CRICKET.

Press, Volume LXII, Issue 18881, 22 December 1926, Page 7

CRICKET.

THE PLUNKET SHIELD. AUCKLAND V. CANTERBURY. In view of the forthcoming tour of England by a New Zealand team, the Plunket Shield match between the Auckland and Canterbury representatives, which comi'L-nces at Lancaster Park at 2 p.m. on Christmas Day (Saturday), is attracting much more interest than the usual Shield matches. There are several players engaged who are looked upon as certainties for the English tour, and their performances will be keenly followed by cricket enthusiasts throughout the dominion. Additional interest is given to this vear's game, as it will be the first appearance in Christen.rch of the professional and Auckland coach, It'll Bowlev. His performances with by and ball in the northern competition matches indicate that he has struck top form early in the season, and the chances of Canterbury candidates tor the tour will, no doubt, be largely judged on their showing against the English bowler. The local side will have the benefit of Patrick's long and successful experience as captain, and while doubts have been expressed in regard to the bowling strength, it is confidently expected that Canterbury will make a good showing with the bat. . though the weather seems rather doubtful at present, providing no more rain falls in the meantime the wicket should be in excellent order on Saturday.

HEATHCOTE WILLIAMS SHIELD. RAIN DELAYS PLAY. (press assocutiok telegbam.) AUCKLAND, December 21. The Heathcote Williams Shield challenge match was resumed this afternoon, play being postponed from the morning on account of rain affecting the wicket. Hig.i School were dismissed for 130. Scores: AUCKLAND GRAMMAR SCHOOL. First innings .. •• •• . ..18Second Innings. Chapman, c Harper, b Patrick .. 2 Sutherland, c Harper, 1> Patrick .. 0 Whitelaw, not out .. •• - McKearney, not cut .. .. "a Extras .. •• ■■ " Total for two wickets .. ..8 CHBISTCHURCH BOYS' HIGH SCHOOL. First Inningß. Thome, c Owens, b McKearncy .. 20 limes, c McKearney, b Schnauer .. '-9 Soaneß, not out .. .. ..31 Mortlock, c Sutherland, b Cashmore .. H Grose, o Sutherland, b Cashmore .. 1 Billcliff, c Wilson, b Cashmore .. 0 Patrick, b Chapman .. .. 0 Stringer, b Chapman .. .. .. 0 Harper, c McKearncy, b Chapman .. 0 Harper, o Kenny, b Cashmore .. 'J Bscott, c Chapman, b Cashmore .. 11 Extras .. .. .. .. 10

Total .. •■ .. i:io Bowling analysis—Cashmore fivo wickets for 29, Chapman three for 10, Schnauer one for 17, McKearney one for 21, Kenny none for 5, Sutherland none for 10, Wilson none for 30. WELLINGTON REPRESENTATIVES [THE PEESS Special Service.] WELLINGTON, December 21. ' Mr K. H. Tucker, the sole selector, lias chosen tho following team to represent Wellington against Otago in tho match (or the Plunket Shield commencing at the Basin Rcservo on Christmas Day: W. S. Brico (captain), (Petone), J. S. Hiddleston (Wellington), H. M. McGirr (Hutt), K. C. James (Old Boys), T. C. Lowry (Hawko's Bay), It. de R. Worker (Hawko's Bay), C. S, Dompstor (Wanganui), F. T. Badcock (Kilbirnie), B. J. Kortlang (Thorndon), .A. M. Hollings (University), M. Henderson (Y.M.C.A.), ana H. M. Lambert (Old Boys).