Canterbury Beats Southland By Point

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31119, 23 July 1966, Page 16

Canterbury Beats Southland By Point

A fine lay-up shot by P. Ross in the dying seconds of the game saved the Canterbury men’s basketball team from another defeat when it met Southland In Cowles Stadium last evening. Canterbury had been trailing by one point when Ross took his shot through a gaggle of Southland defenders and the two poi'nta from the goal enabled it to snatch victory by 55 points to 54. Only two weeks ago Canterbury was beaten by Southland while on its southern tour. Canterbury led 18-17 at halftime. The standard of play rarely reached any great heights, although there were many flashes of individual brilliance on both sides. The most satisfying aspect of Canterbury’s performance was that it kept plugging away until the final whistle. Even when defeat looked likely, with Southland ahead and the game going into the final minute, it controlled its play and was rewarded when Ross scored his goal. Because of the even nature of the struggle, players frequently forced themselves into errors by trying too hard. Never at any stage were there more than four points between the sides, the lead changed IS times and was level on 13 other occasions. The last five minutes were very tense, but Canterbury was ahead at the final whistle. The teams, with scores, were:— Canterbury, 55: A. Hounsell 15, J. Stead 14, G. WHManw 10. C. P. Pyson 6. R. Entwistle 6. P. Ross 4. G. Costello 0. Southland, 54: P. Trass 14. G. Nobbs 13. R. Price 10, G. Patterson 9, J. Wright 8, E. Lowe 0, N. Price 0. The first appearance this season of Stead In the Canterbury team was most promising. He proved an able jumper, even if he failed to direct the bail well from tie-ups, and moved very fluently. His foul shooting was outstanding. From 10 free shots he-scored eight points.

Entwistle had one of hie rare off-nights for he was allowed little room to move end the shots he attempted were mostly off target. Williams played one of hds best games this season, while Hounsel was also an effective scorer. Referees: P. Sumner and R. Rollinson. In a colte curtain raiser, the probables beat the possibles. 62-53. T. Morris scored 19 points for the probables.