Weakened University Beaten In Basketball

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 31991, 19 May 1969, Page 15

Weakened University Beaten In Basketball

University A was unexpectedly beaten by Burnham, 46-29, in the first round of the supplementary A grade men’s basketball competition, played in the Hagley High School gymnasium on Saturday.

However, the University A team which arrived for the match bore little resemblance to the one which currently leads the inter-club championship. Four of its key players were away with the Canterbury representative team, and three others were unable to play because of outside commitments. This left only J. Yii of the original team, and although he scored 15 points it was not enough to off-set the flow of goals to Burnham. High School Old Boys had to work hard for their 39-30 victory over Checkers A, which was without three of the usual line-up. Y.M.C.A. proved too good for Old Maroons, finally winning 3923. WELL BEATEN BURNHAM 46: G. Costello 17, P. Trass 10, J. Seymour 8, M. Simons 4, D. Watson 4, M. Robertson 3. UNIVERSITY A 29: J. Yii 15, J. Grocott 10, J. Ngo 2, E. B. Khoo 2.

Even substantially weakened, it was expected that University A would be able to give a good account of itself against Burnham, which trails the field in the A grade championship. The largest club in the province, University can usually produce many players capable of filling a berth in A grade sides when players are away with representative sides but with the university holidays in full swing it was more difficult than usual this time.

Had it not been for the fine performances of J. Yii and J. Grocott the encounter would have been a very one-sided affair indeed. From the start Burnham played aggressive, determined basketball and at half time led .deservedly, 27-12. In the second half the pressure remained on and the Armyplayers forged effortlessly ahead. G. Costello was outstanding in the Burnham side. He rebounded expertly and drove successfully for the basket on many occasions. P. Trass and J. Seymour also played their parts well. BAD PATCH OLD BOYS 39: G. Orchard 16, K. Luxton 8, .1. Gunthorp 7, M. Gleason 3, R. Tremewan 2, J. MacLachlan 2, K. Milligan 1. CHECKERS A 30: G. Phillips 10, N. Vincent 8, B. Stull 8, R. Dew 4. A tad patch shortly before half-time cost Checkers A any chance it might have had of winning this game. Its defence on occasions was almost nonexistant, its offence lethargic and Old Boys made the most of. this to race ahead. At halftitaie they led 27-14 and seemed headed for ah easy win. But in the second spell Checkers tightened its defence up considerably and Old Boys found themselves struggling to maintain their leading margin. Mid-way through the spell Checkers began to get on top. Unfortunately, it was too late and when the final whistle went

the team was still nine points behind.

In the second half Old Boys were able to score only 12 points and were obviously missing the services of their tall forward, A. Hounsell. Their ability to lose their markers undoubtedly won them the game. G. Orchard was without doubt the outstanding player of the match. He always moved with purpose and rarely missed an opportunity to score. K. Luxton also contributed much and I. Gunthorp was a constant threat in the rebounding areas. B. Stull played one of his best games for Y-Boys in the guard-line and N. Vincent also showed up well in this department. Two B grade players, P. Rainey and G. Phillips,

proved adequate replacements for C. Morris and I. Day. COMFORTABLE WIN Y.M.CJk. 39: B. Hepenstall 11, P. Lund-Jackson 9, P. Ross 9, D. Symonds 9, I. Simson 2, G. Jones 2. OLD MAROONS 23: J Riley 10, W. Smith 6, R. Skurr 4. G. Nock 2. J. Stead 1. Both teams were below possible strength and seemed to be well matched but Y.M.C.A. played a more constructive brand of basketball and this comfortably won it the day. However, Old Maroons threw the ball about in lively fashion and never gave Y.M.C.A. the chance to relax. At half-time Y.M.C.A. led 19-12 and in the second spell continued to forge slowly but surely ahead. It kept its mistakes to a minimum and maintained control of the game with solid, unspectacular play. This was in sharp contrast to Old Maroons, who scored from some very bright moves and also lost many opportunities through illdirected passing. P. Ross played an intelligent game for Y.M.C.A. He sank some lovely shots, set his players up well and appeared to be well on the way to regaining the outstanding form which won him a place in the New Zealand invitation side two seasons ago. B. Heppenstall also shot well and P. Lund-Jackson took some brilliant interceptions, scoring from several. J. Riley and W. Smith were the key Old Maroons players. Riley attacked the basket with splendid • determination and Smith was a constant danger. OTHER RESULTS B Grade.—Y.M.C.A. B 31, Taxe' A 21; University D 24, Y-Boy C 23.

Squad Chosen

The following players hav been chosen by the Canterbur B men’s basketball player-coacl (Mr R. Spark) to train for the South Island B grade tourna ment at Gore at Queens Birth day week-end:—

P. Rainey, G. Phillips (Checkers); B. Ryall (Burnsco); F. Grennall (1.8. M. G. Renton (University); B. Borrell. R. Spark (Rangiora); H. Doggett. S. Saville (Y.M.C.A.); G. Lay (Orients). The team for the tournament will be announced next Saturday.