College enter league

Wairarapa College have taken the bold step of entering a team in the Manawatu premier schoolboys basketball league this season.
The move was made on the prompting of coach Andy Thackray after their senior squad had taken out the first two placings in the 2005 Wairarapa senior league last year and he is confident his players will benefit from it, no matter what their results.
"Obviously we will playing some teams with much more experience than us and that makes it tough but if we improve the skills of the players and progress as a team then it's been worthwhile," he said.
Wairarapa College made a good start in their opening competition game against Palmerston North Boys High B, keeping the scoreline close throughout the first quarter.
Scott Topham made an early impression with a strong drive through the middle of the court and converted his bonus after being fouled while Jacob Carson controlled play well in the guard position, setting up some good scoring opportunities for Peter Beech. Also Zane Hopman did well when he came off the bench and at the end of the quarter Wairarapa College actually led 16-14.
PNBHS adopted a much more physical approach in the second quarter and Wairarapa College found it difficult to penetrate their defence. However, their full court press did work well in slowing down the pace of the opposition attack. Brothers Corey and Lachie McFadzean made an impact when subbed into the game but at halltime Wairarapa College trailed 21-26.
The need to be more assertive was stressed to Wairarapa College at the break and a quick goal to Peter Beech put them on the right track. However they could not maintain the momentum with their offence becoming static and their spacing poor because of the strong PNBHS defence.
Co-captain Peter Beech spoke sternly to his players during a time out about the need to "play tough" but while they picked up their effort they were behind 33-51 at the end of the third quarter.
Assistant coach Jane Thackray- in charge of the side with husband Andy having a national basketball league refereeing commitment- set the target of Wairarapa College reaching 45 goals by the conclusion of the game and it proved to be excellent motivation. Wairarapa College had 42 points on the board with 30secs to play and a drive to the basket saw Corey McFadzen bring their total to 44.
Unfortunately though he could not pick a foul for the extra point and so they were beaten 44-72.
Scorers were Peter Beech (13), Zane Hopman (12), Corey McFadzen (6), Scott Topham (5), Jacob Carson (4)., Joel Ryland (2) and Lachie McFadzean (2).