BASKETBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 22904, 11 June 1936, Page 5

BASKETBALL

By Attack

Contributions are requested for this column from all those interested in basketball. All contributions, addressed “Attack,” rare Times Office, must reach this office not later than Tuesday of each week. FIXTURES July 25.—Otago v. Southland, at Invercargill; Otago 13 Grade v. Southland 15 Grade, at Invercargill. EDMONTON GRADS Quite a number of New Zealand players know that there is such a team as the Edmonton Grads—the world-famous Canadian basketball team (says “ Ring,” in the Evening Post). For the information of those who do not, this team has been unrivalled since 1915, and advice just to hand is that once again they have succeeded in retaining their supremacy. For the last year or two tentative suggestions have been made that this wonderful team should visit New Zealand, but the difficulties of finance and rules have so far not been overcome. When it is understood what a remarkable record the team has, it will be understood that such a tour would create tremendous interest in the Dominion. The following excerpt from the Edmonton Journal Sports gives Rome idea of what a record the Edmonton Grads have: —“Commercial Graduates concluded whaf was undoubtedly their toughest basketball series on Monday night. Not since the great Edmonton team won its first official Alberta title in 1915 has any series in which it has taken part been so hotly contested. Those Grads out at the arena last night carried on brilliantly upholding the records and defending the championships won by their predecessors. Only once in the Grads’ great career have they received a real setback, and that was in 1933, when the famed Durant Cardinals won in a mixed seriesplayed under two sets of rules. The Grads have accomplished much in basketball, but only when it appears that the team cannot proceed further on the victory trail do the citizens, to any extent, become really interested. With the conclusion of the series, the Grads won 414 in 427 official and exhibition games. What a record that is! Apparently, however, no longer can the Grads be expected to run up 60 and 70 victories in a row. The opposition is getting too stiff. Take the Tulsa team as an example. It might have won three of the four games in the recent series. The first engagement was the only decisive one for the Grads, who won 42 —24. Just 10 points, or five field goals, separated the clubs in the second game, which saw the Grads winning 34—24. Then Tulsa won the third 40 —33 ; and there were plenty of worried citizens as a result. While the Grads took the first two games, they were not nearly as convincing triumphs as in the past. And it was freely predicted that if the Tulsans won they might easily take the series. But they did uot; the Grads cheeked them step for step, and by determined efforts gained the ascendancy, again winning what was the decisive game.

SATURDAY'S GAMES Owing to the conclusion of the University and Training College vacation all competitions were in full swing last Saturday. and many enjoyable games were •plaved.

FIRST GRADE ALBANY I v. R A WHITT

The Albany I v. Rawbiti game was marked by the fast, accurate work of the Rawbiti players. Misses A. King. J. Carr and C. Hughes, who made use of every opportunity presented to them to prevent the opposing players from feeding their forwards with the ball.

M'KENZIE’S v. ALBANY II

The match between J. R. MTvenzms and Albany II was very fast, MTvenzie's securing its first win in Senior Grade. Albany set the pace from the beginning, but could not maintain it against its fitter opponents. Although the game at certain intervals was marred by faulty handling, a good standard of basketball was produced. For the winners, tiic defence trio still maintain their form, while the centres showed an improvement with Alisa ]']. Morrison still prominent. The forwards’ shooting has improved, but is not as accurate as it should be. Their good play is often spoiled by a bad finish. For Albany. Misses Esine Morrison (defence), Koa Mercer (centre). Bessie M’Lean (shoot) played well for their side. 'The Albany' centres are good and combine

well, but the pace set told on them towards the end of the game.

UNIVERSITY v. TRAINING COLLEGE 11. University again fielded a very strong team when it met Training College 11. Scoring was not of_ a very high nature, the uncertain shooting of the University forwards being responsible for this. The actual field work of the three players was of a high standard, their passing being auick and accurate. In the centre third. College II centres surprisingly held their opponents, and were also quick and accurate in their hand work, while their intereeptivc work was also of a high standard. Training College failed in that its forwards would not get into goal, the strong defensive work of the University defenders probably having some bearing on this.

TRAINING COLLEGE I v. Y.W.C.A. In the came against Training College I. the Y.W.C.A. players were very quick, particularly in turning to take advantage of an unexpected turn of events. The Training College defence played excellently. particularly Miss Bollard. As was expected, Miss Roseveare {Training College) was outstanding in the centre, although all three players were very good. Miss Annie Griffiths made a very noble attempt against Miss Roseveare. while Miss Allan’s field work against the forwards was also very good. During the latter stages of the game the passing tended to become inaccurate, many promising attacking movements thus being nullified. Miss Geddes was the most accurate of the College forwards, although this third was the weakest in the team.

, THIRD GRADE When C.F/H. met Gipsy, it was unfortunate in having to field two players who were new members of its team. However, the first half of the game was very interesting, especially in the centre third, where some clever passing was witnessed among the members of both sets of centres. The Gipsy defenders worked strenuously throughout and proved too strong for the opposing forwards. On the other hand their forwards took full advantage of the many opportunities given them by their centre players and succeeded in adding 18 goals to the score, their opponents netting only twice. J. R. MCKENZIE’S v. D.LC.

In the D.1.C.-J. R. M'Kenzie game the former team proved victorious after a fast, even game by 9 goals to 8. The team is a well-balanced one and possesses excellent shoots, and should do well in this grade. MTvcnzie’s were unlucky not to make a draw, as they had the ascendency in the second half after being down G—3 at the change oyer. Miss Smith is a splendid defensive player with a great sense of anticipation, while Miss D. M'Mullen plays a good game in the centre third, her handling being excellent. M'Kenzie’s shoots are not combining well and stand too far apart. Wesley scored 17 goats in its game against Training College, while its opponents netted 4. As the score indicates, the former team was the although there was not so much difference between the teams as one would expect. The Wesley defence was infinitely stronger than the opposing forwards, who actually did not receive many opportunities to test their accuracy at goal.