PLUNKET SHIELD.

Auckland Star, Volume LX, Issue 45, 22 February 1929, Page 8

PLUNKET SHIELD.

THE FINAL MATCH. OTAGO OPENS WEAKLY. (Br Telegraph.—Press Association.) DUNEDIN. this day. The final Plunket Shield match between Otago and Canterbury commenced in brilliant sunshine at Carisbrook Ground to-day. Tlk» wicket and outfield were in perfect order. Otago batted first. Shepherd and Blunt taking strike to Cunningham and Newman. Both batsmen opened confidently. Shepherd bringing 20 up with two successive on-drives to the boundary off Cunningham after thirteen inmates' play. Blunt, snicked one from Newman to Burns with the total standing at 27. With the total at 40 Cunningham made a great effort to hold a ball hit by Shepherd, but missed. The .">0 mark was reached in 2"» minutes. Merritt relieved Cunningham, and his fourth ball effected Shepherd's dismissal, after a brilliant knock. The batsman stepped out to an off-ball and was nicely stumped by Burns.

Eastman and McMullan carried the total to 70 by careful tactic*, wlien Burns missed a clianoe of stumping MrMullan. When SS runs appeared tlie third wicket fell. Eastman being smartly caught l<v Jacobs at square log. off Newman. Merritt secured his second wicket when McMiillan stepped out to a hall breaking wide from the off. Burns stumping him. After a little over an hour's I»lay the fifth Ota<ro wicket fell. Monk being bowled by Merritt, after scoring 11, with the total at 100.

A SIXTH WICKET STAND. Otago continued to score in fast style, tho hundred appearing in 63 minutes. Dickinson and Cavanagli provided a pleasing partnership, putting on 65 for tho sixth wicket. Dickinson scored more slowly than tnual, his tally including only one four. Cavanagh gave a bright display all round the wicket. Merritt's bowflng lost its "pep" as tho game progressed, and his average suffered somewhat. Cunningham was howling rather wildly, but thanks to Merritt at point, he got rid of Dickinson when tho batsman was getting set. The Canterbury fielding was good. Scores:— OTAGO.—First Innings. Blunt, c Burns, b Newman !) Shepherd, st Burns, b Merritt .... 34 McMullan, st Burns, b Merritt .... 25 Eastman, e Jacobs, b Newman .... IS Monk, b Merritt 11 Dickinson, <• Merritt, b Cunningham 25 Cuvanagh. not out 47 (.•aHand, not out 6 Total for six wickets 185