University title bid upset

Press, 16 September 1987, Page 8

University title bid upset

University lost further ground in its bid for its first Canterbury senior men’s basketball title for many years when beaten 52-57 by Aranui at Cowles Stadium last evening.

It was the second loss in as many evenings for the students, who were beaten by Checkers the evening before. However, University still retains a slender lead with one round of matches to go on Saturday. University’s closest rivals, Checkers and Butlers also won. Checkers bad a clear cut win over Rangiora, 73-59, while Butlers edged out High School Old Boys, 92-90, in a nail-biting period of extra time.

Aranui looks almost certain to win the women’s championship after a comprehensive success over Rangiora, 67-36. Halswell beat Rebels, 59-31, to retain seicond place, while Butlers upset Checkers, 47-46, in a controversial finish, which prompted the beaten team to walk out of the stadium and ignore scorebench duty. The men’s section will hold the most interest on Saturday. University faces Butlers and if the students should fail and Aranui wins, the championship could end in a three-way tie. Old Boys,

Rangiora, and Rebels are now out of contention, although Old Boys would have been a contender if they had not “blown” a 12-polnt lead to a sometimes struggling Butlers in the third quarter. Results (main scorers).— Men

Aranui 57 (A. Ffennett, K. Ritsma, both 14,1. Hill 8), University 52 (G. Wemyss 12, C. Shaw 10, R. Harris 8). Half-time 32-17, Aranui. Checkers 73 (T. Brunel 16, P. Ward 12, M. Rainbird 11), Rangiora 59 (R. Lines 15, P. Newell 14, M. Lines 11). Halftime 30-28, Rangiora. Butlers 92 (I. Webb 28, M. Hall 22, B. Duggan 16), Old Boys 90 (G. Ung 25, H. Thomson 23, D. Grocott 15). Half-time 46-38, Old Boys. Women

Butlers 477 (B. Palmer 16, O. Dixon 13, I. Harley 6), Checkers 46 (B. Carr 19, M. Mullany 9, C. Patterson and T. Whittaker 6). Half-time 2616, Checkers. Aranui 67 (T. Costain and V. Cowley 10, A. Fennemar and L. Richardson). Rangiora 36 (P. Belworthy 12, J. Morris 8, L. Mosley 7). Half-time 3617, Aranui.

Halswell 59 (M. Collins 17, S. Bennie 16, M. Van Kiuen 14), Rebels 31 (R. Duncan, L. Forsyth, S. Reid and W. Holland, all 6). Half-time 27-21, HaiswrU. '