The 1958 Women’s New Zealand National Team – the only New Zealand national team, men’s or women’s, to have beaten Australia 3-0 in a series is this years Legend.
The following content comes courtesy of the excellent book written by Glenda Taylor, “Let’s Go Girls”.
The uniqueness of the 1958 team’s participation in international basketball – the first women’s series to be played under FIBA international rules – was reflected in the fact that they were afforded, prior to departure to Australia, an official reception at Parliament and another in Auckland hosted by the mayor. The playing schedule for the tour was extremely demanding, especially given there were only 10 players:
- 6 games in 6 days at the Australian State Championships.
- 3 tests in 5 days against Australia.
- With 2 more games played in 3 days to conclude the tour.
- In total 14 games were played in 3 weeks.
The team played well to win 5 out of 6 games at the State Championships as a lead into the international series.
However, the powerful Australian team were formidable opponents. Captained by future Hall of Famer Lorraine Eiler, they had competed at the 1957 World Championships in Brazil the previous year. The first test, played in Launceston, Tasmania, was won 50-40 with Wellington’s Alma Coulson and West Coast forward Anita Hannen scoring in double figures. A tight second test in Melbourne went the way of the Kiwis 27-24 with Hannen’s 12 points vital. The third test in Adelaide was convincingly won 43-29 by New Zealand. Waikato’s Noeline Marsh led the way with 15 points while Hannen took her three game tally to 38 points. Whilst scoring was low by modern standards it has to be remembered the 3-point line wouldn’t be introduced to international basketball for another 26 years!!
Five of the ’58 Team would go on to play Australia in another three-game series in 1960, a series Australia would win 2-1.
This “special’ team, the 1958 Women’s New Zealand National Team achieved something unique in New Zealand international basketball history and are worthy recipients of LEGEND status.
I should note that both Anita Hannen and Dame Lois Muir, have conveyed their sincere apologies as they could not make tonight’s ceremony.
Dame Lois has sent an email, which I would like to read out:
“I played a lot of basketball over the years and it was a very important and influential part of my career in sport. If my sister’s basketball team hadn’t been short of players, I wouldn’t have been allowed to start playing basketball while I was still in primary school. Some of the most important lessons that I learned playing basketball included the importance of team unity, the need for a work ethic in training, the discipline required to succeed, and the tactics on the court. I am deeply honoured to be part of the 1958 New Zealand Women’s Basketball Team. I remember well the challenges and rewards of the 1958 tour and the wonderful group of women who helped pave the way for basketball in New Zealand. Thank you for this honour.
1958 Women’s Team:
- Alma Coulson
- Anita Hannen
- Noeline Marsh
- Irone Brough
- Beverley Green
- Val Rodger
- Dame Lois Muir
- Frances Pedofsky
- Diane Enright
- Maureen McDermott
It is an honour that Dianne Enright, is here to accept this award on behalf of the whole team.
