Delightful Innings By K. Thomson

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31222, 21 November 1966, Page 15

Delightful Innings By K. Thomson

First day: Sydenham 137, High School Old Boys 131/9. The ebullient K. Thomson delighted his many followers at Sydenham Park with an innings of 59 which was notable for the quality of the batting as well is for some tremendous hitting. His runs were scored in 46 minutes and he bit four sixes and seven fours. Seldom has Thomson batted better: the timing was superb, his cover driving a delight and he had the commanding presence of a batsman in form His innings culminated tn an onslaught on the slow bowling of M. L. Ryan.

Twenty-four was scored from the first five balls—two sixes and three fours —but the sixth was mistimed and Ryan had the consolation of seeing the ball go safely to hand. Thomsons fine innings was r.ot the only contribution to an exciting and interesting day's cricket. The late arrival of W. M Duncan forced Old Boys to bat one short and the side was out without adding to the overnight score. Then, on a pitch made soft and dead by the heavy ram. the Old Boys bowling held few terrors for the Sydenham batsmen.

B. J. Bayley batted throughout and most attractively and his driving in particular was well executed. In his partnership with A. J. Howard. Thom son and D. L. Gallop he was content to play a secondary role but was always ready to attack anything loose. He hit 14 fours and one six.

The pitch was badly marked and drying quickly when Old Boys started to bat. Gallop and J. M. Mclntyre were able to

turn the bail sharply and even B J. Salt, whose length and direction were as impeccable as ever, at times bowled a genuine off-break. C. J. Stevens again batted well, suiting his game to the demands of the occasion, and D R. Hadlee, after Old Boys had lost seven for 95, prevented a final break-through. It was left to the errant Duncan to supply a final touch of drama. Last man with five balls to face he played the first four quietly and then in defiance of this situation hit hard and lofted the final ball for two. Nine sixes were hit in the course of the day and although many catches were dropped this added to the excitement of the game. Umpires: Messrs L. C. Moore and J. Streeter.

Waikato Saved Bv Last Pair J (N.Z. Press Association) WHANGAREt. Only a last wicket partnership by B. H. Pairaudeau and D. Hunter saved Waikato from a first innings defeat against Northland in a Hawke Cup elimination cricket match at Whangarei at the week-end. The two batsmen stayed for the last 31 minutes and Waikato ended with 137 for nine in replv to Northland’s 185. The match wHI be replayed.