THE SENIOR B CONTEST.

Auckland Star, Volume LXI, Issue 72, 26 March 1930, Page 17

THE SENIOR B CONTEST.

COMPLETION OF ROUND. KING'S OLD BOYS ON TOP. ' The keen fight for possession of championship honours in the senior B grade competition reached a rather exciting climax last Saturday afternoon, when King's Old Boys succeeded in gaining a lead over their season's rivals by the narrowest of margins, and that through the throwing down of the last wicket while the batsmen were trying to obtain a bye which would have evened up the scores. At the conclusion of the game, for that one-run lead was on the completion of an innings apiece, both teams voted that it had been a most enjoyable encounter, and the Ponsonby skipper remarked that "Finishes of this nature make cricket worth while." The rest of the series of matches were quite overshadowed by the keen struggle between King's and Ponsonby. North Shore obtained four more points at the expense of Y.M.C.A., but that was expected. Parnell just managed to overscore University, and Balmoral' had little difficulty in taking full points from Eden. The following is the position of the teams at the conclusion of the round. p. W. L. D. Pts. King's Old Boys 9 8 1 0 28 Shore B 9 7 1 1 26 Ponsonby 9 « \ ® |6 Papatoetoe .... 9 6 3 0 22 Parnell 9 5 4 0 20 Balmoral 9 4 5 0 14 University .... 9 2 7 0 13 Eden 9 3 6 0 12 f M.C.A 9 2 7 0 10 Shore A 9 1 7 1 10 BALMORAL DEFEAT EDEN. Although faced with a deficit of 33 runs Eden tackled their second innings task with more confidence, but it was not substantial beyond the sixth wicket partnership of Blair and V. Black, which realised 40 runs. The batting, otherwise, was rather feeble, Aicken (10) being the only other batsman to reach double figures, while the whole side was out for 92 runs.

Blair (29) was rather subdued although he collected four fours, principally through the agency of off drives. His defence was sound. V. Black (25) a young player, shaped confidently, having a "go" at the slow howlers, but eventually paid the penalty, being smartly stumped by Newdick. Of the Balmoral bowlers C. Broberg (three for 22) sent down eight overs of mixed breaks. Wright (two for 21) and R. Broberg (two for 27) also captured wickets. Balmoral's fielding was excellent, a couple of run outs resulting. Requiring 60 runs for an outright .win Balmoral indulged in care-free cricket and secured the runs for the loss of two wickets. Ellis (29 not out) scored freely on both sides of the wicket. R. Broberg (19) and Byerley (11) obtained runs quickly. In Eden Blair and Aicken captured a wicket each with slow breaks.

LIGHT-HEARTED CRICKET. Owing to the one-sided state of affairs North Shore treated Y.M.C.A. generously, with the result that the members of the institution knocked up 155 runs in their second innings. Amos and Organ, with 30 runs apiece, hit hard and notched runs in quick time. Although North Shore tried out some new talent it .fas left to the principal wicket-takers, Smith (four), Nicholas (three) and Wynne (two) to dismiss Y.M.C.A. In obtaining the taecessary 31 runs for a four-pointer North Shore lost a couple of wickets, Mclndoe (25) and Colebourne (20 not out) getting more runs than required.

PARNELL'S SEVEN RUNS VICTORY. It will be remembered that in reply to the students' total of 174 runs Parnell had scored 90 for the loss of three wickets when play ceased on the first day. In continuance of their innings Parnell lost Luke after lie had notched a couple more. He was caught off McKearney for 29. Gillies (44) and Cock (20) concluded a partnership which increased the total by 48 runs for the fifth., wicket, putting Parnell in a more stable position and the innings eventually closed at 181, seven runs ahead of their opponents. Gillies headed the list for Parnell, compiling his runs chiefly with off-drives and leg-pulls. He was at the wickets a long time for his runs, the rate of scoring suffering through lack of strokes. The bowling honours for the students was divided among McKearney (three for 45), Macklow (two for 10) and Dacre (two for 23). In their second venture University ran to 135 runs for nine wicklts. Macklow (08) opened quietly, but after getting the measure of the bowling batted more forcibly and hit eleven boundaries, all in front of the wicket. Hart (18), Zinzan (10) and McKearney (12 not out) lent most assistance. Amongst the Parnell bowlers, Righton (four for 31) and Kenny and Bell with two wickets apiece, secured the wickets. In the early stages Bell sent down five maidens in seven overs. A GREAT FINISH. It was fitting that the contest between the grade leaders should have been left in such an interesting position. When play was resumed Ponsonby required 20 runs in order to establish a first innings lead. King's Old Boys' first innings score was 140, and Ponsonby's first innings figures stood at 115 for seven wickets.

Mills (20 not out) was accompanied to the wicket by A. Warneford. The former opened confidently and with two off drives collected six off Kissling's first over. Warneford was content to hold up his wicket and left the scoring to his partner. However, with the total at 125, Kissling clean skittled him. Kelly and Mills looked like getting the necessary 10 runs, but in trying to force Simpson to the on, Mills was well held by Livingstone at short leg, with the total at 134 for nine wickets. The outgoing batsman had played an excellent innings, his runs being scored by good, all-round play. The fieldsmen must have been relieved to see his departure. Excitement was intense, only seven runs being required. Good fielding cut off some likely shots from Kelly and Gillespie, but with well-run singles the score was taken to 139. In attempting a short run from a bye, which would have made the scores level, Gillespie was thrown out. Livingstone, at fine leg, with a lightning pick up and return, threw down the wicket and saved the game for King's. Kissling was the most successful bowler, his five wickets costing 11 runs apiece. Simpson (two for 54) and Morris (one for 7) accounted for the other wickets—two batsmen being run out. The King's fielding and wicket-keeping were very steady throughout, but the returns-to the wicket still leave room for improvement. Morris and J. Caughey gave King's a good start in their second venture and 73 were on the board in 55 minutes, both batsmen reached 40 by attractive cricket. With the exception of Kissling (20), Keegan (14) and Wilson (14), the remaining batsmen did not tire the scorers, and King's were dismissed for 150. Kelly (three for 51) and Binmore (two for 31) both bowled steadily. With 30 minutes to play the Ponsonby batsmen indulged in some big hitting. At stumps the register showed 84 for two wickets. Warneford (33 not out) found the bowling to his liking, while Hoare (17) and Matheson (10) both hit hard. GRAMMAR MATCH POSTPONED. The annual match between the old and present boys of the Mount Albert Grammar School, which was to have been played to-morrow, has been postponed owing to the death of Mr. S. F. Mciklejohn, a master. WHANGAREI VISITORS. TEAM FROM AUCKLAND. (By Telegraph.—Own Correspondent.) WHANGAREI, this day. Definite advice has been received that the Auckland cricket team to play North Auckland will arrive at Whangarei by express on Thursday, April 3, playing on the High School ground on April 4, the day between the races. An Easter tourney will be played on the Recreation Ground on Good Friday and Easter Saturday nad Monday.