Brighton Enhances Basketball Lead

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31412, 4 July 1967, Page 16

Brighton Enhances Basketball Lead

Brighton strengthened its position at the top of the women's indoor basketball competition ladder with a big win over Rangiora when they met at Cowles Stadium last evening. Checkers, in second position, were also in fine form and easily accounted for University. Rex had some anxious moments against Wigram and only exerted its superiority near the end of the game. Rebels A had the bye. Game results:—

Brighton 41, Rangers 13. Rex 22, Wigram 16. Checkers 34, University 5. Checkers v. University The late arrival of several University players caused the team to go on the court in an unsettled frame of mind. Checkers were quick to capitalise on this and exerted pressure from the first whistle. The full court press they employed allowed University little latitude and their passing deteriorated badly. From the resulting interceptions and mishandling Checkers quickly attacked and the fastbreaking forward line of S. Chamberlain, J. Baker and J. Partridge enjoyed the freedom of an open goal. Top scorers were J. Baker 10, S. Chamberlain 10. Brighton v. Rangiora

Although Brighton lacked its usual competence on attack it was more than a match for the lower-placed Rangiora side. Brighton built, an early lead. Rangiora attempted to tighten its defence and unsettled several moves with much closer guarding. A. Boelee tried to bring some cohesion to her side and moved the ball well to place J. Harnett and B. Strong in good scoring positions. Shots were sometimes well astray, but H. Hutton put in some good work under the baskets. The final score of 41-13 was an indication of the big difference in the teams ability. Top scorers for Brighton: B. Strong 12, H. Hutton 13. Top scorer for Rangiora, J. Davidson 7.

Rex v. Wlgram Wigram nearly caused the upset of the season when it held Rex to a close game. The first half was marred by poor passing and Inaccurate shooting, with neither side able to find any real form. ' Play followed this pattern at the beginning of the second half until Wigram took a welldeserved lead after several good moves initiated by L. Webster. Rex was unable to pene-

trate the zone defence and trailed by several points until E. Young found form and scored several long net shots. This seemed to Inspire her side and brighter play developed. H. Feliowes made greater use of her height and moved the ball well on attack.

Wlgram was unable to sustain Its pressure and tired in the latter stages, allowing Rex greater freedom under the basket. Top scorers for Rex: E. Young 10, H. Feliowes 9; for Wigram, L. Webster 7.

Lower grade results:—Rex C 16, Taxes B 5; Masons 16, Shoga B 12; Rebels B 14. Rangiora C 13: Orients A 2, Burnham A 0; Stars B 16, Rangiora B 10; Deaf Girls 22, Rogues 14; Stars A 13, Rex B 5: Rangiora B 20, Orients B 3; Brighton B 25, Shoga A 0; Taxes A 32, University B 10.