FIRST INNINGS DEFICIT

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30330, 4 January 1964, Page 13

FIRST INNINGS DEFICIT

Canterbury B In Drawn Match "The Press" Special Service INVERCARGILL, Jan. 3. The Canterbury B touring cricket team was headed by 2 runs on the first innings in a drawn match against Southland which ended at Queen’s Park, Invercargill, today. Attempting to score quick runs in its second innings, Canterbury lost five wickets for only 21 runs, and the later batsmen were content to play out time. Resuming its first innings at the overnight score of 87 for six. Southland progressed steadily towards Canterbury’s total of 137. Good batting by the former Otago Plunket Shield all-rounder, D. J. Vear, enabled the home side to gain a narrow lead in spite of having to bat one short through an injury to a player. J. Hill, the tall left-arm bowler from Gore, started Canterbury’s second innings collapse, and when Vear struck from the other end the team's position was precarious. But a sound partnership of 46 for the sixth wicket by B. R. Taylor and M. Clements restored the side’s fortunes and prospects of a Southland victory were dispelled. Two hours' play was lost through rain in the morning and the match did not resume until 1.30 p.m. The outfield was heavy but the wicket, which was covered during the rain, played well throughout the match. The Canterbury team leaves tomorrow for Alexandra, where it will play a oneday match against Vincent on Sunday, followed by a game against Central Otago, starting on Tuesday. Scores in the Southland match were:— Canterbury 137 and 116 for seven wickets (B. R. Taylor 35, M. Clements 32 not out; D J. Vear four for 30. J. Hill two for 41). Southland 139 (Vear 36. K. J. O'Connor 21, G. Barrett 20; K. Thomson four for 22, C. K. Smart two for 27. Taylor two for 31).