BASKETBALL

Southland Times, Issue 21073, 3 May 1930, Page 18

BASKETBALL

NOTES BY DEFENCE. At the special general meeting held on Tuesday evening there was a splendid attendance of members, all the clubs being represented. It was called to consider the advisability of playing the matches in three instead of two sections. The proposal was not carried, so that nothing can now be done until next season. The clubs whom the change was intended to benefit, that is the weaker senior and stronger intermediate, were the most opposed to the scheme. I admire the weak clubs who want to play stronger teams so that their play will improve, but from a lengthy experience of all kinds of sport and of all kinds of girls, I maintain there is only a definite loss to both teams when one is very strong and another is very weak. The strong team has the ball at the goal post al! the time and neither team is gaining in skill or speed. Think it out. Do you enjoy the game when you win without any effort or lose without ever having a chance to do anything with the ball? I think such meetings occasionally are a help as everyone gets a chance to hear the other club's point of view. It would help considerably though if clubs would realise that the sole aim of the executive is that all those who want to play should do so under the best conditions with the least possible friction. The annual meeting itself adopted all the rules and by-laws, so that the executive cannot be blamed for seeing they are enforced. One more balance sheet has come to hand. Fees are due by May 15, so that would be a good time to attend to all these other matters, such as forgotten balance sheets, annual reports, etc. Referees. , On by-law states that each club must provide one referee. The matter was ventilated on Tuesday, but nothing further happened. I feel very strongly that the clubs do not accept their responsibilities with regard to refereeing seriously enough. “We have no one,’’ is what is said, but I would be interested to know how far these clubs have tried. Naturally 'they are not expected to have proficient referees, but anyone who is interested can learn to referee. Certainly something must be done, or the game will go back and just as Southland i? learning what the game can be. Last year the referees were heckled and adversely critized (especially the senior ones) and 1 was even stated that one at least should resign. That special referee has wanted to resign for the past two years, but still turns out for two matches each week. I can see that if more are not forthcoming the seven-a-side tournament will need to be modified considerably. Saturday's Matches.

As I was not present at any games on Saturday I am indebted to the referees for the following reports:—Bluff v. Rata Senior. This match was undoubtedly the most interesting and fastest oi the day. Rata won the toss and chose the goal, giving Bluff the ‘throw off.’ Rata commenced an offensive directly on the first blast of the whistle and kept up a strenuous game throughout. M. Basstian (Rata) in the centre was superior in every way to G. Burtenshaw (Bluff), who though she aodpted an overguarding attitude on every occasion was ineffective. Bluff could do no wrong with their shooting, and though Rata defenders, weakened by the absence of M. Shand, fought hard, 9 goals were scored in the first half. P. Calder played an excellent game and the combination of the 3 Bluff forwards is exceptional. Rata forwards did some fine passing and scored 5 well deserved goals in the .first half, in spite of the noticeably rough play against them. Bluff’s heavy score in the second half was due in large measure to a sudden pass from Rata’s goal to the centre and then to Bluff forwards, the ball being touched by only 3 players. Rata also attempted 'these tactics and were fairly successful. The game was very fast, especially for the referee, who had much running after the ball as it travelled up and down the field. Bluff were the superior team, and except for occasional roughness, their game is steadily improving. Final scores—Bluff 21, Rata 13. Collegiate v. Rata Intermediate. In the early stages this was an evenly matched game, but the sure shooting of Collegiate and their good combination soon gave them a lead. In the centre .1. Scandrett (Ratal playeel a very good game and looks like a possible rep. However, the forwards of

this tegm were not combining well, besides , missing quite a number of good shots. J. Blackmund (Collegiate), a new player for the club, showed great promise. She has a wonderfully easy style of shooting and it will be interesting tp_ watch her development. Collegiate has so often fielded for- \ wards who should be reps., but they have always become erratic. Kiwi-St. Peter’s Intermediate. Unfortunately the weaker team began badly, having to play only 8 girls for the first 10 minutes. The players are all very small and inexperienced, while Kiwi has a team, some of whom have been playing for a long time now. St. Peter’s took too long to throw the ball at the commencement of the game so that it was usually intercepted by a Kiwi player. St. Peters’ defenders had a strenuous time and tried very hard to get the ball past the Kiwi centre combination. Keep at it St. Peter’s! When you have the experience of players like those in this team you, too, will win games. The three goals you scored showed they did not have it all their own way. Wednesdays Matches. Wednesday was a splendid day for games and all players locked as though they thoroughly enjoyed themselves. All the matches were keenly contested and all the players did their bit; there was no loafing on the field. That of course will be of material assistance in improving the general standard of play. Rata senior played Makarewa and were beaten decisively. They- were beaten really in the first 10 minutes during which time I have never before seen them play with such poor combination or miss so many balls. Only once did the ball get through to the forwards and then Mrs Mot timer sent it back again. After Makarewa had gained six goals, Rata began to play better but were never able to catch up on their bad beginning. Makarewa had a very strong teain —they would consider it their best —the only player different from last year being I. Glennie who played in N. Beer’s place and is quite as good as ever that player at her best,. There is little criticism to offer about this team. They are wonderfully sure and quick and the combination is particularly good. D. Dennis spoiled the centre and only retrieved her mistakes because she is so quick in getting into another position. She has two good side centres, so why poach on their part of the court? Once she actually pushed C. Glennie off the court and on several occasions almost bumped into L. Ward. M. Royds (Rata) played a game far below her usual standard. Indeed the two most disappointing players were the two centre reps.

I was glad to sea some of the older Pirate players again on the field, and in consequence the team played a very much better game to-day. I was impressed particularly with C. Garth who has a very good style, jumping and catching well. Kiwi’s combination is such a feature of their game; it is always a pleasure to see this team in action. St. Mary’s and H. and J. Smith’s were evenly matched and thoroughly enjoyed themselves, at. times there was some good combination, but on the whole it was a game of individuals; team work was not conspicuous. Each team alternatively scored and it was rather just good luck that gave St. Mary’s the extra point which meant a win.

Kiwi and Collegiate Intermediate had a splendid game which was quite as good as many of the senior games. Both teams played hard throughout, but Kiwi had a better idea of getting away from their opponents and into a good position to receive a ball. Kiwi is a good team but should not let keenness develop into roughness. E. Brown (Kiwi) a forward has the best style of shooting I have ever seen in a young player and is is regrettable that she will not be available ah the season.

Pirates rather surprised everyone by defeating Rata Intermediate. Rata’s centre was very weak and they would be much better to play J. Tapper who is reliable and consistent here rather than as a defender. The whole game was too rough and there was too much scrambling. Central Methodist “B” and H. and J. Smith played but I am not sure it could be called a match. There was too much laughing and talking and not enough attention given to the ball. Haynco, on the other hand, did well against Central Methodist A who have strengthened their team this year with the inclusion of some of Rosedale’s players. They have evidently also been practising together more often and altogether were much surer of each other than I have seen them in any other season.