PLAY IN WANGANUI WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GAMES DESCRIBED

Wanganui Chronicle, 1 June 1948, Page 2

PLAY IN WANGANUI WOMEN’S BASKETBALL GAMES DESCRIBED

Matches played under the control of the Wanganui Women's Basketball Association last Saturday were contested in fine weather. A very close game resulted when Tech. Old Girls met Past Students. The game resulted in a narrow victory by one goal for Technical Old Girls. The teams were:—Tech. Old Girls: L. Breed (capt), K. Gedge, N. Couchman, J. Benson. P. Phillips, N. Webby, E. Couchman, B. Forward, C. Forward. . Past Students: B. Whiting (capt.), L. Ernst, Y. Alabaster, M. Price, O. Platt, F. Worrall, 1.. Platt, V. Jackson. M. Gibson.

Pass'ng was fast throughout, hut over-keenness by both sides resulted in a scrappy game. Wind conditions were trying and this no doubt accounted for the many dropped passes during the match. L. Breed, T.O.G. captain, played a brilliant game however, her field: play showed strong leadership, and her accurate shooting was a feature of the match. Another T.O.G player who was impressive was B. Forward, who intercepted cleverly and saved frequently in the defence third. This player's game has developed remarkably since last season. T.O.G. had the advantage over Students in the first spell and led by 9-4 at half time.

The second spell opened with Students attacking strongly. They pressed the attack all through the spell and repeatedly broke through T. passing combination. I. Platt shone in the defence third, showing excellent anticipation and speedy following up. In the centre for Students, F. Worrall kept the Student attack at top speed. The score drew level at 13 all. Here over-eagerness marred the play of both teams, and too much bumping was apparent. The game ended with T.O.G. winning by 15 to 14. Mrs. E. Schnack was the referee. ST. MARY’S v. NGA TOA In the match St. Mary's v. Nga Toa the former team showed their best form to date. Here again play was spoilt by a strong wind which resulted in many passes going astray. St. Mary's were more awake to the opportunities offered in this respect and were quicker to snatch up the dropped bag or faulty pass. K. O’Leary opened the scoring for St. Mary's, ahd they took the score to 3 before M. Howe opened Nga Tea's account. St. Mary's defence were solid arid almost impenetrable, with J. Mcfishin playing a sterling game. Nga Toa defence also played a strong game in which J. Smith predominated. Here speed and initiative in getting the ball through to the centre third is invaluable to her side. B. Hughes played her best game this season in the Nga Toa centre third. Play in the first spell was even and neither side had any definite advantage in field play. St. Mary’s led by 4 to 2 at half time, good play by both defensive thirds keeping the scoring low. St. Mary’s were definitely on top in the second spell. They impressed as being fitter all round and maintained a steady attack. J. McCashin again impressed while U. Jeffrey showed good form in the forward third. Here too, M. Purneil was playing an improved game. Nga Toa attacks repeatedly failed in the forward third and the game ended in a well deserved victory to St. Mary’s by 10 to 4. The teams were: St. Mary’s: J. McCashin (capt.), N. O’Leary, K O’Connor, M. McCashin, J. O'Connor, G. Mashlan, K. O'Leary, U. Jeffrey, M. Purnell. Nga Toa: J. Spooner (capt.), J. Smith, M. Wright, M. Platt, D. Bosher, B. Hughes, E. Bosher, M. Howe, R. Sunderland. The referee was Mr. L. Moyle. PLAYERS FOR TRIALS The following players have been selected for representative trials which will commence on the Saturday following King's Day Tournament. Forwards: L. Breed, N. Couchman, K. Gedge (TO.G.), U. Jeffrey, K. O'Leary, M. Purnell (St. Mary’s), L. Ernst, B. Whiting (Students). Centres: M. McCashin (St. Marys), P. Phillips (T.O.G), D. Bosher, B. Hughes, M. Platt (Nga Toa), F. Worrall, O. Piatt, M. Price (Students). Defence: I. Platt (Students), J. Smith, J. Spooner (Nga Toa), J. MeCasiiin, N. O’Leary (St. Mary’s), B. Forward, E. Couchman, C. Forward (T.0.G.). Any player unable to participate in trials will please notify Mrs. Schnack, the sole selector, immediately.