CRICKET.

Auckland Star, Volume LIV, Issue 311, 31 December 1923, Page 3

CRICKET.

PLUNKET SHIELD MATCH. WELLINGTON V. CANTERBURY, j CANTERBURY TEAM BATTING. THREE WICKETS FOR 113. (By Telegraph.—rress Association.! WELLINGTON, this day. The Plunkct Shield fixture Wellington v. Canterbury commenced on the Basin Reserve this morning. Canterbury won the toss and Blunt and Gregory opened their first innings on what appeared to be a perfect wicket. Bcrnau and Hiddleston opened the attack. Scoring was slow at tbe beginning. Loth baTsmen being content to play themselves in. When five Blunt gave •lames a chance behind the sticks, but the wicketkeeper failed to hold it. Thirty appeared after 35 minutes' play. McGirr replaced Bcrnau and Brice went on in place of Hiddleston. 40 appearing after three-quarters of an hour. With the total at 50 Blunt was caught low by Hiddleston off McGirr. Blunt left the field, but was recalled only to be sent back to the pavilion again. The incident is almost unprecedented. M— l— 'Zr>. Talbot was the next man in. After scoring three he was caujrht at short leg by McGirr off Brice. 53—2—3. Boon filled the vacancy. Boon gave a free exhibition of cricket, and with the assistance of Gregory brought 70 up after an hour and aquarter. Both men batted with confiden.e, and Collins decided on another change. Holland replacing Brice. When 28 Boon placed a loose one from McGirr into Bernaus hands at point. 02— :s -2S. Patrick was next, and opened with a four. Bcrnau replaced McGirr. and 100 appeared after an hour and 50 minutes. At lunch the score was three wickets for 117 (Gregory not out So, Patrick not out 8). ,_ . i •*3P*=" ,