this third New Brighton invariably goaled. West’s first half lead prevented any hope of an exciting finish and the final stages confirmed West’s superiority. Referee: Mrs J. Ditfort.

TEACHERS' COLLEGE V. ST. NICHOLAS Although weakened by the ab

sence of key players, St. Nicholas made a good showing in the early stages and held a four-goal lead before Teachers’ College netted. Accurate shooting by the College forwards, A. Skilling and J. Morrison, encouraged their side to attack soundly and play became lively when College evened the score at «-ali. The College centres, H. Pooley, S. Langrope and D. Roberts, provided valuable support to their forward and defence thirds and mainly through their tireless play, St. Nicholas lost all semblance of combination. College was able to maintain its lead and at half-time was 13-10 ahead. Making amends for its tadlf-

.ferent first half display, St. Nicholas tightened its attack and with decisive defensive play by S. Jones and B. Aitchison forced the college forwards into error. Scores were level at 15all, but St. Nicholas then gained control and with smooth combination in its forward area, increased its lead to five goals. With little time remaining, college made a grand effort and was aided to recovery by the frequent mistakes of its opponents. Play was tense and exciting as College retained possession and brought its score within one goal of St. Nicholas. From the throw-off, St. Nicholas failed to net and an infringement gave College a free shot just as the final whistle sounded. Taking the penalty shot A. Skilling made no mistake and brought the scores level. Referee: Mrs V. Clarke.

SACRED HEART V. TECHNICAL Competent play in all thirds and decisive interceptions by C. Brown enabled Technical to subdue Sacred Heart's attack. Under constant and capable pressure by the Technical defence, the Sacred Heart forwards failed to retain combination and mainly through their missed shots, capably retrieved by the Technical defence. Technical was able to gain a four-goal lead.

Fc: the remainder of the first half Technical maintained this initial advantage and Sacred Heart’s brief bursts of constructive play were invariably nullified almost immediately by its failure to pass with any judgment.

Technical’s superiority was never in doubt throughout the second half and the forward, J. Kimber, goaled brilliantly from ail round the circle. Again the Technical defence prevented the Sacred Heart forwards penetrating the circle and from difficult positions Sacred Heart tailed with many shots. Referee: Mrs B. Little.