GAMES AT THE DOMAIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXV, Issue 26, 31 January 1934, Page 14

GAMES AT THE DOMAIN.

CHAMPIONSHIP LEAD CHANGES SATURDAY'S PLAY REVIEWED. There was a fair amount of solid and attractive play at the Domain on Saturday, when tlie second round of the City and Suburban championship was entered upon, with conditions generally favourable. The result of the matches was that R.V., who have displayed undoubted consistency in the competition series, took the lead by four points from Ponsonby, who made a rather disappointing showing, as far as their supporters are concerned. Green Lane, in third position, a point behind Ponsonby, are on the up-grade, with Menzies performing outstandingly as a bowler and the team strength enhanced by the acquisition of C. Kerr. The Mount Albert Grammar Old Boys and Mount Roskill elevens, although having some leeway to make up, appear to be developing rapidly and should play a part in the final decision before the season is much older. Altogether the competition at this stage gives promise of a keen and interesting conclusion.

Batsmen to the Fore. The batting lust week indicated a return to form by most teams and a number of contrasts in individual methods. It is many a day since patrons were treated to such a polished display as that given by R. Lonergau, Green Lane's wicket-keeper. He drove with power, his timing being delightful. R. Stallworthy, of Harbour Board, took a long time to settle down and showed both patience and resource for 88. Late in the afternoon a period of prodigious hitting was provided by V. C. Butler (Mount Albert), who punished the Green Lane attack with a vengeance by forward strokes for sixes and fours. He finished unbeaten for 105. Fov the main part of his innings he was well supported by M. P. Hook, 38 not out. There were other instances of enterprising work, particularly on the part of N. G. Goldsworthy (R.V.) 32 ami 51, C. Williams 71, L. Martin 70, N. Martin 44 and Bell 38 not out (Harbour Board), A. Cloke (R.V.) 44, R. Watkins (Ponsonby) 30 and Gedye (Green Lane) 29:

Ponsonby's Defeat. Following their first innings of 80 runs against R.V., Ponsoiiby did not rally in their usual manner, in spite of fair opening defence by K. limes and J. Lonergan. Kobertshaw hit a boundary and Jiverson .was not steady. E. Watkius (17), Masters (27) and Lewis (11 not out) made worthy efforts to redeem the position, but, Finlayson, Peebles and Metge dividing the honours of a deadly attack with a smart set of fielders, Ponsonby capitulated by what was tantamount to a friendly challenge. They declared with eight wickets down for 142. This left R.V. 45 minutes in which to qualify by getting 91 runs for two extra points to the four then assured —a sporting gesture from the losers, who were being dispossessed from the ladder leadership. R.V. relished the opportunity, but after a good opening by S. Guiniven (23) and Goldsworthy, bowler Bennett got his hand ami eye in and five wickets soon fell. It was exciting play, and witli five minutes to go two runs were required. They were gained amid applause, just before the bell.

Mount Albert's Late Run. R. Lonergan's score was the big contribution to Green Lane's 230 in reply to .Mount. Albert Old Boys' innings ot 104. It could not be said that the batsmen on the average did well. On the other hand, Mount Albert set out on their second innings like men with a mission, and it is to behoped that the prolific scoring spirit they evinced will be repeated. Aickin and Hebden were unfortunate to be well caught out by Harold Watts, who, like Morinan, was fielding brilliantly. After the dismissal of K. Cantlay (23), who, like G. Mills (18), batted promisingly, Butler and Hall were in the limelight, when I. J. Cantlay and Howell had returned to the pavilion. Butler and Hook, with the former applying the wood to everything, levered the total to 223 for six wickets—a vast improvement on the team's first strike. It was cricket worth while.

Roskill's Uphill Battle. Mount Roskill created a surprise in setting Harbour Board the task of having to beat 223 runs, but the Board succeeded by virtue of safe, rather than bright, play on the part of four batsmen already referred to. Williams and L. Martin set a pleasing standard on resuming their previous Saturday's opening, but, except for the serviceable work of Stallworthy, the stolidity of N. Martin, and a flexible turn by Bell, there was not a great deal in the fixture. Credit must be given to Roskill, however, for unlimited tenacity on attack. Heazlewood and Bleakley bowled effectively and no doubt the colts derived some useful experience from this contest.

SPECIAL CONDITIONS FOR SATURDAY. The management committee of the Auckland City and Suburban Association last evening, when Mr. J. F. W. Dickson presided, was confronted mainly with the problem of grounds for next Saturday to continue the championship matches—the Domain being occupied for an athletic meeting.

All senior matches on February 3 are to count as two-day matches. The time is to be divided into two and a quarter hours' batting for each side, with an interval of ten minutes. In the case of late starting, tho offending side is to have the time deducted from its innings.

A ruling given was that no player can be registered as competent to play for a team during the progress of a match without the permission of the association's special emergency committee. Arising out of a letter from Wellington, it was resolved to collaborate with the Mercantile League in a reciprocal movement for development of the game. With regard to grounds for Saturday the matter was referred to the grounds committee to inspect wickets available and to finalise arrangements with the appointments committee.

BALMORAL V. THE PLAINS. The Halmoral second grndo cricket team visited Ngatea on Anniversary Day to play llnurnki Plains Association, the latter winning on the first innings by 23 runs. Scores :— Hanraki Plains.—First innings. 2SG CC. Laurence 112 retired, McMillan 90). Bowling: L. Kighton took four wickets for 54. Balmoral.—First innings, 263 (Hastings BG, Kelliher 55, Moore 54, Evans 19).

WAIPA V. PIAKO. The team to represent Waipa in defending the South Auckland Shield from a challenge by Pinko on Saturday next nt Te Awamutu is:—N. P. Oram (United), captain, 11. Hnll (United), C. Tarr (Lake Road), K. Gorrie (Ruknhin), E. P. York (United); J. Tarr (Kaipaki), G. E. Carter (United), L. Spiers (Lake Road), A. J. Shepherd G. Clnrkson (Rnkuhia) and W. Dale (Rukuhia). Twelfth man, J. Shaw (United).

The Pinko eleven for the Shield game at Te Awamutu is:—Whelan, Beaver. Roberts (Ilish School) ; Gibson (Mnramata) ; Solomon, Hughes (Wardville) ; Carroll, Annear (Gordon) ; Scott, Barry, Eastwood (Manawaru).

BRABIN CUP CHANGE. The selectors of the Auckland junior representative cricket team, to meet Wellington for the Brabin Cup at the Basin Reserve on February 5 and 6, have chosen G. Childs (Graf ton) to replace G. Tarn ton (North, Shore),. $■><> is in,; available.