BASKETBALL

Grey River Argus, 6 April 1943, Page 3

BASKETBALL

WEST COAST ASSOCIATION. At the annual meeting of the West Coast Basketball Association to-mor-row evening the following report will bp submitted by the President (Miss M. E. Ray):— • • In .common with most sports bodies, the W.C.B.A. was faced with unusual difliculties during the 1942 season. The number of teams, sixteen, taking part in the weekly competition was the fewest for some years. The decrease was attributable to the departure from the district, to take positions elsewhere, of several active and prospective players and to the fact that some girls were required to work on Saturday afternoons. As a result, two grades instead of three were played, with six teams playing first grade and ten second grade. In spite .of delays at the beginning of the season, due to a series of wet Saturdays, a full programme of fixtures was successfully carried through. The first grade competition was won by Technical High School A, Convent* Old Girls A being runners up. After keep competition, United A won the second grade trophy, with Technical B in second place. The Nimmo Cup for the highest goal average was won by Technical High School A with an average of 21.6, Technical B being second with 19.2. The results of special fixtures were as follows: King’s Birthday Yankee Tournament, first grade, Technical Old Girls A. second grade, United A. Knock-out Tournament: Convent Old Girls A. The usual enthusiasm was shown in the schools’ Wednesday competition, which was won by Technical C with St. Mary’s E in second place. By the almost unanimous vote of affiliated Associations, it was decided that no New Zealand Tournament be held. Associations, however, were encouraged by the N.Z.B.A. to arrange representative fixtures with neighbouring associations. Thi s association gratefully accepted the invitation of the Canterbury Association to participate in its annual field day. On that day, our annual fixture with the Canterbury third grade team was played, a bright and interesting game, resulting in a narrow victory for West Coast. The other game against Ashburton was drawn. The Canterbury Association is to be congratulated on the’ success which attended its enterprise, and our special thanks are due to them for the hospitality extended to our girls during their week end in Christchurch. Mainly owing to transport difficulties. Buller’s challenge for the Kawatiri Cud was decided at Reefton. After keenly contested and enjoyable games, both our A • and B teaffis were successful. The success of the day was, due in no small measure to the work of Mr. Stanley, who made available for us courts and equipment. The decrease in the number ot teams, resulted in a serious decrease in revenue, the main source of which is the annual subscriptions from the clubs. Realising the more urgent needs of patriotic and Allied efforts, the association has refrained from making any special appeal to th e public. However, the state of the finances is now such, that unless they show improvement very soon, the activities of the association may have to be restricted. Another reason for disquite is] the lack j>f interest in the administrative side of the game shown by so many senior players, when they retire from playing. Towards the’ end of the season, the association suffered a severe loss in the departure from the district of Miss Eileen Rqhlor, who' for some years had .been its very capable and loyal secretary. While keenly aware of our own loss, wa wish her success and happiness m her now werk. Her duties have been ably carried on by Miss Mary Tunnell. • ..... It is with very deep regret that we record the death of Chrissie Auld, a popular player, and former representative! of her province. To her family we extend our deepest sympathy in their bereavement. Our thanks are due to the referees whose willingness and enthusiasm make possible the success of our activities. To our Patron, Mr. J. Tennent for hi s interest and helpfulness and to Mr. E. L. Kehoe, for his services as auditor, we wish to express our appreciation. In_conclusion, we wish to thank the press and the broadcasting service for their unfailing courtesy and consideration,