Aranui goes to a narrow lead

Press, 17 August 1987, Page 29

Aranui goes to a narrow lead

The Patron’s trophy winner, Aranui, established a narrow two-point lead in the championship section of the women’s divison one basketball competition when it beat Butlers, 70-45, in Cowles Stadium on Saturday. Aranui was helped by the efforts of Halswell, which overwhelmed a disorganised Minties side, 66-38, while Checkers was unimpressive in beating Ranigora, 59-44. The competition will finish very late this season, on September 15, with a complete round still to be played after league games and other events have restricted the use of Cowles Stadium during the season. Platings at the end of the first round of the Championship section are.—

Aranui 76, Butlers 45 Aranui: V. Cowley 17, B. Atchison it, M. Costain 11, T. Costain 8, T. Beukenholdt 6, P. Barry 6, A. Fennemor 4, L. Richardson 4, D. Knops 3, T. Stokes 2. Butlers: I. Hartley 12, D. Broughton 8, J. M. Slocombe 7, B. Palmer 6, D. Dixon 5, C. Obel 5, L McClintock 2. The final 25-point margin did not reflect the true nature of the game. Both sides kept up tight defences, forcing the opposition to work really hard to find any openings. As the second spell progressed it was the greater depth of the Aranui bench that gained the upper hand while Butlers’ fitness let it down. Butlers had been riding a crest of a wave which enabled it to beat Halswell, Checkers and Rangiora. However, this was its first game for a month and its play suffered accordingly. Aranui played and beat the Canterbury representative side In this same period, helping to keep it tuned. Butlers started impressively with four skilful baskets to Isobel Hartley but Aranui was not rattled. Vicki Cowley and Margaret Costain kept Aranui in touch although it took seven minutes before it could overhaul Butlers to lead, 13-12. More accurate shooting allowed Aranui to ease marginally ahead, 37-27, by half-time. Pat Barry, distributed the ball well for Aranui while Cowley’s precision shooting netted her best effort with 17 points. Costain and Brenda Atchison chimed in with a handy 10 points. The referees were Noel Love and Bruce Martin. Checkers 56, Rangiora 44 Checkers: B. Carr 14, M. Mullany 12, J. Harris 16, D. Woodhouse 7, C. Erb 5, T. Whittaker 4, D. Chase 4, J. Lattimore 2, C.Patterson 1. Rangiora: R. King 11, P. Belworthy 11, L. Mosely 7, C. Hogue 6, R. Edyvean 4, M. Pipe 5, 6. McFarlane 1 Maramu Mullany played a leading role in Checkers* win over Rangiora, regaining some of the top form she used to exhibit before her break in the North Island. Her natural flair has been overshadowed this season by the dominance of the tall Sonya Akk-

erman, who rested for the game, saving herself for the strenuous training sessions for the national women's trials over the week-end. Barbara Carr had her usual reliable game finishing with her regular 14-point effort while Justine Harris showed great improvement with 10 points. Diane Wood house and Connie Erb gave Checkers added depth against Rangiora which, although languishing near the bottom of the table, has improved steadily throughout the season. The first half was spoiled by a string of fouls with 18 called against Checkers and only eight against Rangiora. Rangiora tailed to convert a host of free throws, missing 14 out of 18 shots In the first spell. Checkers led, 37-25, by half-time. The second spell was quite a contrast to the first Rangiora improved its defence, making Checkers work harder, and Rangiora also managed to penetrate Checkers defences. Rangiora closed the gap to 4740 in the twelfth minute but Checkers finally dominated the last 6 minutes. Rongo King, Penney Belworthy and Liz Mosely put in regular efforts for Rangiora. The referees were John Grocott and Sharron Harrow. Halswell 66, Minties 38 Halswell: S. Bennie 17, M. Vaa Vuuren 17, M. Collins 14, D. Walker 8, R. Forde 6, R. Walker 4, S. Elliott 2. Minties: S. Camp 13, Y. Crichton-Hill 12, L. O’Connor 3, L. WUliscroft 2, J. McGrath 2, O. Cooke 2. Halswell bounced back with its best team effort after suffering defeats at the hands of Butlers, Checkers and Aranui. It was helped by Minties experiencing a

run of praOtam vft several players either off cotoar or injured. Minties was tatter handicapped when the Oatertury representative, Shona Richards, was inidvertimtty left off tte scoresheet. Richards was atoo saving her strata* for the aattoaal trials but would have helped greatly la orgnaMag some pan of defence against the te-tam Batewell girlsMinties had also enlisted the aid of a tamer Buraside divNoa two player, Leonie Statham, who had recently represented the Air Force and Combined Serviem sides. She found tte step to division one games quite a hurffle but should become a valuable asset . . The Canterbury representatives, Yvonne Crichtoc-Hlil and Sue Camp, gave Minties some thrust up front but it lacked badly on defence. The player coach, Puhi Milner, got herself into foul trouble, trying to cover tte many gaps in Minties’ defence. Sue Bennie and Marinda Van Vuuren both finished with n valuable 17-point contribution ta Halswell, closely aided by the speedy efforts of Mandy Collins. Rose Walker distributed the ball with her usual skilful display while Darlene Walker and Raylene Forde put in useful efforts. After leading 26-20 at half-time. Halswell quickly skipped dear to 42-23 after only 6 minutes of the second spell. Milner fouled out in the third minute leaving Minties a Utile disorganised. Camp used her speed and flair to help arrest Halswell’s total dominance but she lacked support The referees were Kevin Fustier and Nick Warren.

P W L F A Pt Aranui 6 5 1 362 280 10 Minties 6 4 2 360 319 8 Checkers 6 4 2 342 299 8 Butlers 5 3 2 258 245 6 Baisweil 6 3 3 362 310 6 Rangiora 6 1 5 241 354 2 Rebels 5 0 5 221 339 0