CRICKET.

Auckland Star, Volume XLIX, Issue 41, 16 February 1918, Page 14

CRICKET.

Colin Blythe, the England and Kent bowler, has been killed by a shell in France. He was one of the worlds, greatest slow bowlers. Never robust, indeed, he wa3 something of a weakling, Blythe at times was almost uncanny in his effectiveness, for his bowling, so enticing, so simple and inviting, was often a mystery to the steadiest and the most accomplished 1 batsmen. He would set out to deliver the ball as a hyper-nervous man would do; his run was a stuttering run, and as one watched him, especially in the Test matches, when it was known that he was battling against a painful malady (poor Blythe was prone to epileptic seizures), one realised what an extraordinary man he was. Illness during the winter affected his bowling. In 1901, after his visit to Australia with the team captained by A. C. MacLaren in 1901-2, he never looked back. His best season was 1909, when he took in first class matches 215 wickets at a cost of 14J runs each.

One of the first casualties to be re-1 ported from the Italian front concerns! Captain Harold G. Garnett, a prominent' member of the Lancashire eleven. He! came out for the county at the close of: the season in 1900, and next year jumped j into fame, playing so well that hej seemed likely to become the best left- j handed batsman in England. His style was polished, and his hitting brilliant. He made his first century against Sussex at Manchester, and twice later topped the hundred. As a result of this season's display he finished second to J. T., Tyldesley in the Lancashire average. So j ||6od was his form that he was chosen | to go to Australia with A. C. MaeLaren's j team, but the wickets were too fast for < him, and he was far from a success. But4or several seasons after his return hej .continued to make a lot of runs for Lancashire until business took him to j;he Argentine. He came back to England in 1911, and again early in 1914. In batting he showed some decline, but lie proved himself to be a first-rate wicket-keeper. No one who saw the match will forget -his work for the Gentlemen against the Players, at Lord's, whilst against Warwickshire he established a Lancashire record by dismissing six batsmen from his position behind the stumps. When war broke out he threw down his pads and gloves and took a commission. He went to France almost at once, and wae wounded in October, 1914.

SECOND GRADE.

PARNELL V. PONSONBY. As the result of the first day's play, Parnell, who had been showing better form of late, gained a substantial lead, thanks to the efforts of the-earlier batsmen, who brought the century up for the loss of two wickets. Horepool (61) was the principal contributor. He played an. excellent innings, and "with Menzies put on 63 for the first wicket. Horspool was strongest on the leg side, and in this direction hit a six off Edlin. He also registered seven fours, while only one chance can be debited against him. Menzies (24) was patchy, scoring half his quota in three strokes and the other dozen singly. Thomas (29) gave a brighter display, and did not spare anything loose. Besides a six off Edlin, he punctuated seven singles with four fours.

Keenan and Wilson, with, ten apiece, were the only other double figures. The latter had as many lives as a cat. The innings closed for 172.

The chief wicket-taker for Ponsonby was Hopkinson, who finished up with five wickets for 40 from 14 overs, including three maidens, the leg-break doing most of the damage. Thompson's etraight stuff realised two wickets for 10, while Edlin captured one for 22.

Starting very badly, with one wicket down for nothing, and two for four, Ponsonby did not overtake Parnell's first-wicket achievement until after the fall of the sixth wicket.

Green (23) top-scored for Ponsonby, ac the outcome of forceful cricket. The first five scoring strokes produced fifteen, and the next seven profitable shots only realised eight-

Craig played steadily for 19, while Hopkinson (12) notched his runs by off strokes.

The cause of Ponsonby's mediocre total wae the bowling of a schoolboy, Wilson. The lad sent down no less than 14 overs, three of ' which were maidens; for six wickets and 41 runs. He tired towards the end, but persisted, and captured two wickets in the last over. Wilson and Thomas bowled unchanged.

Parnell again commenced fairly well, and when stumps were drawn had 70 on the elate for the loes of two wickets.

Blackwell (31 not out) made the most of the last ten minutes of the day, hitting six fours. Richardson (18 not out) and Horspool (11) were responsible for most of the remainder.

EDEN V. GRAjVEMAK SCHOOL.

Eden welcomed Grammar School's return to the premiership struggle by keeping them leather hunting for the best part of the afternoon, while they amaesed the respectable total of 229. Thestart was rather inauepieious, three wickets falling for 14 runs. However, Gillespie and Bennett cemented a partnership for the fourth wicket which put a more wholesome aspect on the state of the register, taking the score to 124 runs.

The outstanding feature of the innings wa<3 Gillespie's quota, which reached one hundred and twenty-one. It is the first century in the grade this year. This consistent batsman scored most of his runs in front of the wicket. A few faulty strokes miglit have caused his downfall, but the collegians allowed the chances to go begging. Sixty-four rmw were the outcome of boundary strokes. Bennett (57) played a forceful innings, although not co reckless as usual. Nine Yours were counted in his score. Bridges (17) wae steady, and Rankin (11 not out) stonewalled- for a change, for the sake of the batsman at the other end. The Grammar slow bowler, MeLeod, was the most successful with the ball,! winding up with five wicket 3 for 75 from 23 overs, three of which were maidens. Nixon bowled 21 overs, including no less than six maidens, which realised only one wicket.

Grammar School's short stay at .the wickets produced fifteen runs for the loss of one wicket.

A score book belonging to the Parhell Club was lost at Eden Park just before the Christmas holidays, and, ac it contains the record of the competition games, the members will bo glad if finder will return eanie to any member of the Parnell Club.