BASKETBALL

Otago Daily Times, Issue 23811, 18 May 1939, 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. FIXTURES June 3.—King's Birthday tournament. PERSONAL The association was pleased to welcome Mr Malcolmson, from Temuka, who is one of the South Island practical examiners for the New Zealand Referees’ Association. Interesting discussions took place concerning rules and interpretations of rules, and it was found that the local referees and Mr Malcolmson differed on one important interpretation, that of the action of players after a throw. The local referees have insisted on players remaining behind the imaginary nine-foot circle until the ball has been caught by a player, Mr Malcolmson rules that players can move within that imaginary nine-foot circle as soon as the ball leaves the thrower-in’s hands. This will prove most advantageous in the shooting circle, but will rarely be taken advantage of in other parts of the field. The decision of the local referees will be awaited with interest. SATURDAY’S GAMES Roslyn v, Y.W.C.A, The game between Roslyn and Y.W.C.A., played in a high wind, Provided some moments of speedy asketball. Roslyn showed superiority early in the first half. It quickly established a lead which was maintained until half time, when the score stood at 15 points to 6. During this first half Roslyn had decidedly the better of the play, both in passing movements and in accuracy at the goal. Y.W.C.A. opened the second half brightly, and s’ owed improved field work throughout. The wind had increased by this time, and frequently nullified excellent passing movements. Although unable to overtake Roslyn, Y.W.C.A. scored more goals in this half than its opponents. Time was called with the score at 25—19 in Roslyn’s favour. For Roslyn, Lorna Guthrie put in sopne excellent field work, and the two Gillies sisters were prominent in scoring movements. Y.W.C.A. showed slight inaccuracy at goal in the first half, but improved decidedly in the second half,' having become accustomed to the force of the wind. Roslyn is to be complimented upon the open type of passing which it is developing, as well as upon, its accuracy in the goal third. Albany II v. J. R. McKenzie’s The result of the game between Albany II and J. R. McKenzie’s was rather unexpected. J. R. McKenzie’s is still labouring under the difficulty of having to field a number of junior players as emergencies, so that its combination suffers. The game in the opening stages was fairly evenly contested, with Albany holding a slight advantage. At half-time the scores \ivere Albany 7, J. R. McKenzie's 6. In the second half, however, the younger McKenzie players could not maintain the pace, Albany handling the ball with greater confidence and showing improved court craft, was superior to the McKenzie combination. Both the Albany defensive and attacking thirds provided many attractive oeriods of play. Second Grade The Second Grade competition is providing games of an exciting nature, and of a high standard. A close result was obtained in the Albany v. High School Ex-Girls game, Albany gaining the victory by 10 goals to 8. after an excellent exposition. Albany’s, three games so far have been won by either one or two goals. All three games have been marked by speedy footwork, good handling of the ball, and fine defence work. Y.W.C.A Findlay’s has maintained the highest scores throughout, accurate goalthrowing again proving an advantage, Y.W.C.A. Findlay's and Albany meet this Saturday, and the result of this game will probably decide the winners of the first round of the comnetition. By the result of the Findlay’s game against North-East Valley last Saturday, it would appear to be the stronger side, but it is difficult to predict the result of any game played between two strong combinations. THE KIWI CLUB As an adjunct to its swimming activities the Kiwi Amateur Swimming Club In 1936 formed a women's basketball club, and while a number of outside members have been called upon in the intervening years, the teams have largely been comprised of swimmers who found their winter activities of great assistance to them in keeping fit for the swimming season later on. In the short space of four years the club has made such progress that to-day it is able to field a first grade basketball team. Not a little of the credit for success that has attended the basketball club is due to the enthusiasm and energy displayed by the swimming club captain, Mr Arthur Thomas, who has been secretary since the inception of the basketball club and has been coach during the last two years. The other coach is Mr R. Geddes. In 1938 the swimming club members, with the assistance of a few friends and supporters, were able to enter four teams in the grade competitions—Second. Third. Fourth, and Fifth Grade. • With two changes from the 1937 team the Second Grade team won the competition and the tournament banner, the team comprising Misses A. Brown (captain). W. Dunn. M. Hudson. E. Abernethy. B. Brown, O. Anderson. P. Aitken. M. Wilson, and I. Purdie. ~ , . , , Many of the members of the basketball club are well-known as swimmers who have won distinction for both Otago and New Zealand. Last year the Basketball Club were represented by seven members in the Otago basketball teams—Misses A. Brown (captain of the Otago team). W. Dunn, B, Brown, and I. Purdie in the B Grade, Misses C. Knowles, L. Phelan, and M. Thomas in the C Grade—a performance of which any club might well be proud This season Kiwi has entered teams in the First. Third. Fourth and Fifth Grades. „ . The president of the Basketball Club is Mr Don Reid, who has held office for three years. He is a former Union Senior forward and a well-known swimmer.