Absentees Made A Big Difference To Checkers

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30802, 14 July 1965, Page 6

Absentees Made A Big Difference To Checkers

Checkers maintained its clear lead in the ninth round of the Canterbury women’s A grade indoor basketball competition. However, several of its top players were absent for its game against the bottom team, University, and the encounter rately rose above mediocrity.

Rex A displayed fine form to completely outplay its opponents, Rangiora, and Brighton had a good win over Rebel A to tie for second place with Ilex A.

Competition points are: Checkers 18, ReX A 12, Brighton A 12, Rebels A S, Rangiora 4, University 0.

The absence of several top players from Checkers made a considerable difference to its usually competent attack and for a long period it had to exert every effort to maintain possession of the ball. University maintained a steady defence and had ample possession but lost opportunities with poor passing and weak shots at goal.

After a narrow lead at halftime. Checkers combined better on attack, and with D. Entwhistle and H. Mlddlemiss Intercepting and guarding well, the players began to combine better. Some good shots by S. Chamberlain, .1. Kaio, and D. Entwhistle gave the Checkers score a healthier outlook than the game indicated. Rex Dominates From the outset Rex dominated Rangiora in all phases of play and set the tone of the match with fine cutting and shooting under the basket, with V. Young using her height to advantage and giving her best display of the season, Rangiora had few chances of rebounds.

Although outjumped for the rebounds, Rangiora tried hard on defence and A. Giles moved quickly to the loose ball. The tendency to use a high overhead pass lost Rangiora any chance of eluding the Rex defence and Young. L. Wilson and J. Taylor made repeated interceptions. Fast breaking forwards, J. Gaskell and L. Webster. cut well under the bas-

ket and with centre. Young, were a formidable combination. Looked Competent Brighton looked a competent combination against Rebels A and settled quickly to take the lead. Against an unaccustomed zone defence and without the forward, H. Johnson, Rebels lacked thrust and appeared uncertain on attack.

The determined zone defence played by Brighton forced Rebels to shoot from well out and without any offensive rebounding under the basket. Rebels scoring was erratic. Fine rebounding by H. Hutton and P. Millar gave centre, A. Smith, plenty of time to feed the fast cutting forwards, P. Jarvis and B. Ross.

Steady play by Brighton kept them in command throughout and although Rebels defence tightened in the second half it was still unable to cope on attack and Brighton had a clear win. Results:

A Grade.—Rex A 34, Rangiora 8; Checkers 34, Univeristy 8: Brighton A 20, Rebels A 11.

Lower Grade.—Rex C 12, Brighton C 0; Lincoln 14, Rex D 10; Stars A 14, Rex B 9; Taxes B 0. Burnco 7; Brighton B 18, Teachers’ College A 17; Rebels D 22, Stars C 8: Stars B 7, Rebels C 0; Burnham 9, Taxes A 8: Y Girls A 22, Rangiora B 7: Masona 4’l, N.A.C. 10: Y Girls B 14, Deaf Girls 13: University B 29, Shoga 16: Rebels B 14, Wigram 2.