GOOD STANDARD OF PLAY IN OPENING BASKETBALL MATCHES

Wanganui Chronicle, 2 May 1949, Page 7

GOOD STANDARD OF PLAY IN OPENING BASKETBALL MATCHES

The 1949 basketball season opened in Wanganui on Saturday when a good standard ol play augured well for a successful season. Two matches were played in the senior grade, Past Students had the bye. X. . .C. played their first game in the senior grade and their display proved that they were well justified in entering for the senior competition. Des;:it t last minute changes in the team, the players combined well and kept up a last pace throughout. Their team was:— V. Robertson (capt.), J. Grubb, R. Potaka. H. Chapman, L. Couchman, B. McLean, L. Cuthbertson, B. Anderson, B. Jones. Their opponents were Nga Toa, who fielded the following players:— J. Smith (capt.), P. Cummins, M. Wright, B. Hughes, D. Bosher, R. Sunderland, E. Bosher, D. Rutherford, D. Tonga. The gam e opened briskly and the pace never slackened throughout. For the opening of the season the play was of an exceptionally high standard. The first goal was scored for Nga Toa by E. Bosher from a penalty shot. L. Cuthbertson equalised soon after, with a long, clean

RESULTS AT A GLANCE. Senior. Nga Toa 18, v. X.T.C. 14. T.O.G. 15, v. St. Many’s 14. Senior B. Waverley 17, v. St. Mary’s 8. Star 17, v. Tech. A 12. Collage 16, v. Collegians 9. T.O.G. 13, V. Nga Toa 12. Junior. Tech. B2 25, v. Students 5. Tech, B 39, v. Tech. Bl 27. Relax 21, v. St. Mary's 5. Hinemoa 14, v. United 11. Convent 27, v. College 3. Thirds, Section A. Tech. 13, v. Garment's A 4. Convent B 38, v. McGruer’s 5. J.L.L. 16, v. Knox 11. Y.M.C.A 21, v Tech. F 6. A.D.W. 24, v Woolworths 15. Section B. Garments B 21, v. Queen'Alex 8. Convent C 18, v. Zemba 3. Aotea 36, v. Tech. G 3. Red Shield 19, v. Demons 2. F. and T. 6, v. College 6. Section C. Kai Iwi 16, v. Convent 4. Waverley 17, v. Social Security U Clothing Co. 26, v. Technical 1 1. St. Mary’s won by default from Tech. H.

goal for X.T.C. A fine passing movement through Nga Toa centre and goal thirds culminated in a goal scored by D. Rutherford, a very promising newcomer to Wanganui basketball. Midway through the first spell over eagerness brougnt several penalties for personal contact, but the team soon settled down again to clean, open play. D. Bosher showed up well with good interceptions in Nga Toa centre. X.T.C. showed that they had a very strong forward third with L. Cuthbertsog outstanding for accurat e shooting. Nga Toa had a slight advantage over X.T.C. in general play in the first spell but their shooting was not as accurate as the latter team’s which led by 10 to 9 at half-time.

The fast pace was maintained throughout the second spell and teams kept level till the last seven minutes, when Nga Toa applied th e pressure and showed unexpected pace and improved shooting. They steadily drew ahead to lead by 18-14 when final time was called. X.T.C. are to be congratulated on their first game in senior grade. T.O.G. v ST. MARY’S. Th e second senior game was played between Technical Old Girls and St. Mary's and provided another closefought contest, Tech. Old Girls emerging the victors by the narrow margin of one goal, the score being 16-15 in their favour. These teams were little changed from last season, though positional play was altered for some players. L. O’Leary, formerly a defence, was playing attack wing for St. Mary's and proved herself versatile and adaptable. In T.O.G. team P. Phillips, a centre player for T.O.G. and Wanganui reps lor several seasons was transferred to main goal position, where she played a strong attacking game. The respective teams were:— T.O.G. —L. Breed (capt.), B. Forward, P. Phillips, N. Webby, J. Benson, K. Gedge, C. Forward, D. Henderson, E. Couchman.

St. Mary’s.—J. McCashin (capt.)., J, Manson, N. O’Connor, M. McCashin, J. Taylor, G. Mashion, N. O’Leary, K. O’Leary, U. Jeffreys.. This game was not so open as the first match and consequently penalties were frequent lor personal contact. The first spell was somewhat scrappy and it was not till the second spell that the teams showed the good torm oi which they are both capable. Half-tim e score of 7 all was a good indication of the play and the second spell was just as closely fought. B. Forward was well on form for T.O.G. with good open field play and accurate shooting. In the defence C. Forward played a sound game and anticipated well. M. McCashin showed up well in St. Mary's centre and kept to team work while on attack. J. Manson playing her first season in senior grade showed promise in defence. St. Mary’s third combined very well, all three players handling in practically all passing movements. Both games were refereed by Mr. C. J. Haberfield. If opening day form is any criterion it will be difficult to make any forecast on the outcome of the senior competition. There is some very' promising material available and the season promises to be a most interesting one.