AUCKLAND WINS

Otago Daily Times, Issue 27171, 29 August 1949, Page 6

AUCKLAND WINS

BASKETBALL FINAL

CLOSE SCORING GAME In an exciting finish to the Dominion basketball tournament, Auckland defeated Canterbury by 20 points to 19 to win the New Zealand Cup on Saturday afternoon. The result was In doubt until the final whistle. Canterbury, as runners-up, will hold the Annie Brown Cup, and Otago, by defeating Wellington by 17 goals to 10, was placed third. Tauranga won the Second Grade title and Marlborough the Thir.d Grade competition. The tournament concluded with a North v. South Island match, which resulted in a draw, each side scoring 15 goals. The conditions were ideal for the final day of the tournament, and a large crowd followed the games with interest. Auckland’s Surprise Win Canterbury was expected to have slightly the better of the final, but, after leading 12—8 at half time, could not match Auckland’s better team work and all-round goal shooting. Auckland scored two goals in the first two minutes of the game, but Canterbury rallied, and, with J. Murray at the top of her form, gained the lead. D. Turner and B. Newey were strong on defence for Canterbury, and repeatedly returned play to the Auckland goal. At half time Canterbury were four goals ahead. Auckland began strongly in the second half, and, with the tall M. Sullivan playing brilliantly, went to a lead of 13—12. J. Hickey, L. Black, and Y. Webb were all playing at top form. With the score at 18—16 in Auckland’s favour, the Canterbury forwards, using long, high passes, made a desperate bid to draw level. The excitement was intense as the South Island team threw the ball about; but Auckland managed to maintain its lead. Atkinson Trophy South Island opened the scoring in the match for the Atkinson Shield, but it was only a temporary effort. Tire North Island side settled down more quickly and went on to a comfortable lead, S. Harris being particularly accurate with her shooting. South fought back, and. with N. Nichols playing attractive basketball, reduced the deficit to two at half time. There was some dull play after the spell, with both sides making numerous mistakes. As the score mounted flay improved and excitement increased. With the score at 15 —all a spectacular save by S. McAnerney gave South a chance to win, but G. Armstrong's shot failed, and the game ended in a draw Otago v. Wellington Playing for third position in the competition, Otago defeated Wellington by 17 goals to 10. Wellington had the better of play in the early stages, and led 6—l at half time. The Otago centre improved after the change-over, and A. Hughes and N. Nichols were in excellent form. While their team-mates were shooting accurately, the Otago defenders, and particularly K. O'Connell and B. Excell, were able to hold the Wellington forwards, with the result that the southern team vent into a commanding lead to gain third place in the championship. Tauranga, with 21 points, won the President’s Shield for the winning team in the Second Grade competition, while Waikato, who were second, were awarded the Hayhurst Cup. Marlborough was the only team at the touranment to win all its matches, and was awarded the Kiwi Trophy for the leading team in the Third Grade competition. with 22 points. Canterbury Minor, who scored 18 points, won the Armstrong Sheld for runners-up. Trophies Presented

The retiring president of the New Zealand Basketball Association, Mrs H. D Muir, presented the trophies after the game between Auckland and Canterbury, and the president of the Otago Basketball Association. Mrs W. B. Taverner, rresented the badges and bars to the North and South Island Other speakers were Mr L. D. Anderson and Mrs R. Lane, president of the New Zealand Basketball Association. Saturday’s results were:— INTER-ISLAND South Island 15, North Island 15. FIRST GRADE Auckland 20, Canterbruy 19", Nelson 14, West Coast 12; Wanganlii 14, Manawatu 12; Southland 15, Hawke’s Bay 14; Otago 17, Wellington 10; Southland 15, Manawatu 10. SECOND GRADE South Canterbury 15, Horowhenua 4; South Canterbury 17, Nelson 11; Taranaki 14, Matamata 6; Tauranga 19. Southland Minor 6; Waikato 13, Manawatu 11; Southland Minor 9, Horowhenua 9; Tauranga 8, Hutt Valley 2; Hutt Valley 10, West Const 5; Tauranga 16, Taranaki 10; Poverty Bay 19. Wairoa 9; Waikato 13, Wairoa 1; South Canterbury 13, Poverty Bay 10. THIRD GRADE Otago Minor 7. Wairarapa 4; Canterbury Minor 12, North Otago 7; Marlborough 17, Kaikoura 6; North Otago 12, Waikato Mipor 4; Kaikoura 16, Temuka 4; Temuka 19, Hawke’s Bay Minor 7; Manawatu Minor 11. Otago Minor 8; Marlborough 14. Wairarapa 7; Kaikoura 13, Putaruru 5: Te Kawau 10, Putaruru 4; Canterbury Minor 11, Hawke’s Bay Minor 3; Waikato Minor 10, Putaruru 9.