S. African Tourists Recover: Cowper 116

Press, Volume CVI, Issue 31339, 8 April 1967, Page 15

S. African Tourists Recover: Cowper 116

\N.Z. Press Association—Copyright)

R. B. Simpson’ position against L. E. day of the all-Austra

After being four wickets down for 65, Simpson’s XI recovered to be 308 for six at the close. The Victorian left-hander, R. M. Cowper, was involved in two face-saving partnerships which rescued the South African tourists from their shaky beginnings. With I. Chappell (58), Cowper put on a magnificent 112 runs in 110 minutes for the fifth wicket before Chappell was run out.

Cowper turned the ball from A. Connolly on the legside and Gleeson’s return to the wicket-keeper, B. A. Jarman, beat Chappell home. Stackpole Caught

Simpson’s XI was then 177 for five but three runs later another wicket went when K. Stackpole skied a shot to give Sheahan an easy catch. Then Cowper and G. Watson set about restoring prestige to the South African batting line-up and were unconquered at stumps with a brilliant unfinished partnership of 128 runs in 109 minutes for the seventh wicket.

Cowper had scored 116 not out, including 12 fours in 242 minutes, and Watson’s 66 not out (8 fours), has occupied 109 minutes.

Cowper concentrated intently to give a masterly dis-

play, with powerful cuts and drives to any loose delivery. He froze temporarily in the 90’s but then regained his confidence.

Entertaining Batting Watson’s aggression was a good foil to Cowper and the pair pleased a crowd of 7239 with an entertaining partnership. At 290, Watson had a “life” when he was 57, Davies, at second slip, dropping him off Connolly. But Cowper’s Innings was chanceless. Connolly was unfortunate to have four catches off him missed, three by Davies and a near miracle attempted catch by Gleeson. He was easily the outstanding bowler, taking two for 52 from 22 overs.

MELBOURNE. ’s South African tourists finished in a strong . Favell’s New Zealand tourists on the first lian “test” at Melbourne yesterday.