Spark’s Omission Surprise

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30828, 13 August 1965, Page 12

Spark’s Omission Surprise

The Rangiora player. R. Spark, has been unexpectedly omitted from the nine-strong Canterbury team to contest the New Zealand men’s basketball championships. which begin at Dunedin on August 30. Spark, who has won the distinction of being the only Canterbury player to score 20 points or more in a representative fixture this season, has been playing excellent basketball. His long jump shot has proved an excellent offensive weapon—in the last 10 games he scored 73 points and he has successfully managed to introduce more variety into his play. However, the chief coachselector (Mr P. Doogue) evidently considers that P. Ross (Y.M.C.A.). who has never proved himself In first-class play, has greater potential. His defence is excellent but his scoring ability is not good. In the entire representative season so far he has scored only 32 points. J. Spencer (Y.M.C.A.) is another fortunate to be chosen ahead of Spark. He has done nothing in recent games to warrant selection. With one exception, A. Houn-

sell (Old Boys), the entire team is drawn from two clubs. University and Y.M.C.A. The team is: M. Askew, I. Day, C. Morris, R. Zachariassen (University: R. Entwistle. P. Ross, .1. Smith. .1. Spencer (Y.M.CA.) A. Hounsell (Old Boys). The team, approved at last evening's meeting of the Canterbury Men's Basketball Association. has been drafted Into the A section of the New Zealand tournament. In its section It will meet Auckland B. Marlborough, Otago, Palmerston North and Wellington. Section B consists of Auckland, Hamilton, Hawke's Bay. Hutt Valley. Nelson and Southland. The winners of each section will play off in the final. Canterbury's draw for section play is: Monday, August 30, v. Marlborough; Tuesday, v. Otago; Wednesday, v. Wellington; Thursday, v. Auckland B and Palmerston North. The play-off between the sections will be held on the Friday. Inter-Island Came The inter-island match has gained a reprieve, at least for this season. It will take place as usual at the end of the New Zealand tournament in Dunedin,

according to a circular from the secretary of the Otago association (Mr R. G. Pearson). This is contrary to earlier information received by the secretary of the Canterbury assoelation (Mr A. W. Barrett). He was notified in a circular letter from the New Zealand body that the match would not take place this year.