Experienced Team For Water Polo

Press, Volume CIX, Issue 32219, 11 February 1970, Page 15

Experienced Team For Water Polo

Eleven players have been named in the Canterbury water polo team for the national championships to be held in Wellington from February 23-25.

The joint selector-coaches (Messrs E. Tuyn and M C.| Scott) have concentrated on a solid base of experienced) players, but they have also included six members of the representative under-21 team to' ensure a blend of youth and age. The teams are: Senior.—l. L. Gunthorp (captain), B. R. Hazlett, T M.; McGirr (Wharenui), B G. Spear, R. J Wilson, R Gun-: thorp (University), M. Scott, B. M. Mustchin (BeckenhamSockburn Park), D Reid, M Godinet (Jellie Park). P G. C Hav (Elmwood). Under 21.—R Gunthorp (captain), Godinet. Wilson.' Reid. Mustchin, Hay. P Mui-' ligan. R. Tweedie (W rharenui). 1 Wright (Jellie Park). TWO SURPRISES Only Godinet and Wilson have not played for the senior team previously and their selection comes as something , of a surprise. However, both ' have improved remarkably 1 since the season began and have been given the opportunity to prove themselves in open competition. ; Godinet. although only 18. has proved himself a goal keener with rare courage, and Wilson has the speed and I tenacitv to become a key player ; n the team. The absence of M. J. M ' Hav will be a serious blow, but Reid and R. Gunthorp, who are likely to share Hay’s

position, are excellent team players and should fill the gap adequately I. L. Gunthorp, Scott and McGirr have played represen-j tative water polo for approxi- | mately 25 years in total, and! with Hazlett and Mustchin also in the field, Canterbury! has the ability to produce play worthy of a national; champion. As a last line of defence,! I Spear is equal to any other ■ goal-keeper in New Zealand, and he is sure to be in the! running for national selection. :