St Albans Set For Good Win

Press, Volume CVII, Issue 31549, 11 December 1967, Page 16

St Albans Set For Good Win

Sound top-order batting, and accurate medium-pace bowling placed St Albans in a sound position in its match against East-Shirley at Burwood Park, and the side has in prospect a crushing innings victory. St Albans was given a useful start by an opening partnership of 73 from J. M. Ruston and S, C. Guillen, although neither really looked in touch. This was built upon with a glittering 68 by J. W. Burtt, who was in his best form, cutting deftly, driving sweetly and defending soundly. He reached his 50 in only 57 minutes and hit 11 fours and a six. the latter straight after lunch. The later batsmen did not go about their job—to score runs quickly—until K. I. Ferries made 21 in nine minutes.

East-Shirley was handicapped by N. Kelly being ill before lunch. but after the break he and G. p. V. Pulley had a tight

frip on th* St Albans batsmen, ulley bowled better as the inning* progressed and in the space of six good overs, took three wickets and had two catches dropped. East-Shirley’s innings was a dismal procession from the time P. G. Coman went to the second bail. G. Tait hit two rasping shots through the covers but the only inning* of defiance was from A. L. Andrew, who stayed for an hour looking accomplished before being foolishly run out.

The bowling of Ferries, as always, was tight, and Hounsell was antagonistic. His 14 overs were in succession and. his pace barely dropping, he probably contributed greatly to Ferries' success at the other end. The St Albans fielding was good and J. C. Thompson kept wickets efficiently. Umpires: Messrs S. E. Browne and T. F. Mathie.