SENIOR CRICKET NEARING CLOSE

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30390, 14 March 1964, Page 9

SENIOR CRICKET NEARING CLOSE

ST. ALBANS seems highly likely to tighten its grip on the senior championship a little further today, when the final round of two-day matches ends. Although St Albans (92 for four wickets in reply to Sydenham’s 229) is in some danger of conceding first-innings points, and although the prospect of outright defeat cannot be ignored, Riccarton, in its match against Lancaster Park, is in a far worse position. On the first day Riccarton made 58 and 17 for two wickets, Lancaster Park 216. With only a one-day match to come, St Albans is very well placed, for even if the side lost outright and Riccarton staged a remarkable recovery and also won outright, St. Albans is certain to have a lead of one point and that should be enough, for on the final day St. Albans, on form and reputation, should

be able to beat Lancaster Park. Old Boys, with a bye because of the promotion-re-legation match, is to be given the average points scored in the three senior matches, and this must be a fairly modest number. So Lancaster Park, now fifth and five points behind the third team. Old Boys, could improve its position considerably. Lancaster Park has in its ranks the current form player in the senior grade—the veteran R. T. Dowker, whose last seven scores have been 50, 47 not out, 47, 7 not out, 58, 66 and 23 not out. Old Collegians m in a good position to keep East Christchurch behind them in the competition, with a lead over West Christ-church-Umversity of 132, and five second-innings wickets standing. East Christ-church-Shirley appears to be in no danger at all in its promotion-relegation match with the second grade team. Technical Old Boys.