Women’s b’ball side strong

Press, 23 June 1978, Page 24

Women’s b’ball side strong

The former New Zealand representative, Sharon Rennell, has been named captain of the 1978 Canterbury women’s basketball team, which has been announced by the selector-coach (Mr Kerrv Williams).

Mrs Rennell was not available for the representative side last season. Her return will be of great benefit to one of the strongest teams to represent Canterbury at this level in recent years. She first represented Canterbury in 1962, then Hutt Valley between 1969 and 1973, and played for New Zealand in the same period. The first major assignment for the team is the South Island championship in Cowles Stadium from July 14 to 16. This will be a particularly big test because the touring American side, Lewis University, will also be competing, by invitation. Three teams from the

tournament will qualify for the New Zealand championship in Auckland from August 15 to 19. Canterbury will also meet the Arizona University All Stars in Cowles Stadium on August 8. Last year Canterbury failed to qualify for the national tournament but under its new coach, Mr Williams, it is expected to be a big threat td the top provincial sides. Players making their debut' in the side include Jeanette Howard, Rayne Cassidy, and Donna Broughton, Mairehau High School’s promising trio. Miss Howard in particular has been showing ability far beyond her age. Robyn North, a national unde r-20 representative, leads a group of experienced proteges of Mr Williams, whose successful Mairehau High School sides have won six consecutive national

| secondary school titles. This (group also includes Patsy i Barry (nee Hinkley), Jenny | Armstrong, and Jackie Cook. Most of these girls have I been New Zealand junior or I New Zealand . secondary school representatives. Mr Williams has the best team available but is most concerned about the lack of height and expects it to struggle for rebounds. It is very strong in shooting power and mid-court control. Mr Williams has also chosen a strong under-20 side to defend the national title Canterbury won last year; lead by Allunea Taie, it includes three girls from the senior side. Mr Wililams expects it will easily qualify at Nelson. The teams are:— Canterbury senior women: Sharon Rennell (Captain), Robyn North, Margaret Dwayne (Checkers); Patsey Barry, . Jennie Armstrong, Mary Fastier, Jackie Cook

■.(Mairehau A); Donna Broughton, Rayne Cassidy, Jeanette Howard (Mairehau High School); Allison Wright (University); Shirley Le Warne (Rebels). Canterbury under-20 women: A. Taie (Captain, Rebels); North, Sally Cox, Sue Archer (Checkers); Broughton, Megan Stokes, Cassidy, Bronwyn Palmer (Mairehau High School); Vivienne Howard, Christine Smith (Mairehau A); Adrianna Beukenholdt (University). The Canterbury B side to attend the second vision qualifying tournament at Nelson is:— Judy Baker (captain), Chris Chaplin, Barbara Smith, Gaynor Clark (Checkers); Linda Proffitt, Margaret Machirus, Kay Mason (Mairehau); Wendy Rule (Rangiora), Thelma Beattie (University B). One player is yet to be added. The coach is Mr Stu Cook.