A chance to even the score against Otago

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32032, 5 July 1969, Page 11

A chance to even the score against Otago

QN recent performances, Otago must be rated as one of the finest men’s basketball sides in New Zealand. It won the national championship with a particularly determined display last season and its form so far this season suggests that the 1969 title is not beyond it. Already, it has proved its mastery over the best South Island sides. Its domination of the island tournament on its home court at the start of last month was most impressive. In this Canterbury lost to Otago, 50-83, a sound beating by any standards, but there was some consolation in the fact that all the other teams fared even worse.

Tomorrow Canterbury will have a chance to even the .score. Otago has agreed to play it in a special de-

monstration ’ game at Timaru. It will be played on a court smaller than that normally used by the teams and this might be a great leveller—especially if Canterbury can make the best use of its height advantage. However, there is no better drilled team in the country than Otago and

even if space is a little crowded its mistakes will be minimal. Individually, Canterbury’s biggest headaches will probably be provided by the brilliant young guard, J. MacDonald, and the veteran centre, L. Pearson.

In the last encounter, Macdonald scored 20 points and Pearson has always been a stumbling block in Canterbury’s path to victory. If these two can be subdued, then Otago will be far from invincible.

Much will of course depend on the shooting standard reached by the Canterbury players. Shooting has been one of the weak points of the side and opportunities have been lost many times because of. it. Fortunately, the winds of change appear to be blowing. A. Hounsell’s recent form at club and representative level has been fully

up to the highest national standards. He scored 21 points against Otago last time and a repeat performance tomorrow would certainly help Canterbury. Unfortunately, Hounsell was the only player able to score consistently against Otago and if Canterbury is to win, more than one player will have to reach double figures.

Nobody knows more about Otago’s tactics than I. Day, who has been one of the most effective players in the Canterbury side so far. He was a member of the Otago team when it won the national title last season and he does not regard it as invincible. “I am sure we can beat them,” he said. As one of the key midcourt players, Day will play an important role. He is an accurate jump shooter capable of setting up play and with his inside knowledge should prove invaluable. The other mid-court player in the first line-up will be the captain, J. Culliford, a hard driver with an aggressive defence. J. Utley is not likely to be found wanting in the centre. His strong rebound play is sure to bring him a good tally of points, although he lacks finesse. Another player whose form in the rebounding department will have an important bearing on the game is P. Stigley, at 6ft 3in the tallest member of the side. His main position will be forward but with R. Millard out of the team he may have to take his turn in the rpntrp The game is of no real importance, apart from the inter-provincial honour at stake, but it will give several border-line selections a chance to make their positions more secure. K. Lux : ton, M. Clements and D. Rattray will all have to be on their mettle if they are to retain their places for the forthcoming Palmerston North tournament and the national invitation tournament later in the year. The team’s vice-captain, C. Morris, injured at the start of the representative season, will be back in action shortly and somebody will have to drop out to make room. This might largely depend on form in tomorrow’s game.