Checkers Again Dominant Team

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31976, 1 May 1969, Page 16

Checkers Again Dominant Team

Checkers A again emerged as an almost unbeatable combination in the third round of women’s indoor basketball at Cowles Stadium last evening. It convincingly beat Brighton B, 49-13.

Rangiora A was unpressed to beat Checkers B, the two fast breaking forwards, C. Reuben and J. Quinn, again shining on attack.

In the A grade games played on Monday evening. University narrowly defeated Rex, 18-17, and Rebels A had to fight hard before it overcame Rangiora B, 36-12. CHECKERS A 49: S. Rennell 16, J. Baker 15, J. Harding 6, M. Smeaton 4, D. Hesson 4, S. McGill 4. BRIGHTON B 13; L. Ward 7. M. Ramsay 6. Brighton began badly, repeatedly throwing away possession with poor passing and noor ball control. Checkers used a hard defensive press, and often won the ball in the mid-court for the accurate shooting of Rennell and Baker to add goals. Checkers dominance was soon attained, and' by half-time it led 17-7. After the break, points came steadily from all parts of the court. Rennell and Baker are in such convincing form that it appears as though they will dominate the competition. Both are playing fine basketball as well as scoring the majority of points for their team. Ward and Ramsay were the best of the Brighton team, the former in particular being ac-

-tlve on attack. However, both were guilty of neglecting their defensive duties, and this left too great a burden on the rest of the side. RANGIORA A 34: J. Quinn 11,

C. Reuben 9, M. Pitama 4,

J. Kearny 4, B. Peter 4, C. O'Laughlln 2. CHECKERS B 21: Price 9, Rob-

erts 6, Wilson 2, Nurse 2,

Walrau 2. Accurate shooting and a faster attack gave Rangiora an advantage in the first half. Quinn and Reuben almost ruled the court with their adventurous methods, and both were very dangerous when they had control of the ball. However, the unobtrusive Checkers B team kept within range by using a steadier brand of basketball, and at half-time Rangiora was leading, 19-11. Apart from Reuben and Quinn, Kearny and Peter worked hard in the mid-court and their defensive work was often of high staridard. Price and Roberts both put on good performances for Checkers, while it was hard to understand why Wilson was left off the court for so long when It appears that her left-handed shooting is the most potent offensive weapon in the team. Lower grade results: —B grade: Rebels B 43, Rex C 13; Orients A 1«, Taxes A 12: Y.M.C.A. A 31, Homecraft 17. C grade: Y.M.C.A. B 26, Sockburn Park 7; Brighton D 24, Brighton E 14; Checkers C 24. Rangiora D 19; Christchurch West 40, Taxes C 3; N.A.C. 13, Stars 81.