LIKE GRIMMETT.

Auckland Star, Volume LXVI, Issue 307, 28 December 1935, Page 5 (Supplement)

LIKE GRIMMETT.

New Victorian Slow Bowler

On the Scene.

In Jack Watniuff, who took seven Collingwood wickets for 96 on December 14, Victoria has • discovered a ( promising young spin bowler of the Grimmett type. It was a convincing performance. From the State ancle, it was gratifying and vindicated Bert Coheirs action in claimin" hinyfrom Brighton Sub-District team for'V.C.A. Colts. •.-' " '

The tall young googly, in his seven for 90, did more than keep a length, spin the ball and take wickets. He displayed bowling sense, with guile and flightiiie. In his spin and slightly laboured action in bringing his' arm " over, Watmuff resembles Grimmett, but is faster through the air. His wrong 'un is not yet so well disguised, but this is an art that onlv experience can perfect. Although he stood out as Colts' matchwinner, Watmuff was indirectly helped by the contrast of Barry Scott's fast stuff. Scott bowled tirelessly and well. Both these Colts are heading for the Shield team. ' When Watmuff clean bowled Ellis for a "duck" in his first over there was a yell of delight from a family strongpost behind the bowler. Save for his first ball, which was easily clouted to leg for four, the googly was accurate throughout, with liveliness in every delivery. Until claimed by Colts,. Watmuff, this season, had taken 41 wickets for Brighton at an average of S.fl. Last season he helped to win the Sub-District second eleven for that club by taking six for 43 and three for 53 against PrestonJ •■ ■ • It was purely by chance that he became a leg-break bowler. He was a medium-fast, when he discovered that ho often took a wicket with a leg-break. On the advice of his brother, he then concentrated on spinners.