BASKETBALL

Southland Times, Issue 23183, 26 April 1937, Page 14

BASKETBALL

COMPETITION GAMES RATA AND COLLEGIATE A WIN The Southland Basketball Union’s competition matches were continued on Saturday afternoon. Because of bad weather the games were played in. the Drill Hall. The standard of play was quite good, and some interesting games were witnessed. Failing light made conditions difficult for teams playing late in the afternoon, and play suffered as a consequence. Kiwi suffered a further defeat when it met Collegiate in the first grade section. Glimpses of exciting basketball were seen in this game, which Collegiate’s greater all-round ability enabled it to win by a comfortable marAfter a closely-fought first spell, Rata proved too good for Collegiate B. The latter team did well against its more experienced opponents. Following are the results:— FIRST GRADE COLLEGIATE A (17) v. KIWI (10) The match between Collegiate A and Kiwi was keenly contested and provided some sparkling rallies. In the early stages play was inclined to be ragged. Inaccurate passing was displayed by both sets of centres, and the forwards were not combining well. Play brightened, however, and some good movements were staged by both teams. The players were well-matched and the scoring was very even. Shortly after the interval Collegiate made some determined sorties and penned down the Kiwi defence. The forwards were given plenty of chances by the Collegiate centre line, and they goaled consistently. D. Pomeroy, one of the Kiwi forwards, injured her ankle at this stage, and had to go off. Collegiate dispensed with one of its defenders. Kiwi’s play brightened and good understanding and combination enabled the forwards to goal consistently. However, Collegiate’s lead was too substantial and the game ended with it well in the lead. Both sets of defenders played well, Collegiate especially, successfully surviving some fast Kiwi attacks. The latter team’s forwards combined well, but the centre was unable to cope with the smart interceptions of the Collegiate centre. RATA (14) v. COLLEGIATE B (8) Collegiate B performed well against the strong Rata team and controlled the game for the greater part of the first spell. Play was vigorous at the beginning and science was lacking. The passing was rather aimless, and a lot of unnecessary ground was covered, especially by Collegiate. After a long spell without any score, Collegiate secured a conversion following some bright exchanges. The game was being played at a fast pace and some sweeping goal-to-goal movements were seen. Collegiate was still having slightly the better of a fluctuating game. Gradually, however, Rata’s weak shooting improved and it soon overtook Collegiate s lead. In the second half Rata put more dash into its play and with good team work kept Collegiate continually on the defensive. Injudicious passing by Collegiate gave Rata opportunities of which it was not slow to take advantage. Collegiate staged a magnificent recovery, however, and with a sound defence, smart centre work and fast forward play reduced Ratas lead. Rata had too big a. lead, however, and scoring rapidly at the end, it won by a margin of six goals. Rata was not up to full strength in this game, and Collegiate also played two emergencies. Had Collegiate shot more accurately the result might have been different. L. M. Mehaffey played a big part in Rata’s success, scoring the majority of its goals. SECOND GRADE PIRATES (19) v. WALLACETOWN (16) A solid, close match was witnessed between Pirates and Wallacetown, the former winning in an exciting finish. Both teams worked strenuously and provided many exhilarating rallies. The centres and defenders were well matched, but the Pirates forwards were much superior. The Wallacetown forwards lacked the necessary finish and were unable to make the most of the opportunities provided. ROSEDALE (31) v. RATA (16) Rosedale gave a bright, clever exhibition in its game against Rata, and was not extended to win comfortably. Rosedale’s forward line played particularly well, accuracy being its strong feature. Rata did not display the same finesse as the winner and was inferior in all departments. COLLEGIATE (12) v. S.G.H.S. (11) The High School team displayed good form before the interval, and seemed to be assured of victory in its match against Collegiate. Collegiate was a vastly improved team in the second half, however, and played all over the School team to win by one goal. MAKAREWA (21) v. KIWI (6) Kiwi was outclassed in its game against Makarewa, being unfortunate in losing one player during the match. Makarewa’s superior centre and forward play gave Kiwi little chance, though the defenders worked well and resisted stubbornly. The winning team displayed a good knowledge of courtcraft and brought off some fine movements. ST. PETER’S (13) v. ST. MARY’S (10) Fast handling and excellent anticipation marked the match between St. Peter’s and St. Mary’s. St. Peter’s had slightly the better of the game, but St. Mary’s played attractively and there was not very much between the teams.

THIRD GRADE

H. AND J.’s (20) v. ST. MARY’S (8) H. and J.’s dominated the game against St. Mary’s, which was rather one-sided. St. Mary’s played attractively, but the H. and J.’s defence was too solid. The winners gave a more polished display and played more confidently. McKENZIE’S (18) v. RATA (6) Good understanding and team-work enabled McKenzie’s to take control from the beginning of its match with Rata. Rata played very raggedly and lacked combination. This game was not up to the usual standard of the third grade matches. COLLEGIATE (24) v. ROSEDALE (11) Fumbling and hesitation on Rosedale’s part allowed Collegite to score rapidly. Collegiate’s centre and defence work was excellent. FOURTH GRADE Rata B (23) beat Kiwi (19). Makarewa (14) beat H. and J.’s (5). St. Mary’s (9) beat St. Peter’s (8). Collegiate beat Rata A by default.