BASKETBALL

Southland Times, Issue 25302, 4 June 1935, Page 9

BASKETBALL

ANNUAL TOURNAMENT EXCITING GAMES The annual King’s Birthday tournament of the Southland Basketball Association yesterday attracted a record entry of 86 teams. Every club under the association’s jurisdiction entered at least one team and the Duke street and Drill Hall courts were crowded by an eager throng. The games were played in ideal basketball weather—a fact which materially contributed towards the success of the tournainenL Large numbers of people witnessed the matches, and the gate takings were very satisfactory. The organization of the tournament was in the hands of a capable band of officials and matters ran smoothly right throughout. A word of praise must be awarded to the president, Mrs R. S. Mclnnes, and the secretary, Miss Jean Farmer, who controlled their various departments with ease and efficiency. As the number of games played ran into a very large total, delays and holdups could easily have occurred. Play was of a high standard, and the spectators were treated to some thrilling displays of basketball. The country’ teams were responsible for some spirited exhibitions, and demonstrated that they possessed a sound knowledge of the game. Rata, which last year annexed the championship of the first grade section, again captured the premier honours. They played excellently and did not lose one game. The final with Col-legiate-was a strenuous encounter, and both teams were out to give of their best. The winners possessed a definite match-winning style, then- handling and shooting being delightful to see. Rata’s defenders were also in tiptop form, and successfully cleared many opposition rushes. Collegiate seemed to be over-eager and frequently fumbled the ball. In Collegiate’s ranks E. Shepherd turned on a very fine performance, her clever interceptions brightening many a piece of dull play. Lochiel fought out the second grade final with Pirates, and emerged victorious by 7 goals to 3. This game was not up to standard, unnecessary jostling and pushing being in evidence. The country team were the better combination. The shooting of their forwards lacked direction and sting at the commencement, but as the game progressed a much better exhibition was given.

Honours in the third grade were carried off by Spar Bush. The team from the country played Collegiate in the final, and ran out winners by 5 goals to 4. Their defenders were on their toes right throughout, and gave the opposition forwards many anxious moments. Towards the end of this game Collegiate tired a little; they came on to play the match just after a strenuous encounter in the semi-finals with H. and J.’s.

In the fourth grade country teams formed the majority of the entries. Riverton, a team possessing a good deal of promising material, were the winners. The final with Pioneer was a very interesting struggle, and both teams put their best foot forward. The matches in this grade were played at the Drill Hall.

St. Mary’s, a young team distinguished by keenness and ability, were the fifth grade winners. The final game was played with Riverton and the onlookers present were treated to an exciting display. St. Mary’s were the better team, but Riverton were a side to be reckoned with and took advantage of every weakness in the opposition defence. The final scores were: St. Mary’s 10, Riverton 6. The following is a table of the championship points gained by each team, together with the result of the finals:— FIRST GRADE. CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS. Rata 12 Collegiate 9 Makarewa 6 Ryal Bush - 6 St. Mary’s 6 Kiwi 3 St. Patrick’s 0 Grade winners: Rata. SECOND~GRADE. , CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS. A Section. Lochiel 8 S.G.H.S. 6 Wallacetown 6 Mataura 5 Bluff 3 Collegiate 2 Section winners: Lochiel. B Section. Pirates ■ 10 Rata 6 Kiwi 4 Oreti 4 Kennington 3 Rovers 3 Section winners: Pirates. ( Final. Lochiel (7) v. Pirates (3). THIRD GRADE. CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS. A Section. H. and J’s. 10 St. Peter’s 8 Ohai 6 Makarewa ' 4 Rovers 2 St. Patrick’s 0 Section winners: H. and J’s. B Section. Collegiate 10 Nightcaps 8 Limehills 5 St. Mary’s 4 Pirates 1 Waianiwa 0 Section winners: Collegiate. C Section. Spar Bush 10 McKenzie’s ~ 7 Rata 7 Kiwi 4 Orepuki 2 S.G.H.S. 0 Section winners: Spar Bush. Final. Collegiate defeated H. and J’s., and in turn were beaten by Spar Bush by 5 goals to 4. FOURTH GRADE. CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS. A Section. Winton 10 Balfour 8 Bluff 4 Te Tua 4 Mataura Island 4 Kennington 0 Section winners: Winton. B Section. Pioneer 9 Rimu 8 Rosedale 6 Waikoikoi 5 Fairfax 2 Rata 0 Section winners: Pioneer. C Section. Riverton 10 Kiwi 8 ■ Collegiate 6 Hedgehop* 4

Waipango 2 Wairio 0 Section winners: Riverton. D Section. Tuatapere 10 SeawaM Downs 8 Makarewa 5 Pukemaori 5 S.G.H.S. 2 Riverton D.H.S. 0 Section winners: Tuatapere. E Section. Pahia 10 Woodlands 8 Menzies Ferry 6 Colac 4 St. Mary's 2 Gore H.S. 0 Section winners: Pahia. Semi-finals. Pioneer (7) v. Winton (5). Riverton (7) v. Tuatapere (4). Riverton (5) v. Pahia (2). Final. Riverton (6) v. Pioneer (4). FIFTH GRADE. CHAMPIONSHIP POINTS. A Section. St. Mary’s 10 Greenhills 10 Otautau 9 Fairfax 7 Pioneer 4 Rosedale 2 Woodlands 0 Section winners, after a play-off: St Mary’s. ■ B Section. Winton 10 Pirates 8 Collegiate 6 Makarewa 4 Nightcaps 2 Menzies Ferry 0 Section winners: Winton. C Section. Riverton 8 Kiwi 7 Tuatapere 5 Gore H.S. 4 St. Peter’s 3 Wallacetown 3 Section winners: Riverton. Semifinal. Riverton defeated Winton. Final. St. Mary’s (10) v. Riverton (6).