BASKETBALL

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 June 1937, Page 11

BASKETBALL

NEWS AND NOTES There was a conspicuous slowing-up of play in the games played on the grass courts at McGinley Park on Saturday. The hard courts certainly make for a much faster and more attractive game. In addition, there was much falling and sliding, due to the very slippery nature of the ground. Positions of Teams: At this stage, the positions of the A grade teams are rather interesting. The leading team is Convent Old Girls B, who have yet to meet Convent Old Girls A, Technical Old Girls A, and Runanga A. Nevertheless, by their performances up to date, they have fully justified their promotion to A grade. The following tables give the positions of teams in both grades: — A. GRADE.

Saturday's Play: There, were no close A grade matches on Saturday, although in some games the play was more even than the score would indicate.

Runanga A v. Tech. O.G. B: This game opened well, and both teams gave promise of a fast open game. Technical O.G. B gave one of their best exhibitions to date and kept the fast Runanga team working hard. However, the persistent over-guarding ami over-defending by the Runanga defence robbed the greater part ot the game of its brilliance. The whole Runanga team is inclined to overguard, but the defence especially will have to overcome this serious breach of rules. The closing stages of the game saw Runanga with a comfortable lead, and Technical making a determined effort to reduce the margin of goals. Convent O.G. A v. Technical A: — Convent. O.G. A were far too experienced for their much younger opponent;;. who played gamely throughout. Convent O.G. forwards and defender:! and. to a lesser extent, the centres, have a thorough understanding, resulting in some delightful movements.

N. Grogan is playing well this season, being quick to seize an opportunity, and showing up better on defence. Technical A were by no means disgraced, making their opponents work for every goal. They were, unlucky not to score, their few shots just miss--111 Convent O.G. B v. United: In this game there was less difference between the teams than would seem from the score. After an unfortunate loss of players early in the season, United are only now beginning to achieve combination, and are showing improvement in each game. This was Convent O.G.’s fourth successive win.

B Grade Improvement: It is gratifying to note a steady improvement among the B grade teams. Woolworth’s had another handsome win, defeating Cobden Convent O.G. Bby a wide margin. Woolworth’s were the more experienced team, and were too good -for Cobden C.0.G., who are the latest recruits in the competition. Woolworth’s forwards are a good combination, and their shooting accurate. Cobden, however, are improving with every game. Technical B v. Technical O.G. C:— Technical played short in the first spell, but later were able to take the lead. Both teams lacked combination, but the Old Girls’ defenders played well.

Cobden C.O.G. A v. St. Mary’s A.: — Cobden played well to defeat St. Mary’s A in a closely contested game. The centres were inclined to pass wildly, but the forwards gave a good exhibition. The St. Mary s centres played well, but lack oi experience was obvious in the defence. Runanga B v. Convent O.G. C: —For a time, play was very even, but in the second spell, the superior size and experience of the Runanga players had their effect. The O’Connell sisters deserve commendation for their stubborn defence in a losing game.

Common Faults: Over-defence and blocking are far too common, and present, a problem for the referee, for, if every offence were penalised, the game would be continually held up. There arc individual players who never over-defend. but no team is guiltless. Players see faults in others, but are not aware that they are committing the same themselves. Players are still careless in re-entering the court, and often take more than the legitimate IS inches from the spot where the ball crossed the line. The centre must remember that, at the throw-off, she must keep her toe on the. line until she has passed me ball. A common habit, especially among B grade players, is that of clapping. Besides causing confusion when several players clap at once, information is also given to the opposing players. It is extremely doubtful if any advantage is gained. Although several warnings have been given, certain players continue to wear jewellery. Unless players realise their responsibility in this respect. serious action will have to be taken. New Court: Mutches arranged for McGmlcj Park will be played on the Convent

courts if the grass courts are unsuitable for play. The Association is fortunate in the acquisition of the Swimming Bath lawn, making the third lull-sized court in Greymouth.

Coming Events: Representative practice begins this week. Twenty players have been selected for training, but this number will probably be added to if players show impressive form. There seem to be a few certainties, but. very few, and much will depend on the form shown in the next few weeks. The next big event of the season is the Yank', tonrnamcni on June 9. Eliiiif.., vhi< h <lo;:c to-day, should eon--titute a record. Every team will plaj' at least three games, so that interest will be sustained throughout.

P. w. D. L. Pts. Convent O.G. B 4 4 —- — S Convent O.G. A 4 3 1 — 7 Technical O.G. A 4 2 •—. 6 Runanga A 4 Y 1 1 5 Technical O.G. B 4 2 — — 4 Technical A 4 1 — 3 2 Blaketown 4 — — 4 — United 4 — —- 4 — B. GRADE (Section 1). P. w. D. L. Pts. Cobden C.O.G. A 4 4 - — 8 Technical B 4 3 — 1 6 Runanga B 4 a — 1 6 St. Mary’s A 4 1 — «■> 2 Convent O.G. C 4 1 — w Technical O.G. C 4 — — 4 — B. GRADE I (Section 2.) P. w. I>. L. Pts. Wool wort h’s 4 4 — — . S Taylorville 4 o — 1 6 Technical C •> — 1 4 United B. 3 1 — 2 Runanga C o 1 — 2 Cobden C.O.G. B 3 1 -— w — Tuinui 4 — — 4 —