Indoor Basketball Competition Keen

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31335, 4 April 1967, Page 18

Indoor Basketball Competition Keen

Competition was keen and play of a good standard when the first round of the women’s indoor basketball began at Cowles Stadium last evening.

With several of last year's top players not competing in the city this year, the teams look evenly matched and alt games should be closely contested. Last year* unbeaten winner, Checkers, looks likely to be top contender again this year but had some uneasy moments early in Its games with Bebels. Without the services of the Canterbury and New Zealand captain, J. Taylor, Rex looked a far less competent combination and at times made hard work of Its game against University. The newly promoted Wigram team combined welt to convincingly beat Banglora and earn its first competition points. Results:— Wlgram 23, Banglora 12 Checkers 27, Rebels 13 Rex 21, University 13 Brighton a bye. Checkers v. Rebels Rebels offered a surprisingly strong challenge for much of the first half and kept the formidable Checkers' attack well subdued. Some good guarding by C. Cook and fine anticipation by S. Langrope contributed largely to the early success of Rebels. Aggressive defensive play by Checkers forced Rebels to attempt long shots at goal and the rebounds were eagerly claimed by N. Sutton, J. Baker and M. Neiman. Several quick goals gave Checkers the lead just before half-time. In the second half Checkers capitalised on some poor defensive play by Rebels and J. Baker and S. Chamberlain added quickly to the score. The efforts of Langrope and C. Cook made sure that Checkers’ score was kept to a respectable total.

Top scorers were: J. Baker 13, S. Chamberlain 10 (Checkers), C. Cook 6 (Rebels).

WIGRAM V. RANGIORA Banglora quickly took control of play and at the outset looked the better combination. A long set shot by V. Lynskey put it in

the lead. Then L. Webster (Wigrant) equalised the score. Although Rangiora’s set play looked more dangerous, it was unlucky with many shots at goal. L. Webster, who was outstanding both on attack and defence, laid the foundations for Wigram’s win. Top scorer: L. Webster, 17 (Wigram). Rex. v. University In the least impressive display of the evening Rex A worked hard for Its victory over University. With both teams playing a similar type ot game, play was often scrappy. B. Miller netted two quick goals for Rex —the best attacking moves ot the game. Goals were opportunist rather then planned. R. Leask and B. Miller guarded well for Rex and forced University to pass hastily and lose control on attack. Top scorers: B. Miller 9 (Rex), D. Broughton S (University). Lower grade results:— Masons 37, Rogues 2; Rebels B 20, Rex C 18; Shoga B 12, Banglora B 11: Brighton B 17. Orients A 12; Taxes B 22, Brighton C 7; Taxes A 16. Rex B 2: Stars A 12, Shoga A 7; Teachers' College A 27. University B 6; Teachers’ College 20. Orients 1; Banglora C 10, Stars B 4.