WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

Wanganui Chronicle, Volume 89, Issue 226, 24 September 1945, Page 2

WOMEN’S BASKETBALL

MANAWATU .BEAT WANGANUI IN SENIOR GAME HIGH STANDARD OF PLAY The annual matches between Manawatu and Wanganui basketball teams were played on Queen's Park Court on Saturday and resulted in a win lor the Manawatu seniors, who defeated Wanganui seniors by 18 to 14. Wanganui Senior B defeated Manawatu by 15 to 12. The senior teams were:— Manawatu.—N. Rogers, T. Trask, P. Macken, R. Engliton, J. Sullivan, J. Dean, R. Leask (capt.), M. Leask, Z. Terry. Wanganui.—J. McFarland, J. Muir, L. Breed, B. Goldsbury (capt.), R. McMillan, A. Kendrick, M. Whale, J. MeCashin, 51. McFarland. Manawatu won the toss and attacked strongly, N. Rogers scoring their first goal in the first few minutes ol play. Wanganui were slow to strike form and were decidedly on the defensive during the first halt of the spell. They combined belter in the later stages and then play was even. Mantwatu had a decided advantage in iheir defence who were exc.ptionally tai 1 and who combineu speed with the knowledge of how oest to use their height, R. Leask in particular being outstanding. In the first spell Wanganui had the maority of attempts at goal but the shooters were definitely off and the first spell ended with the score 10 to 6 in Manawatu's favour.

The second half started with an early score for Manawatu and from then on the play was fast and exciting. Both teams were showing good form. Wanganui's centres and defences attacked repeatedly and it was only the superior height of the Manawatu defence that robbed Wanganui of more scoring chances, and kept the Manawatu side with the lead throughout the spell. In the second spell eight goals were scored by each side, the final score being IS to 14 in Manawatu’s favour. N. Roger was Hie most consistent scorer lor Manawatu while T. Trask and F. Eglinton were prominent in field work. L. Breed scored the majority of Wanganui's goals, with J. McFarland giving good support in the field. M. Whale showed up well in defence with good interceptions. The referee was Mr. N. Hanson (Wellington).

The junior game was also keenly contested and fairly even throughout. Teams were:—

Manawatu. —E. Lee, E. Davidson, P. Shackleton, B. Cherrie, E. Sim, M. Duncan, C. Leask, H. Spencer, J. White (capt). Wanganui.—L. Ernst (capt.), M. Day, S. Hawke, J. Ralph, M. Bradshaw, E. Flyger, D. Tonga, M. Purnell, J. Pierce, A. Whale (reserve). Manawatu again won the toss and opened their score first. Wanganui’s first goal was shot shortly afterwards by D. Tonga. Manawatu attacked strongly throughout the spell and were definitely on top, the score being 9 to 5 in their favour at halltime. Wanganui commenced the second spell by getting smartly into the game and scoring within a few seconds o£ the starting whistle. They continued to attack determinedly and caught up to Manawatu’s total of nine goals before that side were able to score at all. From then on the game proved a very exciting one till the score of 12-all was readied. Wanganui maintained their superiority and pulled away to win by 15 to 12. M. Purnell impressed with good field work in Wanganui's goal with L. Ernst playing a dependable game in defence. In the centre third J. Ralph was prominent while M. Bradshaw, who usually plays in the goal tliird, did well as a centre player. Manawatu players who did well in the field were E. Davidson (goal), B. Cherrie (centre) and C. Leask (defence).

Referee, Miss V. Vautier (Manawatu).

The teams were afterwards entertained at afternoon tea. Mrs. Shnack welcomed the visitors and congratulated them on their game. Miss Vautier suitably replied.

During the function the opportunity was taken to make a presentation to Miss Betty Goldsbury, the Wanganui captain, in view of her approaching marriage. Miss Goldsbury has gi>n valuable service to the Wangan/i Association, having been a representative player for the last 10 seasons. She has also filled the position of secretary, and is at present a member of the fixtures committee.