The Star: September 26, 2019

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The Star Thursday September 26 2019 42 SPORT Latest Canterbury news at starnews.co.nz Big opportunities lie ahead for Rams point guard DEVELOPMENT: • By Gordon Findlater IT HAS ALL BEEN happening for Taylor Britt. A month ago he was contemplating a long off-season before next year’s New Zealand NBL. Now he’s heading to a World Cup and has joined Australasia’s top basketball franchise. Britt had his world flipped upside down in a matter of hours after a call from the Perth Wildcats. The 23-year-old Canterbury Rams point guard had no commitments over the coming months until a highlights reel had the Wildcats chasing his services. They are the top franchise of the Australian NBL and have dominated in a similar fashion to the Crusaders in Super Rugby. The Wildcats have won four of the past six ANBL championships and haven’t missed the playoffs since 1986 – well before Britt was born. “It happened really quickly. I didn’t really have anything lined up and within hours they had contacted me and booked my flights,” he said. Britt was signed after visiting Perth earlier this month for a week-long trial which resulted in him becoming a development player for the upcoming ANBL season. Britt couldn’t have landed in a better spot if he wants to develop as a point guard. He will undoubtedly pick up a thing or two from Damian Martin – the league’s defensive player of the year on six occasions – and Bryce Cotton – the 2018 MVP and 2019 scoring champion. “Even if I don’t get to step on the court, I know just being in that environment and learning from guys like that. I know that every day I’ll be getting better and if I do end up getting a chance to play that’s a great bonus,” said Britt. Before the ANBL season starts, Britt will first represent New Zealand at the under-23 3x3 World Cup in China next week. He will be part of the four-strong national team coached by Rams assistant Piet Van Hasselt. While Britt has played little 3x3 basketball, he fancies their chances of making a Taylor Britt has the chance to learn under two of the ANBL’s premier strong push to guards at the Perth get out of Wildcats. the pool stage. New Zealand will play Russia, Slovenia, Turkey and Argentina in their pool. Britt hopes to play for New Zealand at the highest level in the future. Recently he was part of the Tall Blacks’ initial wider World Cup squad before it was reduced for the tournament. “I’d love to be back at the Rams next year, push my case for the Tall Blacks and prove I’ve gotten better from my time with the Wildcats,” said Britt. FC Twenty 11 Under 14 A team 2019 South Island tournament Dunedin, September, October 2019 Koby Allen Sponsored by Alex McDowall Sponsored by Outdoor equipment products & repairs 402 Tuam St, Christchurch Phone: 03 943 4444 www.twinneedle.co.nz Ben Bone Sponsored by Unit 1, 88 Shands Rd, Christchurch Phone: 03 349 0178 www.epochproperty.co.nz The FC Twenty 11 U14’s will go to Dunedin for Mainland Football’s annual South Island Tournament (SIT) from 29th Sept to 1st October. This team won the U13 SIT last year in Queenstown becoming the 1st FC team to win a SIT and go through the 20-team tournament undefeated. With 8 new quality players coming into the squad and mixed in very well. The team is now peaking at just the right time. Look out Dunedin. Keith Neill U14A Coach FC Twenty 11. 1 Gerrard Leem (Goalkeeper) His enthusiasm & improvement this year has been astounding. 7 Jake Hale (Defence) Jake can play just about any position on the pitch a true allrounder. 9 Alex McDowall (Defence) A ferocious defender and strong in the air. Alex is also the backline boss. 16 Ben Reilly (Defence) A hard hitting physical player with versatility right across the backline. 13 Jonty Brown (Defence) a naturally left back/ midfield, is an extra attacking weapon with his runs, crosses, shots & corners. 8 Koby Allen (Defence) A strong attacking back/ midfield player. A big scoring threat. 14 Ben Bone (Defence) A versatile player who can play wide back or wide midfield. 10 Jack Glassenbury (Midfield) Captain. A tough tackling player with a very good left foot pass. 4 Luca Marson (Midfield) A tenacious player you cannot shake. Incredible stamina and ball winner he can create and score as well. 15 Zac Winter (Midfield) Strong tackler, hard worker and skilful central mid player with a terrific pass and a nose for goal. 2 Ben Evans (Midfield) He can play either wide right or left mid with very quick feet on the ball. 5 Jayden Jachi (Midfield) Left footed and with blinding speed he’s made the outside left mid his. 12 Nick Wilson (Midfield/Forward) VC. A clever player who plays with both feet and has an excellent eye for goal. 6 Jacob Choi (Midfield/Forward) Jacob is hard working, blinding pace and regularly scoring goals. 3 Josh Crosby (Forward) Josh is the current in form striker, tireless worker, one to watch. 11 Maddox Wyllie-Mackay (Forward) Can shred any defence he comes up against. Blistering long shot and tricky on the ball. Luca Marson Sponsored by www.hellers.co.nz Maddox Wyllie-Mackay Sponsored by www.lonestar.co.nz Ben Evans Sponsored by Jack Glassenbury Sponsored by Jayden Jachi Sponsored by Nic Wilson Sponsored by Level 5, 85 Victoria St, Christchurch Phone: 0800 827 4343 www.vbridge.co.nz Affordable furniture for kids & stylish homes www.mocka.co.nz Woody’s Cartage & Contractors Murray Wood Owner/Operator Ph 027 483 6272 Level 2, ASB House The Crossing, 166 Cashel St, Christchurch Phone: 03 379 3663 www.wilsonandhill.co.nz Ben Reilly Sponsored by Jacob Choi Sponsored by Jonty Brown Sponsored by Zac Winter Sponsored by Nicky & Tim Harcourts Grenadier Unit 6, 1 Stack Dr, Christchurch Phone: 03 261 9211 www.kevlerhomes.co.nz Colin Brown Builders Phone: 021 321 357 www.newworld.co.nz Gerrard Leem Sponsored by Jake Hale Sponsored by Josh Crosby Sponsored by RANGIORA LANDSCAPE 20 & GARDEN SUPPLIES Years ‘Everything for the Garden’ Mike & Vicki Winter Phone 03 313 7337 Fax 03 313 7338 Mobile 027 313 7338 643 Lineside Rd Rangiora rangioralandscape@scorch.co.nz Phone: 09 441 9300 www.firesolutions.co.nz 34a Parkhouse Rd, Christchurch Phone: 03 343 5242 www.trendskitchens.co.nz Keith Neill Coach Jason McDowall Assistant Coach
• By Gordon Findlater HE MAY have been experiencing severe jetlag after just arriving home from representing Canada in Serbia, but that didn’t stop Brad Austin from making it to Canterbury Bulls training on Tuesday night. The 28-year-old hooker/half has never stepped foot in Canada, but due to his grandmother being born there, was given the opportunity to represent the country at test level during their tour of Serbia. He helped Canada to wins over Bosnia and Herzegovina 78-2 and Serbia select team 54-6. However, they lost their last match to Serbia’s full strength side 8-36 at the weekend. Last year Austin made his debut for Canada when they played matches against Jamaica and Chile in Florida as part of an unsuccessful bid to qualify for the 2021 Rugby League World Cup. Austin now has his eye on helping them to qualify for the 2025 tournament. For many of the team it was their first time playing together in Serbia. However, with two trainings a day and the average cost of a beer in Belgrade pubs the equivalent of around NZ$3 he says the team didn’t have any issues quickly building chemistry on and off the field. Canada are currently ranked 21st in the world, two spots below Serbia. Austin says the Serbians play a physical brand of league and concentrate on play through the middle. The matches in Belgrade also featured something Austin isn’t used to seeing at home, with rugby posts erected just in front of the ground’s permanent football goals. “Their sport is soccer for sure. It was a makeshift sort of a field which is fine, you just make do with what you have,” said Austin. Austin – who plays his club league for Halswell – then faced a long trip home to Christchurch before turning out at Bulls training as they prepare for a crucial last round match against Akarana on Sunday, in spite of SPORT 43 CANUCK: Brad Austin represented Canada in Serbia on Saturday. On Tuesday he was back at Canterbury Bulls training in Christchurch. severe jet lag. “That was probably the best thing for it to be honest,” said Austin. The Canterbury Bulls are unbeaten coming into Sunday’s final round NZRL premiership match against Counties Manukau, but they know the job isn’t done yet to make next weekend’s final. The situation coming into the Bulls first ever premiership match at Nga Puna Wai is eerily similar to last year which saw local sport Austin back for Canty Bulls after international duty with Canada THE SILVER lining to Hayden Paddon being unable to find a full-time World Rally Championship drive has never been more prevalent than at the weekend’s Ashley Forest Rallysprint. Paddon didn’t just break a record which has been a cornerstone of motorsport in New Zealand for four decades, he blew it out of the water. Coming into the sprint Paddon was seeking to break Sloan Cox’s record of 54.96sec. After lowering the record to 54.14 early on Sunday Paddon went onto make the event look like a competition between boys and men when he flew around the 1.7km loop in 52.77sec in the final shootout. Tower JuncTion Every follower of motorsport in New Zealand wants nothing more than to see Paddon competing regularly on the world stage. However, being overlooked by Hyundai’s WRC team has given us the opportunity to do something we’re never likely to have again – see one of the world’s best compete regularly in our own backyard. The joy of the Ashley Forest Proudly brought to you by... them miss out on a finals appearance. Last year the Bulls came into the third and final round on the back of two wins. However, a 14-34 loss to Akarana meant they missed out on a play-off berth by eight points on differential. The Bulls currently lead the competition as the only unbeaten team with a plus/minus points differetial of 50. Meanwhile, Counties and Akarana both have one win and one loss with points differentials of 34 and two respectively. This means if the Bulls lose they can still make their first final since 2015 if they lose to Counties by less than eight points or if Akarana fail to pile on the points against Waikato on Saturday. Austin has stayed up to date with the Bulls wins over Akarana and Waikato while he was in Serbia. While he’s only likely to be required as injury cover says he will be ready if called upon. “I want to remain an option . . . I’ll be ready if an opportunity comes and I hope it does,’ he said. Bulls coach Andrew Auimatagi says Austin’s ability to cover both hooker and half will put him in the conversation for the Bulls reserves bench for Sunday when the side is named later this week. “He’s a pretty awesome team person. He just loves being part of it all. It’s a pretty big ask getting off a plane and coming straight to training, but that’s the kind of guy he is,” said Bulls coach Andrew •Kick-off at Nga Puna Wai 1pm, Sunday. Come and celebrate THE BIGGEST TOURNAMENT of 2019 with us! event is its appeal to a wider audience, and essentially being rallying’s version of twenty 20 cricket, and with the prospect of Paddon pondering coming back with an improved engine package in 2020 for a crack at the 50sec barrier anyone with the faintest interest in four wheels should be salivating. Until Sunday the thought of anyone going under 50sec at Thursday September 26 2019 The Star Tower JuncTion Phone: 348 6020 Open 7 days 11am to late www.speightstowerjunction.co.nz Ashley Forest would seem unfathomable, but with a truck load of ability and the right package, who would bet against Paddon going forward. In most regards to motorsport in New Zealand the glory days on our own soil are gone, but Paddon is a rarity which breaks the mould. Much like the 1960s at Wigram when we had the chance to see the likes of Jack Brabham, Stirling Moss, Jim Clark, Jackie Stewart and Bruce McLaren, we once again have the chance to see the crème de la crème on our back door step. Outside of Paddon picking up more opportunities in the WRC in 2020 Begins Friday 20th September, ends Saturday 2nd November 2019 2 Troup Drive, Riccarton Phone: 348 6020 Open 7 days 11am to late www.speightstowerjunction.co.nz Canterbury looking to bounce back CANTERBURY WILL be out to regain momentum after hitting a major speedbump in their Mitre 10 Cup resurgence last week when they were tipped up by Manawatu at Orangetherapy Stadium. On Saturday, they will be favourites to return to the win column when they host Counties Manukau who are coming off a history making 14-42 loss to Southland. With just three rounds remaining the loss to Manuwatu has all but ended Canterbury’s hopes of a home semi-final barring Wellington dropping two of their three remaining matches. Canterbury are currently third – six points behind Wellington in second and one clear of Auckland in fourth. The side is likely to be boosted with the returns of No 8 Luke Whitelock and outside back Sam Gilbert – who both missed the Manawatu match due to being on a stand down protocol after taking head knocks in the previous match against Auckland. Braydon Ennor – who was out last week with a sprained knee – is also a chance of returning. Just as many Canterbury supporter’s eyes will be on Otago’s Ranfurly Shield defence against Waikato on Sunday. If Otago can successfully defend the shield it will be on the line when Canterbury travel to Forsyth Bar Stadium next weekend. Canterbury’s 23-man squad to face Counties will be named tomorrow afternoon. The match kicks off at 7.35pm at Orangetherapy Stadium on Saturday. Paddon thrilling the spectators on home soil One-eyed Cantab Gordon Findlater gordon.findlater@starmedia.kiwi we look set for another year of one of the world’s elite drivers competing regularly in our national championship and fan-friendly events like Ashley Forest. We also look increasingly likely to see New Zealand return to the WRC calendar for a oneoff in 2020. It doesn’t get much bigger than having a genuine contender going for it against the best in the world on home soil. Don’t sleep on it. Ready to believe again? White cans available at the bar
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