Robyn Broughton key to Rata's win over St Mary's in Invercargill in 1972.........

St Mary's Black were leading the Invercargill netball competition in 1972 when it was upset by Rata, who won 23-18.  It was St Mary's first defeat for the season.

The weather was not pleasant and it made the concrete courts slippery and handling of the ball testing.
Rata was strong in the goal circle and they started off at such a fast pace it left St Mary's standing still.
Once St Mary's realised that they had a game on their hands, they settled into play but lost the ball at vital times.  Shoots, Clare Cosgrove and Monica Burns, did not have a happy shooting day, with a below par percentage.
Rata's Helen Campbell had a height advantage in the goal circle which meant she was able to take advantage of any missed shots by securing the rebound.
Jenny Mason and Kay Glasson the two Rata's shoots had a good day and made every opportunity count.
Robyn Broughton playing centre, used her experience and ball skills to ensure every pass counted.  Lynley Smith and Carolyn McKenzie were strong on defence.
Wing Attack, Mary-Anne Atkinson was combining well with Broughton to get through the St Mary's defence of sisters, Mary Templeton and Shirley Templeton.
Nancy Buchanan, centre for St Mary's was the great link with Mary Buckingham at wing attack.  Margaret Boyle was sound at goal keep and kept the pressure on to make life a bit easier for the Templeton sisters.
Late in the game Atkinson left the court due to an injury and Rata carried on the last few minutes with only six players.

Susan Eunson plays hard to bitter end in her team's lose to Collegiate in Invercargill in 1972.....

The St Mary's blue team were completely outgunned by Brigadiers who put that much pressure on the goal circle that St Mary's were hesitant with their play and shooting.  St Mary's Velanda Presico and Judie Glennie were under all sorts of pressure.  
The Brigadiers B team, who had not yet won a game went down to Collegiate 29-12.
Even though Brigadiers played their hearts out they could not combat the experience of Collegiate. With the likes of players; Elaine Murdoch and Glenda Chisholm who played exceptionally well.
Brigadiers B's outstanding players were Susan Eunson at goal defence and Merle Harrison at goal keeper.
Louise Smith for Makarewa, ensured her team got up to win over Southland College
29-13.  For College, goal defence Sharon Cook and was supported well by goal keeper Tana Maere.

Reference:  St Mary's Beaten By Rata.  The Southland Times May 1972.

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