Checkers Is Still Unbeaten

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31982, 8 May 1969, Page 16

Checkers Is Still Unbeaten

A general improvement in team-work, but not in shooting skills was apparent in last evening’s womens indoor basketball at Cowles stadium. Checkers once again proved too strong for its opposition and as the season progresses it becomes more apparent the team is in a class of its own. In the Monday evening games, Rangiora was surprisingly beaten by Rex and Checkers B scored an easy victory over Brighton B. CHECKERS 37: D. Hesson 11, P. Wadsworth 8, J. Baker 8, S. Rennell 6, J. Harding 4. REBELS 18: C. Cook 8, L. Te Huia 3, P. Henshilwood 2, P. Ruwhiu 2, S. Langrope 2, S. L’Estrange 1. Although Rebels played creditably, it was only Checkers* weak shooting that kept the margin within 20 points. Checkers used Baker at the post and the vigorous Hesson under the basket, and these tactics proved worthwhile. Checkers gained a commanding lead in the first half, with Baker in a dominating role, but later, when she had to leave the court with a dislocated finger. Checkers lost some of its cohesion and Rebels pulled up to 11-17 at the interval. Baker returned after halftime, and although she was not officially in the centre position, it was she who directed the attacks. Hesson had a good game, rebounding well and fitting in with the team’s style of play for the first time since she joined the club. For Rebels. Cook, although she attempted too many long shots, was of real value to her team and the general play of Ruwhiu and the outdoor representative. Langrope, was of a high standard. BRIGHTON A 46: R. Leask 12, J. Ancell 8, B. Davies 8, A. Harliwich 6, J. Jones 4, E. Pope 4. A. Smith 2, C. Symonds 2. RANGIORA B 10: B. Matheson 6,

D. Stringer 2, V. Lynskey 2. The standard of play in this game was not high, and although Brighton reached a big score, it was only in spasms that the team played fluently. Brighton showed a lot more drive in the first halt to dominate the scoring, 20-6, and there was never a doubt about the eventual winner. Brighton played at Its best when the centre, Harliwich. was on the court, for she distributed the ball well to her forwards from the top of the keyway. Leask, Ancall and Davies all played valuable roles, with Ancall showing the skills that could gain her many of the game's honours. The aggressive Stringer was always in the game for Rangiora and Matheson’s shooting was accurate. Other results were: Rex 25 (H. Maglnnis 7, A. Fairhall 6, E. Young 4. B. Miller 4. L. Wilson 2. D. Bundza 2). Rangiora A 22 (C. Reuben 10, M. Pitama 6, J. Quinn 4, P. O'Loughlin 2). Checkers B 27 (V. Price 9. C. Roberts 8, J. Walrau 4. G. Parry 4, H. Dawson 2), Brighton B 11 (G. Middleton 4, L. Ward 2. J. Leask 2, V. Simmonds 2. M. Ramsay 1). Rapresentatlve Turn The Canterbury selector. Mr R. Entwistle, has named a strong side to play in the Canadian Goodwill tournament in Blenheim on May 17. The two University players. D. Broughton and G. Hannan, were not available, and the only real surprise is the omission of the promising young Rangiora player. J. Quinn. Last season, she was a South Island B grade representative and in the club games so far this season has shown considerable skill.

The team is:—J. Baker. S. Rennell, P. Wadsworth. J, Harding D. Hesson (Checkers): C. Reuben (Rangiora): P. Ruwhiu (Rebels); and S. Lee (University),