National netball

Press, Volume CXV, Issue 33933, 28 August 1975, Page 26

National netball

(N.Z. Press Association) AUCKLAND. South Canterbury provided the shock result of the second day of the national first-grade netball tournament at the Onewa Domain, Takapuna, yesterday, beating North Shore. Early missed passes and uncertain shooting by North Shore appeared to upset the rhythm of its game. South Canterbury, in contrast, snapped up any chances, and the steady shooting of Maureen South and Helen Lillico, the vice-captain, took the southern side into a 1613 lead at the break.

North Shore began to click on the resumption, and took a 20-17 lead. But then the green shirts of South Canterbury seemed to be all over the court, and in a burst of six goals South Canterbury swept to a notable win 31-27.

South Canterbury, which did not win a point on the first day of the tournament, also beat Hawke’s Bay, 24.23. Canterbury beat Matamata, 32-23, and also beat Hutt Valley, 39-23.

Auckland withstood a tremendous siege from Waikato to finish the day the only unbeaten first-grade team.

Auckland led, 14-9, at half-time, and it increased the lead to 20-10 before Waikato swung the ball all over the court gradually to narrow the gap. It was left to the Auckland goal-defence, Pauline Clark, and the goal-keeper, Ruth Lidgard, to contain their opponents. This they did splendidly despite many hectic moments in the circle, Auckland eventually winning 26-23.

Four teams began the grade unbeaten in the morning — Auckland, Wellington, North Shore, and Waikato. Wellington lost its record when Auckland settled down quickly in their morning game to build up a good lead and hold it.

First grade results.—Auckland 45, Wellington 30; South Canterbury 24. Hawke’s Bay 23; Canterbury 32, Matamata 23; Waikato 39, Rotorua 31; Hutt Valley 38, Otago 29; South Canterbury 31, North Shore 27; Canterbury 39. Hutt Valley 23; Auckland 26. Waikato 23; Wellington 39 Matamata 39; North Shore 34, Otago 28; Hawke’s Bay 36, Rotorua 28.

Points: Auckland 8; Canterbury, North Shore. Wellington, and Waikato 6; Hawke’s Bay and South Canterbury 4; Hutt Valley and Matamata 2; Rotorua and Otago 0.