Nelson Likely S.I. Champion

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31124, 29 July 1966, Page 15

Nelson Likely S.I. Champion

The outcome of tomorrow’s match against Nelson—the final game of th; South Island men’s basketball series —is of relatively little importance to the Canterbury team.

It has already lost so many games in the series that it is out of the running for the title. And this time it will

be well below strength with several of its most experienced players not available. But for Nelson, playing on its home court, the match is a vital one. If it wins, it will finish first equal with Otago in the championship. Otago and Nelson have met twice in the series and shared the honours with a win each. A loss or even a draw would give the title to Otago. But a win for Nelson seems inevitable. Canterbury will be without R. Entwistle and C. P. Dyson, while Nelson has three New Zealand representatives, K. Baddily, C. Cotton, and D. Taylor. However, this will be one of the rare opportunities for the Canterbury coach (Mr L. N. Saunders) to evaluate the ability of the younger members of his team. They are 1 on their own for the first time and the results could be startling. A. Hounsell (Old Boys), normally a second string centre to Entwistle, will become the key man in the lineup. His effectiveness at the top of the key-hole could make or break the team.