Stevens, Hadlee In Great Form

Press, Volume CIII, Issue 30569, 12 October 1964, Page 16

Stevens, Hadlee In Great Form

The magnificent batting of Stevens and Hadlee, and some splendid bowling by Timpson and D. J. Beuth gave the main match at Hagley Park a rich savour. Only the fielding of West-University left distinct flaws in the day’s play. The ground work was often superbly athletic, a couple of fine catches were taken, but half a dozen chances, most of them difficult, given by Stevens and Hadlee were not accepted. It was a fascinating struggle, for West-University bowled well for most of the innings. There were two early dismissals, but then, on a true and quite fast pitch. Old Boys fought their way to a fine score. Against Beuth and B. H. Hopkins, the way was not easy, for they both moved the ball off the pitch and showed good control. But both young batsmen were correct as well as aggressive. Batsmen v. Timpson An even more absorbing contest was provided by the batsmen and Timpson, whose accurate slow left-arm spinners captured five wickets and probably deserved more. Variations of flight, a little spin, and an attack based on the off-stump with seven off-side fieldsmen in lines of military precision presented the batsmen with problems. But they were overcome. Now and again, the sweetly-timed, powerful drives would find a tiny gap, and then the swiftlyrun single from a ball hit slower would help loosen the bowler’s grip. Slowly, the batsmen took control, Timpson having to reduce his off-side field to six, then to five. It is a long time since a single innings of a club match produced so many handsome strokes. Hadlee, his side's new captain, was slightly more restrained than Stevens, who scored 42 of their first 50 runs together. Their driving and cutting delighted the spectators, for it was quite effortless, although both batsmen often hit the ball with tremendous force. Stevens reached his century

in only 133 minutes, Hadlee took 202 minutes and the whole Old Boys’ innings lasted 280 minutes. Between them, Hadlee and Stevens hit 33 fours and two sixes, and the figures are some measure of the pleasure they provided. Hopkins bowled without much luck, but Beuth picked up four wickets through application, after his swing and movement had all but gone. The off-spin-ner, P. A. Sharpe, did not offer many problems on an excellent batting pitch, but Timpson was full of thought and intent. It was sad to see G. A. Bartlett in the field all day, and not bowling an over. But he took a magnificent gully catch, and another good one later. Against some distinctly inaccurate opening bowling. G. T. Dowling and Veitch made swift progress. Veitch, extremely strong on the leg side, showed great power and fine timing in his valuable and attractive innings. His power of stroke was sometimes quite startling. Already he has hit 11 fours and two sixes, and served notice that the Old Boys' score of 329 is well within reach. Veitch and Dowling scored 72 in under the hour and although the slow bowling of M. L. Ryan put the brakes on the batsmen briefly, before the end he too was being heavily punished by Veitch.

Umpires: Messrs F. Goodall and T. Mathie.