Women's Basketball

The Victoria team failed to rise to the heights which won them the Holland Shield at last Winter Tournament. They did, however manago to take second place to the strong Otago combination. Capably led by Hazel Blick, a seasoned veteran, the young side defeated Auckland 25-19 and Canterbury 20-18, but went down to Otago 20-31. They were unlucky to be drawn against Otago in their first game, as with the match playing experience they gained during the Tournament they could well have beaten them at the end of the week.

A solid core for the team to evolve its play around was provided by Hazel Blick, Ann Couling, Judy Davenport and Betty Beasley, all of whom represented Victoria last year. The remainder of the team were less experienced but played up to full capacity at all times. One who really improved over Tournament was Kath Bedingfield whose play won her a place in the NZU team, along with Blick and Davenport. The shooting practice which the team put in before they travelled south paid off as the game against Canterbury proved. From Victoria's total of 20 points, no fewer than 10 were from penalty shots. Congratulations must go to Hazel Blick for her appointment as NZU captain.