247 TO WIN.

Auckland Star, Volume LXX, Issue 304, 26 December 1939, Page 8

247 TO WIN.

PLUNKET SHIELD.

Wellington's Task—Du Chateau

Goes Cheaply.

(By Telegraph.—Press Association.) WELLINGTON, this day. When Auckland's last wicket fell at the Basin Reserve to-day, with the total at 276. Wellington wa« left with 247 to score for victory. Play ended on Christmas Day with Auckland 30 behind on the first innings, and nine wickets down for 254 in the second venture. This morning another 22 runs were added by the last pair, and when Cowie was bowled by Pritchard, for 24, Cleverly was not out with eight to his credit. There were ten extras. Wellington's bowling figures for the second innings were:—Pritchard, 21.4 overs, two maidens, 66 rune, six wickets; Ashenden, 19—4—83—4; McLeod, s—2— 17—0; Wilson, 16—2— Lamaeon, 10—3—oo—0. Entertaining life was infused into the resumption of play by Cowie. Wilson appealed confidently, but unsuccessfully, against him for lbw off the third ball of his first over. In the next over Cleverlev played Ashenden to short leg for a single, then Cowie lifted A&henden high to the square leg boundary. Pritchard relieved Wilson, and off his second ball Cleverley was dropped by Ashenden at second slip. The last bail of the over was a full toss, and struck Cleverley a painful blow on the right thigh, but he was able to continue. Cowie, itching for runs, was standing out of his crease to Pritchard, and advancing to meet Ashender., he got the latter awav with a high shot for a pair, then slammed him on to the fence.

The wicket, although pleasantly free I from the of the opening days, had not been materially affected by rain overnight. A sharp, cold shower from the couth now started, and in the downpour Cowie fell to Pritchard. He had made 24. and gave Pritchard his sixth wicket of the innings, and hifi tenth for the match. Wellington started the second innings in driving rain. Hepburn putting Cowiee first ball to the leg boundary. He was batting brightly, and he raised 10 by driving Matheson to fine le<r for four. With the score at 19. however. Du Chateau, who had not been comfortable, was bowled by Cowie. At 2.20 p.m. the position of the game was: — AUCKLAND. First innings Second innings 270 Aggregate 410 WELLINGTON. First innings Second Innings. Du Chateau, b Cowie 4 Hepburn, not out . 39 Tindill, not out 24 Extras | "g Total for one wicket ...