First win to C.G.H.S.

Press, Volume CVIII, Issue 31787, 18 September 1968, Page 15

First win to C.G.H.S.

AT first glance Christ"L church Girls’ High School’s achievement in winning the South Island secondary school's basketball tournament at Dunedin last week was just another expected Canterbury success, following fast upon the Country team's win in the New Zealand third grade and Canterbury’s victory at the national tournament However, a closer inspection reveals at least two interesting facts. This season Christchurch Girls’ High School won the Christchurch inter-secondary schools’ championship for the first time since the introduction of the seven-a-side rules in the 19505. Now this achievement has been eclipsed by its victory—the first by a Canterbury school —in the South Island tournament.

Winning such a tournament with 50 determined high school teams participating demanded stamina, team-spirit, self-discipline, and luck. The team was blessed with them all.

In its five games of section play, the team did not look unbeatable. It had a 27-all draw against its old rival. Villa Maria, but beat Greymouth and St Margaret’s College (Christchurch) in the se-tion finals to win a place against the unbeaten favourite. Nelson, in the grand final. This was a tremendous

game. Scores were level at 10-all at half-time, and Christchurch just managed to scrape home ahead, 22-20. When asked to comment on this fine win, the coach, Mr J. Paul, a teacher from Fendalton School, attributed the success to two factors: team spirit and self discipline.

Team spirit was never more strained than when two players injured themselves on the Saturday before the tournament and another entered hospital for an operation. The only reserve was called in and two new players recruited, he said.

“That late disruption certainly called for an exercise in control by all seasoned team members who were at

that stage well aware that a mistake could be pardoned but its repetition not even considered, that the acceptance of doubtful decisions was essential and that the prime purpose was to get on with and win the game. Two new players had to appreciate these facts in the shortest possible period. Perhaps that crisis, demanding the best, brought out just that quality in the whole team,” Mr Paul said. Mr Paul discusses the victory with his team in the above photograph. From left in the back row are J. Strange, K. Harris, R. Scott (reserve), N. Nicolle. In front are C. O’Malley (captain), L. Uren, L. Burney, H. Brown.