Checkers wins first of play-off series

Press, 14 July 1980, Page 20

Checkers wins first of play-off series

Checkers, the national women’s club champion, took a big step towards retaining its Canterbury title when 'it narrowly beat Mairehau A in the opening game Of tlie Conley arid Bly th basketball championship “top four” play-off series at Cowles Ctdium yesterday. Checkers won. 39-35. after some anxious moments, and Continental Caterers Rangiora beat Christchurch United, 65-45, in. the first game of the “bottom five” play-off contest. University beat Christchurch United, 62-50 on Saturday morning at Piorieer Stadium. The decision of the Canterbury Basketball Association to draw Checkers and Mairehau A, obviously the top two teams, to play the’opening round has been heavily criticised by players arid coaches. A full round of men’s and woriien’s games had been scheduled for yesterday, but was postponed and rescheduled, for August 6. ,- <• Checkers A 39, Mairehau A 3S Both teams attacked strongly from the start, knowing that, apart from any upsets, this season’s competition winner would be touhd in this game. Tli6 first 10 minutes were fdirly

even but Ari Improvement in teamwork enabled Checkers to put on 10 points in succession, to lead, 18-3.

Mairehau pulled back to trail, 18-20, by half-time and would have been ahead had it been able to convert iriore free throws. ; There ■ were many errors by both sides and with Mairehau’s usually effective teamwork missing, Donna Broughton made several lorig solo drives the length of the court. She scored several good baskets to level the score, 29-29.

Some accurate long range shots by Beth McLeod put Checkers ahead again and Mairehau cbuld riot close the gap. Referees: Messrs D. Burrell J. Grocott.

Rangiora 65, Chrlstehureh United 45

Rangiora had tod much skill and finesse for United. It was held for most of the first half, and led, 24-21. at the interval. Weather Steele had a fine game for United, picking up 20 points. Steele was forced to leave the court with a sprained ankle in the second half, and Rangiora surged clear. Kim Smith finished the match with 29 points, and Karetj Costairi had a good defensive match.

Referees; Mrs D. Heslop, Mr R Flynn.

University 62, Christchurch United 50

University ensured a place in the top section play off when it beat united in a fairlv quiet game.

United held the stronger University team for half the openill gspell but shortly after University began to assert its superiority. At the interval, Uriiversitv led, 31-24. A strong burst early In the second half carried University to a 47-28 lead. Rose Walker and Thelma Costain played well for University, while Barbara Carr an drier sister, Steele, stood out for United. Results:—

Checkers 39 (C. Heremia 12, j. McMeekin 7, S. Rennell, L. Hannen, B. McLeod 6, P. Roberts 2) beat Mairehau 35 (D. Broughton 10, P. Barry 9, C. Petty 8, J. Cook 8, C. McFarlin 2).

Rangiora 65 iK. Smith 29, Y, Kerr 12, P. Rollinson 8. S. Blackadder. R. King 6, L. Stevenson 4) beat Christchurch United 45 ill. Steele 20. B. Carr 9. J. Lamont, Erin Scullion. D. Boa 4, Eileen Scullion, S. Richards ->■ University 62 (T. Costain 20, R. Walker’ 17, V. Brand 12, P. McLeod, M. Porteous 4. D. Atkins 3, R. North 2) beat United 50 (Carr 16. Steele 14. Boa 8, V. Richards. D. Wilson 4, S. Richards, E. Scullion 2>.