BASKETBALL TOURNEY.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVIII, Issue 234, 1 September 1938, Page 14

BASKETBALL TOURNEY.

MANAWATU SUCCESSES. Per Press Association. TIMAP.U. Aug. 31. The following are additional results of to-day's play in the New Zealand basketball tournament: — First grade.—Otago 24. Hawke's Bav 23; Canterbury 25. Auckland 20; Wellington 22. Southland 13. Second grade. —-Manawatu 19. Waikato 15; South Canterbury 1". Wairoa 8; Southland minor 14, Hutt Valley 14. Third grade.—North Olago 25,

Horowhenua 23; Bush 22. Hokitika 5; Marlborough 27, Hawke’s Bay minor 10; West Coast 15, Buller 6; North Otago 15, Hokitika 0. Otago and Hawke’s Bay provided the most thrilling match of the day and produced play of an exceptionally high standard. They were never separated by more than a few goals. Three minutes from time the scores were 22 all. Otago went into the lead, but a moment before time It. Tong equalised for Hawke’s Bay. Play continued after time was called and Otago after a fine rush scored the deciding goal. The Cantcrbury-Auckland game produced fine play. Canterbury had fine understanding, and the speed of some of their moves had Auckland baffled. Both sides were inclined to overguard and promising moves were spoilt and n.s a result there were penalties. In this respect Auckland were more at fault.. The Canterbury forwards were definitely superior, the positional play of the team being the deciding factor. A fast, clean exhibition was given by Wellington, the present champions, who were most impressive against Southland, revealing some of the form which enabled them to beat the New Zealand side before its departure for Australia. The Wellington centres were vastly superior. The Southland forwards had few opportunities and their goal throwing was weak. In the second grade South Canterbury scored two convincing wins .and will be hard to dispose of. Mannwatu also gave fine displays to win .both their games by fair margins. In the third grade Bush, North Otago and West Coast won two games.