Checkers well ahead in indoor basketball

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31730, 13 July 1968, Page 11

Checkers well ahead in indoor basketball

'THE women's indoor basketball A grade club competition is now more than half over and already the strong Checkers team is so far ahead of the rest that the outcome is no more than a mere formality. Its closest challenger, Brighton, is now 10 points behind after its surprise loss to Rex last week and appears to have no hope of bridging the gap.

However, interest in the competition has been maintained by the battle for second place. Until this week, Brighton seemed fairly certain of finishing in this position but the convincing manner in which the well-drilled Rex team lowered its colours suggested that its position was far from safe. Three teams, Rex, University and Rebels, are now looming as possible threats to Brighton and the stage is set for a stimulating struggle among these four. With a little more coordination, University could easily provide some upsets. It has three players in the representative team, D. Broughton, G. Hannam and A. Lees, and another, J. Read-

man, who has shown considerable talent in the centre position. There is the talent there to match any other side in the competition. Individually, Checkers is undoubtedly the strongest side but its greatest asset is its ability to play as a team. This is at least partly due to the efforts of its coach, Mr R. Entwistle, a former South Island and

Canterbury men’s representative. He has a vast store of knowledge and has obviously been able to pass this on to his team. S. Sweney, S. Rennell and D. Entwistle, wife of the coach, have played some outstanding basketball this season but the others have done their parts well too. Coached by Mr A. Thompson, Rex is now developing into a more efficient unit and its recent wins have been well deserved. R. Leask has proved a sound centre and the experience of the former provincial representatives, B. Miller and H. Fellows, gives the side a nicely balanced look. One young player showing much promise is J. Sloper. The former New Zealand

representative, B. Ross, can make or break the Brighton team. Her sound fundamental knowledge makes her a particularly valuable player. Unfortunately, her interests these days are shared between squash and basketball and she has missed a number of games. C. Brown, H. Hutton and M. Ramsay give the side considerable player strength but without Ross’s guiding hand out the back they have difficulty achieving a sound combination.

Rebels play a slow, controlled type of basketball which often upsets its opponents. Its players know their limitations and take pains not to go beyond them, as some in other teams do. P. Ruwhiu is one who stands out as a particularly fine prospect. Rangiora is on the bottom but its strength is not so far below the others that It cannot offer a serious challenge to them. C. Reuben has shown much ability as a fast-breaking forward and L. Rollinson always plays very soundly in the midcourt position.