Seventy-Eight Teams In Successful Basketball Tournament

Southland Times, Issue 23840, 10 June 1939, Page 15

Seventy-Eight Teams In Successful Basketball Tournament

By

FORWARD

Ideal weather favoured the tournament held on Monday, the 78 teams participating enjoying an excellent day’s sport. All games were up to schedule, although finals were delayed a little because of ties in several sections having to be played off. The organization by the executive together with the cooperation of visiting supporters, players and referees, resulted in the tournament running smoothly and efficiently. Country referees and scorers who assisted are thanked for their work. Some referees, especially those in the Drill Hall, had a very strenuous day, as certain helpers failed to arrive. Congratulations are due to Mrs T. Noble and her helpers who ran a very successful cafeteria which was the subject of much favourable comment from players, officials and visitors. Although only four teams entered in the first grade section all players had an interesting and strenuous day because of the entry of one country team. Rovers, and the lengthening of the halves to 15 minutes each way. Rovers fully justified this, its first entry into the senior section of the tournament, coming out top equal with Rata. In the play-off Rata won chiefly because of the greater accuracy of the its forwards. Rata played particularly well throughout die tournament and well deserved its success. L. Mehaffey was as usual outstanding, scoring many spectacular shots, and fielding brilliantly. B. Ingram, in defence, made some brilliant saves for her team, and Vera Fraser and- A. Pittaway played reliable games in the centre. Rata’s combination was slightly affected by the playing of two emergencies who, however, played very strong games. Central sub-association’s representative Rovers proved a strong combination and had the forwards been a little more fortunate at the goal during the first match the senior cup might easily have been won. The centre third was particularly strong, all three players jumping well, coming forward to the ball and using the short pass. T. Vallie E. Pierce and J. Nicholson played outstanding games and judging by their standard of play in the tournament should win representative honours again this year. Collegiate still seems to lack the combination and confidence it possessed last year. The Individual players are good but although the combination has definitely improved the team as a whole seems to lack confidence. D. Baird played well in the centre, and E. Neame’s court work was brilliant.

St. Mary’s has improved remarkably since the beginning of the season and although not successful in the tournament Should 'be more formidable towards the end of the season when the younger players promoted to first grade this year have gained more experience. SECOND GRADE As 15 teams entered in the second grade, matches were played in three sections. Pa-Tua won die A section and Makarewa was victorious in the B section. In the C section Technical, Browns and Rata HA tied, and thus play-offs were necessary. Technical defeated both Browns and Rata lIA in the play-offs. Makarewa defeated Pa-Tua in the semi-final an dthen met Technical in the final. Makarewa played strongly throughout the tournament and thoroughly deserved its victories both in the section and in the final. Technical had a strenuous day and did not produce in the final match, the form displayed in the other matches. Makarewa’s centre trio was definitely superior to that of Technical and the forwards seldom made : a mistake. Technical forwards fielded well but were inaccurate at the goal. If Makarewa is able to retain all its players until next season it should be strong enough to enter in the first grade competition. The third grade was played in four sections, the section winners being Spar Bush, Nightcaps, Balfour and Bluff. In the semi-finals Spar Bush beat Bluff and Nightcaps beat Balfour. The final was thus played between Spar Bush

and Nightcaps, the former defeating the latter quite decisively. The winning team played well' throughout the tournament using the short quick pass to advantage. Nightcaps also played well to reach the semi-finals but frequently made mistakes in using the long pass. In the fourth grade played dn the Drill Hall, Gore Ex-High was successful after some very strenuous andclosely contested games. Gore, Gore Ex-High and' Woodlands were the semi-finalists. Gore Ex-High being victorious over the other two teams by one goal in each case. Stewart Island entered in this grade and although not successful, undoubtedly gained experience.

Rovers, Papatotora, Menzies Ferry Glenham and Wyndham High School were the strongest teams in the fifth grade. In the semi-final Wyndham beat Glenham by one goal and in the final drew with Menzies Ferry. In the play-off Wyndham after a strenuous effort was victorious. HANDICAPS ALTERED The executive of the union has altered the 2A grade handicaps as follows:— Makarewa reduced from 6 to 4. Technical reduced from 6 to 4. Rata reduced from 6 to 5. Collegiate remains at 6. S.G.H.S. increased from 6 to 8. * THROW-OFF CENTRE This week referees will concentrate on the throw-off centre. The girl throwing off has in many cases been gaining a definite advantage by not

toeing the line properly and not facing in the direction stipulated. The rules state: “The centre shall stand facing her opponent with her back parallel to the side-line and with her left side towards the goal she is attacking.” Most centres are toeing the centre line as required but few are standing with backs parallel .to the side-line. If the centre does not stand correctly, the game should be started and then stopped and a penalty pass given to the opposing side. The throw-off centre may, however, twist her body round as soon as the whistle sounds provided she does not take her toe from the line before she throws the ball. REFEREES’ EXAMINATIONS The New Zealand Referees’ Association has reversed its decision to eliminate the practical examination this year and has how decided to hold both examinations as usual. Entries for the theoretical examination close with Miss Hutton (phone 1275) on June 14. ’Die entry fees for practical and theoreitical examinations are 1/- each. All referees not of New Zealand status are urged to enter for the examination as a thorough knowledge of the rules definitely improves a referee’s ability and adds to the enjoyment of refereeing.