UNDER 23 MATCHES

Press, Volume CI, Issue 29746, 13 February 1962, Page 6

UNDER 23 MATCHES

First Day’s Play ( N.Z. Press Association) WELLINGTON. February 12. Wellington and Central Districts had secured first innings leads over Auckland and Northern Districts respectively when the first day’s play in the national under 23 cricket tournament ended at Petone today. In a day of diverting cricket, but low scoring, individual honours went to P. McGregor, of Auckland, with a splendid 55. and a Taranaki schoolbov. J Smith, aged 16. wo took seven Northern Districts wickets for 13.

Another creditable effort came from another schoolbov Ray Stewart, aged 17. of Balclutha W’ho. batting for Otago, kept out a fiery Canterbury attack to be unbeaten at stumps with 43 out of 95 for seven wickets G. Barrett, of Canterbury batted stolidly but with great value to his side for 51 in about 150 minutes Heavy overnight rain soaked the pitches and caused teams batting first some discomfort on the drying surfaces. The bowlers were keeping low or popping disconcertingly and generally held the upoer hand. Scores : Canterbury v. Otago Canterbury —First innings. 168 (G. Barrett 51. M. Ryan 26, B Tutty 34 not out: A. Madigan five for 64. P Sharp three for 54) Otago.—First innings. 95 for seven (R Stewart 43 not out: R. Nicholson four for 18). Wellington v. Auckland Wellington —First innings 164 (G. Bilby 45. I Mason 38 A Roberts 38: B Smith six for 32). Second innings. 51 for two i Bilby 27 not out) Auckland.—First innings, 144 (J Kemp 30. P McGregor 55 A. Taylor four for 37; J Perkins three for 29). Central Districts v. Northern Districts Central Districts—First innings, 133 (B. Prestidge 28. D Crisp 21. J. Bailey four for 37, P Barton five for 40). Second innings, 84 (Bailey three for 20. G. Clarke three for 19. Barton three for 20). Northern Districts.—First Innings, 79 (J. Smith seven for 13)