Australian Basketball Side Goes Down, 44-40

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31090, 20 June 1966, Page 2

Australian Basketball Side Goes Down, 44-40

Against all predictions, a resolute and wholly dedicated Canterbury team played fine basketball to defeat the formidable Australian touring team by 44 goals to 40 on Saturday.

It was a game of sharp contrasts and was highlighted for the capacity crowd who filled Canterbury Court by the brilliant passing and masterly court craft of the Australians. In spite of their obviously superior skill in some aspects of play the Australians were narrowly defeated because of their failure to shoot goals accurately. From the outset the Canterbury forwards, the captain J. Harnett (the former New Zealand representative, J. Martin), and her fel-low-forward, J. Kimber,- shot superbly and their patient, and, in some spells, almost flawless, shooting made the Australians’ deficiency obvious.

Australia'! attack centred on its goalshoot, C. White, an experienced State representative, and its goal attack, N. Green, another experienced forward. After 17 missed shots in the first quarter, the Australian forwardsperaisted in their policy of White monopolising the shooting while Green contented herself with a very negative attacking role. The teams were:— Australia: C. White, N. Green, G. Switch, E. O’Shannassy, G. Suiter, C. Burton, L. Morony. Canterbury: J. Nlmber, J. Harnett, H. Hutton, A. Boelee, S. Langrope, C. Holland, M. Netman. The game was played in four spells of IS minutes each. The

first spell produced very even play. Canterbury immediately found form and was given added impetus when the wing attack, Hutton, saved from a deft deflection of an Australian pass and Canterbury gained an early advantage to lead, 4-2. Australia attacked and won frequent applause for skilful play, but the Canterbury goalkeeper, Neiman, and goal defence, Holland, although conceding six penalty shots, kept the Australian forwards checked, and as Australia’s shooting deteriorated, mainly through its failure to penetrate to the Inner circle, the Canterbury defence quickly regained possession.

Although well restricted by the brilliant Australians, Burton and Morony, the Canterbury forwards managed superior shooting which made them far less vulnerable than their opponents. By missing only three difficult shots, Canterbury was still slightly ahead when the quarter ended with Canterbury 14, Australia 12.

Australia’s play in the second spell reached a high standard and only very determined teamwork by Canterbury checked what appeared to be an inevitable breakthrough. Subjected to adamant pressure from Australia's efficient centres. Switch, O’Shannassy and Suiter, Canterbury’s Neiman, Langrope and Holland maintained their vigilant defensive play. Again 10 missed shots against Canterbury’s three was a costly mistake and by half-time Canterbury led 23-23.

The crucial stage for both teams came in the third quarter when Australia perceptibly tightened its play in all thirds. Canterbury’s Hutton and Harnett were subjected to the most gruelling tactical defence, but Canterbury astutely varied its play and showed resourceful adaptability. There was little doubt as the quarter progressed that Australia was very unsettled by Canterbury’s tactics.

Canterbury ended the quarter with a 38-30 lead. The last quarter was something of an anti-climax. Both teams were now tired and mistakes were frequent. Minor infringements checked attacks, but with its lead now established, Canterbury was content to maintain its position. Australia tried desperately, but its bursts of brilliant play were now infrequent, and its forwards could make little effort to combat the effectiveness of the Canterbury defence. Australia’s eight missed shots in the final spell against Canterbury’s three enabled Canterbury to emerge a convincing winner. Canterbury was given masterly direction by Harnett, Boelee and Neiman, and Australia’s Burton and Morony, with Suiter, could not be fault-

ed. Befereea: Mrs B. Little and Miss P. Gallagher. In the curtain-raiser, West Coast beat Canterbury Juniors, 37-28. -