Elaine Murdoch great shooting in netball game Southland v Otago 1972......

Southland held Otago netball team to a 22 all draw in 1972.  Considering Southland were the underdogs going into the game it was heartening to see the home team play a fast paced game.  The team grew as the game went on and were ahead with minutes to go 22-20, but the Southland defence tired and that was all Otago needed to pull alongside them.

June Murphy is anticipating intercepting the pass from Otago's Julie McBride to Anne Warrington.

Southland meant business at the first whistle and with 1971 loss of 24-14 still fresh in their minds they managed to net the first few pass offs.
Otago centre, Judy Croft was replaced and this is probably when Otago opened the court more.  The half time score was 11-11.
Otago, strategy was to play a fast game, which worked for them as this left the Southland defence finding themselves caught up the court and therefore leaving Otago's shoots an open circle.
It was through Southland's centre, Robyn Broughton that kept the pace up with shoots Pam McLennan and Elaine Murdoch showing strength in the circle with good shooting and rebounding.
Margaret Jennings played her usual assertive game at wing attack and along with Broughton fed their shoots accurately.
Goal Defence, June Murphy and wing defence, Lynley Smith pounced on any mis passed ball. Goal keeper, Helen Campbell took her fair share of rebounds.
Julie McBride a former Otago basketball player and her debut for the netball showed off her skills.  Georgina Hapuka at goal defence managed to keep the Southland shoots honest.  She  moved to centre when Crofts was injured.
Lyn Gunson, a member of the New Zealand B team,  went to the goal defence position and when she coupled with goal keeper, Margaret Gee, it made it tightened the circle up.
​Southland would have been pleased with their performance as Otago was a very strong side with New Zealand representatives.
Reference:  Southland Holds Otago To Draw.  The Southland Times. July 1972.

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