McEwan tops batting

Press, Volume CX, Issue 32458, 19 November 1970, Page 28

McEwan tops batting

An attractive century by P. McEwan for Fillton’s XI was the best of several good batting performances on the last day of the Brabin Cup cricket trial at Hagley Oval yesterday. McEwan, a younger brother of the Canterbury Rugby representative, M. R.

McEwan, reached his century in about 85 minutes and went on to score 116. He hit five sixes and 14 fours. Fulton’s XI passed the 286run target presented to it by W. Bell’s declaration and, by mutual consent, play continued until stumps. After the disappointing showing by the majority of batsmen on Tuesday, it must have come as some relief to the selectors to see

several of them make amends yesterday. Besides McEwan, another batsman to catch the eye was K. Squire, who compiled a chanceless 68 runs, including two sixes, in less than even time. Squire played some delightful shots all round the wicket and was very severe on any loose deliveries down the leg-side. Continuing from its overnight score of 186 for seven, Fulton’s XI lost the last three wickets for the addition of only 11 runs. The Old Boys’ left-armer, S. T. Chambers, collected two more wickets to finish with the good figures of five for 50 off 16.5 overs.

A sound start by the openers for Bell’s XI allowed Squire and D. Burrell to hunt runs. Burrell played some lusty on-drives in his innings of 62 not out, but was a little fortunate not to be caught in slips on more than one occasion. A. Ormond, with two for 24, was the most successful of seven bowlers used. The Brabin Cup squad will be announced at the weekend. Scores: Bell’s XI 145 and 237/5 declared (W. Bell 56, P. Devlin 31, Squire 68, Burrell 62 not out; Ormond 2/24). Fulton’s XI 197 and 230/6 (McEwan 116, P. Joyce 42, A. Bos 31 not out, R. Newton 29; I. Wilson 2/61, Bell 2/36).