THE PLUNKET SHIELD.

Press, Volume XIIX, Issue 14553, 2 January 1913, Page 5

THE PLUNKET SHIELD.

WELLINGTON v. AUCKLAND. (press association telegram.) AUCKLAND, January 1. The first Blanket Shield match of tho season, between Auckland and Wellington was commenced to-day in tho Domain, in tho presence of about 500 spectators. Tho day was showery and tho wind made things very unpleasant for sp-jctators' and players alike. The wicket, although a triflo on the dead side, was by no means bad. Tho end of the first day's play leaves both sides with equal chances, and tho finish should be a close one.

Wellington won the toss and batted, and although they started badly, the later batsmen camo to light well, and the side mado a very creditable showing. Phillips played an invaluable innings, and gave a dogged and steady display. Wilson played a lively innings for his runs, but Brice Ilobijnson and Gri minefb'each gave a very open display. Cliff took the last three wickets with successive, balls t and a collection was taken up on tho ground for presentation to him for his fino achievement. Auckland started fairly well, though the loss of Horspool and Cummings so early did not augur particularly well. However, tho side is very strong in batting,, and the total should not bo far short of Wellington's efforts. The match will be continued to-morrow. Following were tho scores: — WELLINGTON. First Innings. E. O. Blamires, b OliC -. 0 E. Phillips, c Cummings, b Oliff ~ 40 E. M. Beechey, run out.. -.. ..30 J. R. Blacklock, lbw, b Sneddon .. 0 S. Brice. c Robimon, b 0115 .. ..27 C. G. Wilson, b Sneddon .. .. 4i C. V. Grimmett, c Cummings, >1> Oliff .. 25 C. Robinson, b Snedden .. ..22 G. Schmoll. not out .. .. ..2 J. V. Saunders, b Oliff 0 T. R. Southall. b Oliff .. 0 Extras ~ .. .. ..13 Total .. -. 201 Bowling Analysis—R. Sommervill, 6 overs, 11 runs; L. G. Hcmus, 1 over, 5 run?; C. Olid, 24 overs, 6 maidens. 62 runs, 6 -wickets; L. Dacrc, 10 overs, 40 runs; W. C. SnedHcn, 24 overs, S maidens, 53 runs, 3 wicket*; E. Cummings, 8 overs, 2 maidens, 17 runs. AUCKLAND. First Inning. L. G. Heuius, not out .. . ..25 E. Cummings, lbw, b Grimmett .. 9 E. Hor?pool, lbw, b Brice .. ..10 E. V. Sale, not out .. .. ..2 Extras .. .. ~ .. 12 Total for two wickets „.. 58