BASKETBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23599, 8 September 1938, Page 5

BASKETBALL

By Attack

“Attack” invites all those interested In basketball activities to forward contributions for insertion in this column. All contributions, addressed “Attack,” Times Office, must reach this office not later than Tuesday of each week NEW ZEALAND TOURNAMENT The Otago team performed very creditably in the 1938 New Zealand tournament and had the odd goal in the score of the Southland game been reversed, Otago would have been the proud possessors of the Annie Brown Cup. Congratulations are extended to all winners of trophies. The joint ownership of the coveted New Zealand Cup was a very satisfactory conclusion to the tournament as both Wellington and Canterbury had played outstanding games throughout. Prior to the tournament Wellington was thought to be the prospective winner, but after the first round was played Canterbury’s chance of successfully challenging the premier team was felt to be comparatively high. The game between the two teams, which ended in a draw, 11 all, proved one of the most exciting games of the tournament. At the outset Wellington, if anything, made better use of its opportunities, and Canterbury was poor at intercepting and goal throwing. Wellington’s defence was a picture of what defensive work should be, but its shooting was not quite so good. Half time came with the score B—s in Wellington’s favour. In the second spell play was even faster, and with two minutes to. go the scores read 10 all. Fast accurate passing saw Wellington add another goal, but Canterbury put in some splendid work to add the equalising score in the nick of time. ‘Hawke’s Bay also fielded a very strong team, which offered strong opposition to all its opponents. In fact, all its games were lost by very close margins. The Auckland team was the most inexperienced ever fielded by the northern association, but it undoubtedly holds promise for future years. Southland maintained the form shown in its earlier game against Otago, in Invercargill, all its games being closely contested.

DOMINION TITLES Wellington and Canterbury both played fu'st-class provincial basketball to secure their wins in the First Grade finals. This is the first time that Canterbury has held the New Zealand Cup. Wellington was the holder. The Southland team, runner-up in the First Grade, will hold the Annie Brown Cup. South Canterbury put up a sterling performance to come through the Second Grade undefeated," and will hold the President’s Shield.' Southland Minor, the runner-up, will hold the Hayhurst Cup. The meeting of these two teams on Saturday was awaited with unusual interest. They are old rivals, as a glance at the records for previous years shows. In 1935 South Canterbury and Southland Minor emerged joint holders- of the trophy. South Canterbury won it again in' 1936, but last year Southland Minor came through the tournament to take it from South Canterbury, When the teams met in the Second Grade final on Saturday, South Canterbury headed the championship table with six wins to its credit, while Southland had five wins aitd a draw. Southland required a win to secure the title, but a draw "was all that South Canterbury needed. In the Third Grade. Bush had an unbeaten record, winning . the Kiwi Trophy, The Armstrong Shield for runner-up was won by West Coast and Wanganui jointly. The following tables show the championship points won by the competing teams:—

INTERISLAND MATCH The interisland match was a thrilling one, though the standard of basketball was not impressive. Neither team had had an opportunity of playing together, and combination was lacking, this being due to the unsatisfactory condition of the surface of the court. South Island was able to open up-the attack better, and was in the ascend ancy for most of the game. The failing light tended to be deceiving, and some of the passes were consequently wild. Nevertheless, North Island was on the attack when- the whistle sounded, and was on4he point of goaling again when the. ball went out of play after time had been called. Owing to the failing light the spells were of short duration, the final score being 2—l in the South’s favour. Congratulations are extended to J. Clayton and M. Sinclair on their inclusion in the team.

INTERHOUSE REPRESENTATIVE TEAM The following notes about the members of the interhouse representative team have been submitted:— FORWARDS Mavis Poxham (E.Y.S.): Plays a speedy game, being an accurate shoot and combining well; excellent style. Mary Larkins (Aurora): Another accurate shoot, having good sense of anticipation, and always playing up well. Gladys Frye (Methvens): One of the younger players, with plenty of determination, and having played consistently well all the season deserves her place in the team. CENTRE Pat Mewtimer (D.S.A.): Representing interhouse for second time; plays a great game, passing out quickly and keeping play open, being particularly suited to centre position WINGS May Thomson (Standard): Also representing for second time: plays equally well in forward or centre third: good at jumping, and very speedy: an asset to any team. June Hewitt (E. Y Smith): Plays a steady, reliable game, combining well with the other two centres, and should develop into a very good player DEFENCE Doris Helm (K.P.); First year in Interhouse basketball;,, plays a good game, and shows great promise, intercepting and handling well; should benefit greatly from her trip to Timaru Mavis Dodds (Standard): Plays a strong defensive game, keeps well to her opponent, and opens up play getting ball away quickly. Moirie Graham (Heather): Another first-year player gaining representative honours; a most valuable player, intercepting and combining well, being very nippy and quick at passing: should also derive great benefit from the trip to Timaru.

First Grade P. W. L. D. Pts, Wellington • .. . • Canterbury .. .. 5 ,5 4 4 : — 1 1 9 9 Southland .. .. 5 '3 2 . 6 Otago 5 2 3 — 4 Hawke's Bay .. 5 1 4 — 2 Auckland .. .. ,5 — 5 — — Second Grade South Canterbury 7 - 7 — — 14 Southland Minor 7 5 1 1 11 Ashburton .... 7 4 1 1 9 Manawatu .. .. 7 4 3 — 8 "Wairoa 7 3 3 1 • 7 Waikato .. .. 7 . 2 5 — 4 Hutt Valley 7 X‘ 5 1 3 Wairarapa ... .. 7 7 — — Third Grade Bush 8 8 ■ — 16 West Coast .. .. 8 8 2 — 12 Wanganui .. .. 8 6 2 — 12 Marlborough 8 3 1 1 11 Horowhenua 8 ■-3 4 1 7 North Otago 8 3 5 6 Duller .. .... 8 2 6 — 4 Hawke’s Bay .. Minor 8 1 7 — 2 Hokitika .; .. 8 — 8 — —