WELLINGTON WINS.

Auckland Star, Volume LVII, Issue 309, 30 December 1926, Page 9

WELLINGTON WINS.

DEFEAT OF OTAGO. IN THE PLUNKET SHIELD MATCH. . t MARGIN OF 446 RUNS. JAMES SCORES A CENTURY. ' (By Telegraph.—Press Association.) ! WELLINGTON, Wednesday. The Plunket Shield match, Wellington v. Otago, was continued to-day in ideal weather and before a large attendance. As the result of the day's play Otago will require to make 621 in the second innings to win. With four Wellington wickets down for 103 Lowry (35) and Lambert (15) resumed batting to the bowling of Blunt and Torrance. Lambert went for rims from the outset and Lowry was brisk. However, when the tally had been raised ' by 15 Lambert was well caught by Blunt j off his own bowling. McGirr opened in sparkling style, but when ten runs had ' been added Lowry was beaten by Tor- ' ranee. Hollings partnered McGirr, who ' quickly reached double figures, only to , be caught by H. C. Alloo off Torrance. James Shapes Well. ' James joined Hollings, who was giving • a glimpse of his consistent club form. Hollings was 23 when he was clean bowled by Arthur Alloo. Badcock gave ' two catches, but then he and James went for runs. James was shaping attractively, scoring off almost every ball he received. With Badcock hitting out the spec- ' tators were treated to exhilarating batting. The second century was passed and the score continued to mount at a great rate. Then Badcock went out to hit a ball from Blunt out of the ground, missed, and Green whipped off the bails before he could get back. Badcock's 35 included seven fours. The total was then 241. Brice joined James, and the scoring continued at a brisk pace in spite of bowling change's. When lunch time came 281 was on the board for the loss of nine wickets, James being 69 and Brice 10. James had maintained a merry pace, and had put on his runs at the rate of over one a minute. Dickenson replaced Blunt when the total was 308. He was obviously feeling the effects of his previous efforts, and did not approach his usual pace. Both Brice and James relished his opening over. Several changes were made in the bowling without avail. Brice took 60 in his stride, but a record last wicket stand for Plunket Shield matches came to an end when he reached 70, for he was cleaned bowled by Torrance. He had treated the spectators to a great forcing innings. James carried his bat, his 107 being a brilliant effort. Otago'a Herculean Task. Faced with the tremendous task of making 621 to win, Otago opened the second innings with Blunt and Shepherd. McGirr and Badcock took up the attack, neither batsman taking any risks. Badcock was deadly, and beat Shepherd when the total was 26. Knight, who had been the acme of soundness in Otago's opening strike, joined Blunt, and opened well. Blunt carried on with attractive shots all round the wicket. Blunt had not previously looked like getting out, but at 38 he was snapped' up by Lambert close in on the leg side off Brice. Cherry joined: Knight,, 4 but .with the addition of only 10 runs lost Knight, Who was brilliantly caught in the slips by Hollings off Badcock. Cherry did not last much longer. Arthur Alloo and Dickenson settled down to bring up the century, and play was very quiet. Before Dickenson got properly in his stride he was sent back to the pavilion, Hiddleston at first man holding a hot catch. 115—5 —13. Blamires had just opened his account when his appeal against the light was ' upheld, and play was adjourned. The total was then 122 for six wickets.