ENTHUSIASTIC PLAYERS

Poverty Bay Herald, Volume LXVI, Issue 19898, 28 March 1939, Page 9

ENTHUSIASTIC PLAYERS

GISBORNE BASKETBALL ASSOCIATION’S REPORT SUCCESSFUL SEASON "The executive wishes to express gratification of the player’s enthusiasm and keenness and the interest of the general nublie, which made the 19.38 season such a successful one," stales the eleventh annual report of the Poverty Bay Basketball Association to be presented at the association's annual meeting in the Gisborne Borough Council chambers on April 5. “Throughout the year great interest was shown in the weekly competition games in all grades, the final results being:—A Grade: Winners, St. Mary’s Al: runners-up, High School Old Girls A. B Grade: Winners, High School Old y Girls B: runners-up, Kaiti and St. Mary’s B. C Grade: Winners, St. Mary’s Cl: runners-up, Caledonians. “As usual, the seven-a-side tournament and official opening of tlie season was held on the King’s Birthday. Many enjoyable and exciting games were played, and St. Mary's Al emerged the winners. They were the recipients of the coveted Bowie Cup. Dominion Tournament “The 1938 New Zealand tournament was held in Timaru in the August holidays, but it was found impossible to send a representative team, as the travelling expenses entailed a considerable sum which the association was unable to provide owing to expenses incurred in the acquisition of the new hard courts. “The New Zealand Council meeting was held in Timaru in conjunction with the tournament, the Poverty Bay association being ably represented by Miss 1. Somervell. Many alterations were made in the rules. “In September the Poverty Pay representative team travelled to Rotorua and participated in the Rotorua tournament for the Kurangaitunu Trophy. Twenty-four teams took part in the tournament and it is most gratifying to record the success of the Poverty Bay team in winning the handsome carved trophy. The executive extends its congratulations to the members of the team. “On August 13 the Robson Cup match between Wairoa, challengers, and Poverty Bay, holders, was played in Gisborne, resulting in a win for the former by 14 goals to 9. Teams from Opotiki and Te Karaka High School also visited Gisborne on that date and most enjoyable games were plaved. The Poverty Bay (earn travelled to Wairoa cn October 10 to contest the Robson and Glengary Cups, Wairoa successfully defending both ’cups after most exciting games. Ii Grade Heps. “The B grade representative team visited Matawai and played teverai matches against the Motu, Korangn Valley and Matawai teams. At the close of the season a floodlight games evening was held at the basketball courts and was, as usual, one of the most successful events of the season. “A ladies’ committee was formed during the year and to these ladies the association owes its thanks and appreciation for the great heln rendered at all functions. We are pleased to record that the services of many new referees were avilable during the past season and that much valuable assistance was received from the Referees’ Association.

“A gratifying response to appeals for financial assistance was made by the players and supporters of basketball throughout the year and the bal-ance-sheet now shows a credit, which is most, encouraging at the commencement of a new season.

“In conclusion the executive places on record its appreciation of the invaluable assistance rendered by all friends of the association.”