SPLENDID BATTING

Press, Volume CIV, Issue 30884, 18 October 1965, Page 18

SPLENDID BATTING

Ruston And Samson

The day’s best batting came from the fluent and flourishing batting of J. M. Ruston and K. J. Samson, who took St. Albans from the first day score of 92 for five to 166 before they were separated. This was outstanding batting, and although Samson started diffidently and made only 29. it was he who first discovered his feet and used them superbly. Then Ruston began a carefully managed but exciting assault on the bowling, and soon the pair of them were producing magnificent strokes. Both players were down the pitch to B. A. Bolton, a very tidy spinner, to drive him powerfully. and they took 30 from six overs by Bolton. When Ruston lay back to square cut M. L. Ryan, it was with all the power and beauty the game has to offer. But the game swung Old Boys’ way with dramatic speed. Bolton, back for another spell, held a superb catch from his own bowling to dismuss Samson, and then Ruston, whose batting had century written all over it, waz run out after a misunderstanding with his brother-in-law. A. L. Fleete. Ruston hit 12 fours and in a masterful display was completely in charge. But St. Albans faltered then, and fell.

Old Boys lost quick wickets In their second innings and these reverses set up a defensive reaction which almost ended hopes of a decision. However. M. A. Clements scored at a great rate with some dashing stroke-making, and Old Boys left St. Albans 87 minutes to score 172 —a very difficult task, made impossible by poor light and then rain, the game ending 45 minutes early. The umpires were Messrs F. R. Goodall and L. C. Moore.