PLUNKET SHIELD MATCH

Press, Volume LXXXV, Issue 25995, 24 December 1949, Page 8

PLUNKET SHIELD MATCH

CRICKET

CANTERBURY TO PLAY AUCKLAND TO DAY (By COVER POINT) Canterbury’s first Plunket Shield match this season, against Auckland, will begin at Lancaster Park this morning, and although the visiting team may not compare with Auckland sides of recent years, a close and interesting game is expected. Canterbury has considerable batting strength, right down to the tenth man, but the bowling is a doubtful quantity. It could come off, if everything went well, but its limitations are clearly defined. All the batsmen chosen have made good scores in club games, and the fielding, too, should be well up to average standard. The province is fortunate in having W. A. Hadlee to lead the team, for there is no doubt he is able, better than most to hide the weaknesses in his bowling armament. Hadlee, F. B. Smith, W. McD. Anderson, and J. G. Leggat are all in good form with the bat, and all of them have impressive records in shield cricket. A. R. Mac Gibbon has not made his expected quota of runs in club games, but he is a fine batsman nevertheless, especially against the quicker bowlers. M. E. Chapple is playing his first game for Canterbury, and his record in club and Brabin Shield matches suggests that he should not find his promotion weighing too heavily on him. P. O'Malley lacks match practice, but his innings last Saturday could not have been more encouraging. S. M. Cameron, T. B. Burtt, and R. C. Webb have all batted well in senior matches, and the side has little, if any, tail. Mac Gibbon may yet prove a trump card as a bowler, but not if he is called on to do an excessive amount of bowling. Burtt’s capabilities need no elaboration, and a very great deal will depend on him. Cameron, although he played for his province some years ago, is appearing in his first shield match, and all who have seen his consistent and plucky displays in club cricket will wish him well. He is not a great bowler, by any means, but he may be able to rise to the occasion to-day. Bell, a young right-hand spinner, will be on trial. He is a very promising bowler indeed, with an excelent googlie. and if he gets the best of support from his field he may find his feet in representative cricket immediately. Chapple will be a supporting bowler, and more use than usual may be made of Anderson, who has had few opportunities as a bowler in club or shield matches.

Auckland's team will be headed by V. J. Scott, successful opening batsman on the English tour, and J. Hardstaff, the well-known English professional. O. C. Cleal is a batsman with experience in representative games, and other young batsmen in the side are D. D. Coleman, J. Marsdon, and D. L. Perry. J. Blane, a fast-medium bowler from Gisborne, and J. Hollywood may be the opening bowlers, and in support they will have F. E. Hemmingson, a left-hander who has already played at Lancaster Park, K. Dollery, and B. Donaldson. The wicketkeeper, L. A. Kent, is well known to Christchurch crowds.