Beckenham Pressed

Press, Volume CV, Issue 30981, 10 February 1966, Page 10

Beckenham Pressed

In a surprisingly close and exciting senior water polo match Beckenham narrowly defeated Wharenui, 4-3. The competition leaders after twelve matches, Beckenham was subjected to pressure from its younger opponents until the final whistle. University beat Fendalton by default and Christchurch, after several moments of indecision which nearly cost it the match, won, 5-3. B. McNeilage was the first to score for Beckenham but L. Wilson retaliated with a beautiful shot which left the Beckenham goalkeeper stranded. However, the former Canterbury representative, D. Biliesdon, made the score 3-1 with two goals from his specialist position in front of the goal. R. Erickson narrowed the scores with his unique backhand shot and Wilfeon equalised after good passes between his fellow forwards, M. McGirr and G. Parker. In the final quarter Beckenham attacked strongly but I. Farquhar, in the Wharenui goal, saved repeatedly. Billesdon gave Beckenham another goal and the match when awarded a penalty. In spite of a one man deficit Elmwood held Christchurch, principally by the efforts of its goalkeeper, B. Henderson, and B. Moore. C. Smith opened Christchurch's account with a neat shot into the corner of the net from well out but soon after P. Hatchwell missed a penalty and a chance to put Christchurch further in the lead. Moore equalised with a powerful shot off his back but Hatchwell scored three quick goals. For Elmwood. K. Chamberlain netted with a long, hard shot and I. Penrose also scored, and for Christchurch D. Bradley netted to make the final score, 5-3. In a match to prepare the Canterbury team for next week's National Championships Canterbury defeated the Rest, 12-5, with the speed and more accurate passing of the provincial team completely upsetting its opponent. Other results were: Senior Reserve.—Spreydon 5, Wharenui 2; Beckenham 8, University 1. Junior.—Fendalton 3, Spreydon 1: Christchurch 6. Elmwood 1: Wharenui beat Beckenham by default. Competition points after twelve matches are: Senior.—Beckenham A 9, University 7, Wharenui 7. Fendalton 4. Christchurch 4, Beckenham B 4, Elmwood 1. Senior Reserve.—Spreydon 9, Beckenham 8, Wharenui 8, University 0. Junior.—Wharenui 10i, Spreydon 9, Christchurch 84, Elmwood 4, Fendalton 3, Beckenham 0.