Canterbury should win basketball

Press, 2 July 1983, Page 64

Canterbury should win basketball

By FRANK DUGGAN The 3ZM Canterbury senior men’s basketball team has had its back to the wall for most of the present Countrywide league season, but the early-season veneerlike performances have turned to vintage mahogany in the last couple of weeks, which will see the Rams decisive favourites to beat Nelson Bowater Datsun at Cowles Stadium this afternoon. Success for Canterbury will allow it to share the second-last position in the league with Nelson, but because of an earlier win at Nelson, Canterbury would then have the better average. This would leave Nelson and Porirua at the foot of the table and the obvious teams to play in the pro-motion-relegation series with the two top second

division teams. Just winning today will not be enough for Nelson; it will have to be by more than nine points to make up its goal deficit of the first clash (Canterbury won 6859). Whatever happens, both teams still have two matches left in the league, and the draw is slightly more favourable for Nelson. It plays two well-performed teams in Exchequer Saints—Wellington (at home) and then Central Hotel—Napier. A double-header against the two Auckland glamour clubs, Metro and Drake Personnel, is not the easiest way for Canterbury to end the season, worse still if it still lags in the relegation zone with Nelson. Today’s game should be a variance in styles. Nelson

depends on teamwork, with few frills and individuals. In the last couple of weeks Canterbury has become full of verve and adventure. This change of direction has allowed for more individual freedom and a noticeable change in attitude. Another vital reason for the upsurge is self pride and a fervent resolution to remain in the league. It is no secret that if Canterbury does miss out on a spot in the main competition next season, it will not play in the second division. That will leave little for Canterbury basketballers apart from club competitions, which should be reason enough for the Rams to pick up where it left off against a hapless Porirua last week. The Canterbury and Nelson squads are unchanged.

Tomorrow’s curtainraiser will see the Canterbury women’s side take on Nelson in its last home league game of the season. Canterbury, last year’s national champion, is undefeated in six games. It currently lies second behind Wellington in the southern zone section. However, Wellington has completed its nine-game programme, recording seven wins and two losses. Canterbury’s last game is against Otago on July 6. Early in the league, Canterbury easily accounted for Nelson 47-35 after a slow start. One victory from its last two matches is expected to put Canterbury into the final against the northern zone winner in the Hutt Valley stadium on July 24.