CRICKET.

Press, Volume LXIV, Issue 19202, 7 January 1928, Page 14

CRICKET.

PLUNKET SHIELD.

AUCKLAND V. CANTER-

BURY

MERRITT IN GOOD FORM

[THE PEB3S Special Service.]

AUCKLAND, January G

Fortunes fluctuated to-day when the Plunket Shield match between Auckland and-Canterbury opened at Eden Park. After a fair start, the middle of the Canterbury team sagged badly during the first innings, but the later batsmen showed that they do not deserve the name of tail, and Merritt, Evans, and Read improved the position substantially. The innings closed for 244.

Similarly. Mills and Bowley gave Auckland a good start, but after the dismissal of Bowley only Cooper could stand up to tlu lino bowling of Merritt and Newman. When stumps were drawn, six wickets had fallen for 152. The weather was fine, but the dry spell had made liberal watering of the pitch necessary. This morning it was a Little dead and the fast-medium bowlers could get no assistance from it. However, the spinners turned appreciably, and even this afternoon Merritt obtained assistance from tho pitch. Gregorv and Hamilton both hatted well for Canterbury. Gregory showed some good shots all round the wickot, but was uncomfortable- to Bowley. Hamilton was strong on the leg side, but against Anthony this strength proved a. weakness. Perhaps the brightest display of the innings was given liy Merritt, who attacked the bowling fearlessly, and used his feet where the other batsmen had been content to stay back. Evans played a sterling inning*, and Read was as dependable as lie always is when his sido is in a tight corner. For Auckland, Bowley was facing all the bowlers confidently until he was trapped by a ball from Merritt which hung a little. Mills, who is not out with 50 to liis credit, gave a fine display of careful batting, hitting nothing but the loose ball, and hitting it hard. He gave one chance behind the wickets when 34. Cooper was in startlinn; contrast to Mills playing forceful cricket without being reckless. His forward play was excellent, but, lie tried to overdo it when facing Merritt.

Merritt. after a somewhat inauspicious opening, bowled excellently, turning the ball from both sides, and interspersing his deliveries with the googly in just the right proportion. It was the "wrong 'tin'' that bowled Anthony, who was never comfortable to the young New Zealand representative. Newman also varied his bowling perfectlv. and these two were never easy.

At present the game is in n most interesting position. Like Canterbury, Auckland hns very little batting tail and either side may secure a first innings lead.

Canterbury Bats. There was no lack of confidence in the manner in which Gregory and Hamilton, the Canterbury opening pair, faced the attack of Player and Matheson. After half an hour's play with runs coming in even time. G. L. Weir was given his first over in Plunket Shield cricket, replacing Player, who had been a little erratic. Dacre evidently decided on a policy of rapid changes in contrast to his tactics in the Otago match, and Anthony relieved Matheson. The batsmen continued to play sound cricket, Hamilton scoring well on the leg side. Once he struck a length Weir commenced to make pace off the wicket and the batsmen were cautious to his deliveries outside the off-stump. However, Hamilton tried to get one through the slips and gave Matheson a hard catch which was dropped. But it was Hamilton's fondness for the leg shot that brought about his dismissal. He went across to hook Anthony, missed, and was out Ibw. 56—1—27"

With the advent of Jacobs, Dacre brought Bowley on, and the coach's beautifully flighted spinners proved too much for the Canterbury colt. He was playing forward carefully, but made a weak shot at one ball and played it on to his wicket. 61—2—1.

Before he had scored- Page survived an appeal for a catcli behind the wicket off Anthony. Off the next ball he made a weak shot to raid-on, and Dacre caught the Canterbury captain. 62—3 —O.

Newman and Gregory set themselves to improve Canterbury's position. Tho crowd looked forward to a fighting innings by the Hamipshiro professional and he showed his worth early. He scored with beautiful leg shots off' Garrard, who had replaced Anthony, the ball travelling hard and fast to the boundary, and an occasional cover drive showed perfect timing. Bowley bowled maiden after maiden to Gregory and even Newman was uncertain when facing his fellow professional.

The Plrst Hundred. Gregory raised the first century with a boundary on drive off Bowley after 100 minutes' play and shortly afterwards raised his own score to 50. Then came a separation. Newman dashed out to Bowley almost before the ball was delivered only to find that the Sussex man had dropped it short. The batsman stepped back and played a weak shot to leg, where Weir took the catch. 107—4—24.

Xixon and Gregory added ten runs before lunch, which came with four wickets for 117.

Gregory Run Out,

Bowley and Anthony resumed after the adjournment, and the batsmen started off well. Gregory was using his feet more than he had done before and putting plenty of power behind his shots, With the score at 134 Nixon hit a ball to short leg and Gregory called for an impossible run. Weir had plenty of time to field the ball and throw down the wicket. 134—5—67. There was a roar from the crowd when Hayes played the very next ball from Anthony on to his wicket and the sixth wicket fell without any addition to the score.

Applause greeted the appearance of Merritt, but soon it changed to applause of a different kind. Only one run was added and then Nixon tipped one from Anthony and Scott behind the wickets took the catch. 135—7—13.-

Merritt as Batsman. Bowley had no terrors for ATorritt. who showed strong shots on the leg, and with Evans, earned applause for several smart runs off Matheson, who had relieved Anthony. The veteran, who was bowling so well against his old province, was spelled for a couple of overs, and then came on in place of Bowley. Both batsmen were playing confidently. Merritt in particular " delighting with strong driving and hooking. He was picking the right ball to" hit and showed that the tour of

England has made a batsman of him. Player could not break the partnership and when the pair had put on 6_ runs Weir was called back. Off him Merritt made a weak attempt at a forward shot, and the bowler jumped in the air to hold an easy catch. 197 — 8—37.

The Second Century. A squara cut to the boundary by Read brought 200 up in 190 minutes, and he and Evans carried on the good work commenced by the former pair. Some rapid bowling changes were tried, but the batsmen were not hitting recklessly. Evans's forvrard shots were excellent. Though his batting was not stylish, he very seldom let a loose ball escape punishment. A good innings ended when Evans attempted to drive Dacre and was well caugfit bv Player. 234—9—10.

Read Hits a Six. Joined by the last man, McEwin, Read opened out to Bowley, and scattered the spectators on the boundary with the first six of the match, a glorious straight drive. The end came soon afterwards. Read attempted another straight drive off Dacre, getting right on to the ball, but the bowler took a marvellous one-handed catch The innings closed for 244, having occupied 225 minutes.

Auckland's Innings. Another fine opening partnership for Auckland seemed imminent when Bowiey and Mills faced Nixon and Read. Both scored well, Bowley showing a wider range of shots, and with 28 on the board, Merritt relieved Nfxon. The crowd settled down to watcli the young bowler whose selection for the" New Zealand team caused a sensation, and ivliose performances on the tour more than justified his selection. He was a little erratic, but an occasional ball puzzled Mills. Newman, who relieved Read, could not check the scoring, and at tho tea adjournment after 45 minutes' play, tho score had reached IS.

Merritt Gets Bowley. Merritt and Newman resumed the attack after tea. The half century was raised, but soon after Merritt dismissed Bowley. The coach went across to a ball on the off, but it turned away and Bowley returned an easy catch. 58—1—29.

At this stage there was little of the erratic about Merritt's bowling. Mills, of course, knew him, but Anthony, who was batting for the first time against the young googly bowler, was manifestly uneasy. In one over ho used his feet to get him away to the off, but playing forward to tho next ball he was beaten all tK> way, and cleanbowled. GS—-2—6.

Dacre Bowled. Dacre, joining Mills, did not give the batting fireworks that the crowd awaited. Instead, ho played sound cricket, and scored wtih good strokes. Mills made one or two risky sho.ts into the slips off Newman. The score mounted steadily, and was approaching the century when Dacre was beaten all the way by a beautiful ball from the Englishman. It roso sharply and just clipped off his bails. 93—3—19.

Mills Missed. In Mcrritt's next over Mills, who had been batting 100 minutes for 34 runs, gave' a catch behind the wicket, but Hayes could not hold it. Five minutes later he brought tlio first hundred up with a straight drive off Merritt. Merritt and Newman had bowled unchanged for over an hour and a half, and had bowled excellently, but with Mills and Cooper batting steadily Page put Eead on in place of Merritt. The change had no effect. Mills went on placidly, while Cooper brightened up the game with free driving and strong leg shots. Mills refused to be hurried, and after 135 minutes reached his half-century with a square cut to the boundary off Read.

Merritt Again, Then Newman had his first spell, and Merritt came back again. The change was immediately successful. Cooper went forward and felt for the ball, and made Merritt's third victim. 151— & —40. In Merritt'a next over there was a startling change in the complexion of tho game. Gillespie was bowled by the first ball he received. He made up his mind to get out to the bowler, but. the ball left him Btanding. 151—5—0.

With the Last Ball. Then there followed another shout. Garrard seemed a little nervous, and with the last ball of the day Eead cleanbowled him. 152—6—0.

With only four wickets in hand Auckland still required 93 runs for a first innings lead. Scores:— CANTERBURY. First Innings. G. R. Gregory, run out .. ' ~ 67 I. M. Hamilton, lbw, b Anthony .. 27 J. Jacobs, b Bowloy ~ .. 1 M. L. Page, c Dacre, b Anthony .. 0 J. Newman, c Weir, b Bowley .. 24 D. C. Nixon, c Scott, b Anthony .. 13 W. Hayes, b Anthony .. ~ 0 W. E. Merritt, c and b Weir .. .. 37 C. E. Evans, c Player, b Dacre .. 40 R. Read, c and b Dacre .. .. 29 J. McEwin, not out .. .. 2 Extras .. .. .. 4 Total .. .. .. 244 Bowling Analysis—Anthony, 22 overs, 4 maidens, 66 runs, 4 wickets; Dacre, 4J overs, 2 maidens, 12 runs, 2 Wickets; Bowley, 26 overs, 9 maidens, 66 runs, 2 wickets; G. L. Weir, 10* overs, 2 maidens, 24 runs, 1 wicket; Player, 6 overs, 17 runs; Garrard, 9 overs, 2 maidens, 19 runs. Dacre and Anthony each bowled one no ball. AUCKLAND. First Innings. E. H. Bowley, c and b Merritt .. 29 J. E. Mills, not out .. .. .. 50 A. Anthony, b Merritt .. .. 6 0. C. Dacre, b Newman .. .. 19 1. W. Cooper, b Merritt .. ~ 40 H. D. Gillespie, b Merritt .. 0 D. R. Garrard, b Read .. .. 0 Extras .. •• .. 8 Total for six wickets .. 152

WELLINGTON V. OTAGO

MASSEY BOWLS WELL,

(r&ZSS A33OCIATIOK TZLXQEIU.) WELLINGTON, January 6.

A bright day's cricket was witnessed at the Basin Reserve to-day in the special match between the Otago and Wellington representative elevens. The weather was idea!, the wicket firm, and the outfield fast. Wellington made 363 in their first innings, particularly bright cricket being shown by Lamason and Lambert. The Otago team were severely handicapped through their professional, L. C. Eastman, having to retire suffering from the effects of the strain he received here a couple of months ago when playing for the Rest of New Zealand against New Zealand. . The Otago men on going to the wickets struck Msssey in deadly form, and the youthful Institute trundler dismissed three batsmen at a cost of eight runs. A. W. Alloo, the Otago captain, and R. Cherry, then put their backs to the wall and put on 97 runs for the fifth wicket, the total at the call of time being four for 157. The match will be resumed to-morrow. Scores: —

WELLINGTON. First Innings. w F \irey, c Vorrath, b Alloo . . 17 «' / Tattersall, st Galland, b Alioo 2i t R 'Lamason, c McMullan, b Douglas 53 V Dustin, c McMullan, b Alloo . . 28 « II Lambert, c Torrance, b Knight 79 v' T Badcock, b Torrance .. ■ • \ 0 H M McGirr, c and b Knight . . 60 T P. Reaney, run out ._■•... • • 1 * W S Brice, c Torrance, b Knight .. 9 h'b Massey, not out .. • • » ?" BVard c and b Douglas .. - • lb L- B | 8 I tt'as-Byes 13, • leg. byes 4 .. n Total • • • • • • 383 r.,ii 0 £ Wickets—One for' 39, two for 86, .J« for 103. four for IS9. five for 224, six 3U! seven tor 323, eight for 336, n.ne * nnJ ten t°r 36L». fol Uiin«- Vnalvsi«—Eastman, none for 19;

Douglas, two for 70; Elroes, none for 32 Knight, three for 62.

OTAGO. ! First Innings. ' A. K. Knight, c Airey, b Massey .. S AV. Vorrath, c Bricc, b Massey .. v : J. Jlcllullan, o Laniason, b Badcock .. 3o i V. G. Cavanagh, b Massey .. .. - ■ A. AV. Alloo, not out .. .. 50 j R. Cherry, not oat . . . . 5 7 Extras—Byes 9, leg byes 2, no ball 1 12 Total for four wieketi .. 157 Fall of wickets—One for 1, two for 12, three for 23, four for (iO. Bowling Analysis—Massey, three for 2S; '■ Beard, none for 23; Lambert, none for 2S; ! Badcock, one for 26; Brice, none for 14; ' McGirr, none for 16; Keaney, none for 32. UMPIRES FOR TO-DAY. ; The following are tie umpires ior ihe next round of the Canterbury Cricket Association's competitions:— A GRADE. Linwood v. Old Boj's, Hagley No. 1— Messrs R. AA*. Barry and A. V. Belsten. East v. 'West, Lancaster No. I—Messrs T. Burgesa and W. Newman. St. Albans v. Old Collegians, Hagley No. 2—Messrs C. J. Cox and H. H. Thompson, Riccarton v. Sydenham, Hagley No. 3 Messrs C. Butler and R. Coleman. B GRADE. , East v. Sydenham, Sydenham No. 1— Messrs G. Rearer and J. Streeter. Riccarton v. St. Albans, Hagley No. 5 Messrs AV. French and C. Johnston. North Brighton v. Old Boys, Hagley No. 4—Messrs R. Tucker and A." Player.

Old Collegians v. Rangiora, Messrs G. Humphreys and T. S. Hainm.

LINWOOD CLUB. First Grade A v. Old Boys, Hagley No. I—E. Read, M. Boon, AV. Spong, P. Austin, G. Condliffe, R. Yates, F. Kerr, W. Boddington, S. Orchard, J. Prosper, E. Burns. First Grade B v. 8.H.5., Straven road No. I—H. Wilson, AV. King, D. Upton, J. Logic, E. Chappell, H. Feast, H. Snook, D. Gillies, N. Robertson, D. MoLcnnan, N. Bates. Second Grade A, A team v. East Chrisfcliurch, Lancaster No. 2—A. Flanagan, AV. Anderson, S. Austin, E. Maindonald, K. Michelson, L. Athfield, H. Oekleshaw, K. Watts, AV. Applebeck, L. Donnelly, AV. Musson.

Second Grade A, B team v. Merivalp, Lancaster No. 3—S. Rich, H. Hodgson, AV. Silvester, E. Brick, C. Pearce. H. Anderson, J. Forsyth, E. Jenkins, F. Clapshaw, AV. Cowles, E. Ambrose. Second Grade B v. Riccarton, Lancaster No. 4—,1. Lee, G. Goodenough, E. Weston, E. and H. Sergimon, AA r . Groy, F. Jenkins. A. Spicer, F. Walton, J. Merritt, J. Milliard.

Third Grade A v, Spreydon, Earrington street-B. Fleets, R. and AV. Chaston, A. Davies, C. Gordon. M. McCrorie, B. A r ino, H. Ledgard, A. Howarth, L. Muscliarap, P. Lye.

Third Grade B, A team v. B team, Lancaster N/o. 5 —A. McDonald, G. Soper, K. Francis, R. Bryan, J. Pri'sk, H. Hoddcr, G. Burt, W. Laffey, D. Milliard, A. Parite, Fox.

B team t. A team, Lancaster No. S Howard, A. Rjmmer, N. Meßae, K. Porrin, A. Simpson, H. Sykcs, A Falgar, Hobson, AV. Hill, Harland, A. Clapshaw. Fourth Grado v. Sydenham, January 7(li, Lancaster No. 6—Same as last match. January i«h, v. St. Bede's—AVin by default. J

Sixth and Seventh Grade Teams—Members wanting n, game pleaso attend at Lancaster Park.

SHEFFIELD SHIELD

N.S.W. V. SOUTH AUSTRALIA. (by cable—pbebs association—copyright.) (AUSTRALIAN AND K.Z. CABLB ASSOCIATION.) (Received January 6th, 11.85 p.m.) SYDNEY, January 6. The Sheffield Shield watch, New South Wales v. South Australia, was commenced to-day. The local side, batting first, made 291 (Jackson 131, Andrews 34). Scott took two wickets for 57, Wall four for 51, and Grimmett two for 106.

South Australia, in their first innings, 'had three wickets down for 62 (Ryan not out 30) when stumps were drawn for the day. The weather was fine and tho wicket, which had been covered overnight during the rain, was easy. New South Wales failed badly, the wickets falling rapidly, only two batsmen, Jackson and Andrews, making anything like a stand. The batting was very dull on a dead wicket, but after luncheon the wicket was much faster and the partnership of Jackson and Andrews carried the score along much more quickly. Jackson was the outstanding batsman of the day. Although he batted very slowly before luncheon, afterwards he played a splendid innings and saved New South Wales from a debacle. South Australia opened sensationally, a wicket going down with the first ball, and a few minutes later the seconil wicket fell. Rjan, playing carefully, then stopped the rot.