Successful As Batsman

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32349, 15 July 1970, Page 19

Successful As Batsman

(N.Z.P.A. Staff Correspondent) LONDON. The 19-year-old Auckland cricketer on the Surrey staff, G. Howarth, has had a very successful season with the county’s second eleven this season—as a batsman, after originally being taken on the staff as an off-spinner.

In nine games this season,

Howarth has made more than 600 runs and has an- average of nearly 60. His highest score, and only century, was 171 not out against Kent Seconds, and he has also had very good matches against Sussex seconds and the Kent first team. Howarth has not had the same opportunities with his bowling, which originally gained him a half-season’s trial each with Surrey and Gloucestershire last season. Instead, he attributes his batting improvement to continually playing on good pitches and the excellent coaching he has received, particularly from the Surrey coach and former England wicket-keeper, A. J. Mclntyre. The younger brother of New Zealand’s outstanding left-arm spinner, H. J. Howarth, Geoffrey Howarth left home just over a year ago. soon after leaving school. However, he is returning to Auckland in time for the coming New Zealand season, and will probably be accompanied by the outstanding

young Surrey fast bowler, R. D. Willis.

Willis, who has been compared to J. B. Statham in action and effect, first played county cricket last season, and has made a marked impression this season.