West-University Takes Lead In Cricket

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31210, 7 November 1966, Page 20

West-University Takes Lead In Cricket

A stoicism too seldom associated with cricket kept senior players out in the rain on Saturday, and first innings results were achieved in the two matches at Hagley Oval. But at Sydenham Park, the pitch became unplayable and the match there was abandoned as a draw.

Batting progress had been down a smooth motorway on the first day, but on Saturday it was a rocky mountain pass. As the pitches dried in the morning, they showed considerable life, but when the rain began again, they were dead slow and it was difficult, on the heavy outfields, to get the ball through the field.

The top team, St. Albans, struggled long and hard to hold out West ChristchurchUniversity, but failed by 35 minutes. With the first innings and bonus points, WestUniversity went to the top of the table and Riccarton, with first innings points from Old Boys, replaced it in third place. Scores:— West-University 316/5 declared beat St Albans 156 and 14/4 by 160 runs on the first innings.

Riccarton 312/9 declared beat Old Boys 177 and 81/2 by 135 runs on the first innings. Sydenham 279 drew with Lancaster Park 120/3. It was not a day of great personal glories; there were no half-centuries, no bowlers who took five wickets. The day’s top scorer was G. W. Henry, of Old Boys, who batted with skill and audacity in making 48. D. H. Hicks (West-University) took four for 29 and at the end of the match W. J. Mitchell, for the same side, made his farewell to Christchurch for the present by collecting four for 3. Competition points:—

Wins Draw 2 Pts. Losses 10 Pts. 5 Pts. 1 Pts. 0 Pts. Bonus Pts. Total Pts. West-Univ. * 3 — — — 4 19 St. Albans 1 1 — 1 — 4 16 Ricca rton — o — — 1 4 14 Old Boys — i — *> — 6 13 Lancaster Park — — 1 2 — 2 6 Sydenham - - 1 2 - 0 4