BRABIN CUP CRICKET

Press, Volume XC, Issue 27237, 2 January 1954, Page 8

BRABIN CUP CRICKET

FINAL GAMES BEGIN CANTERBURY’S PROSPECTS IN TOURNAMENT (New Zealand Press Association) WELLINGTON. January 1. An exciting finish for honours in the Brabin Cup tournament is likely when the final series of matches is completed at the Basin Reserve tomorrow. Wellington have 12 pointe so far, Canterbury and Auckland 10 each, and Otego none. Whichever of the first three teams can force an outright win tomorrow should win the tournament. At the moment Canterbury’s prospects look brightest. In the second round, which concluded on, Thursday, Auckland beat Otego outright and Wellington almost snatched an outright win from Canterbury after both teams had scored heavily in their first innings. Canterbury made 316 in reply to Wellington's 403 for eight declared, « Clarke making a< excellent 124, though he gave three chances, and B. Salt 60. Wellington declared their second innings closed with 83 for seven wickets. In the 90 minutes left Canterbury lost nine wickets for 59 runs. B. Morrison had a great spell of bowling, taking eight wickets for 28 runs. In reply to Auckland’s 296 Otago made 179, J. R. Veitch getting a well-compiled 65. Auckland, requiring 43 runs, lost four wickets in the process today. Ideal weather again prevailed. Canterbury ran up 362 for six declared, and at the dose of play Otago had lost four wickets for 103. Auckland, aided by dropped catches, made 204 against Wellington, which had nine down for 109 at stumps. Auckland's fielding was the best of the tournament, some brilliant catches being taken. Scores were - Auckland 204 (J. Barry 46, D. Harding 40, R. Ameil 33, K. Cliffe 12, K. Butler 12, G. Chambers, 12; L. C. Butler four for 47, B. Morrison two for 35) met Wellington 109 for nine (D. Barton not out 26, B. Meale 18, B. Morrison 15, D. W. Crowe 12; K. Butler three for 26, A. Campbell two for 20, J. Wright two for 14). Canterbury 362 for six dedared (J. Darcy 77, J. Clarke 73, S. Dineen 64, R. Bolton. 56, K.- Greenslade not out 21; L. Huggett two for 122) met Otago 103 for four (N. Thompson not out 36, G. Swanson 21, J. R. Veitch 14; B. Salt two for 22). COLTS’ MATCH Christchurch Suburban colts met Wellington Mercantile colts at Hagley yesterday, Wellington Mercantile batted first and made 201 (Turnbull 100. Makeham 28, Synnott 36). At stumps Christchurch Suburban had made 251 for five wickets (Needham 91. Messervy 91; Youl three for 45). The match will be continued today.