Canterbury still has outside chance

Press, Volume CXIV, Issue 33426, 7 January 1974, Page 18

Canterbury still has outside chance

(By

R. T. BRITTENDEN)

Canterbury’s slender chance of winning the Plunket Shield—still at rather longer odds perhaps than those of New Zealand’s dismissing Australia for 162—was kept alive by yesterday’s drawn game between Wellington and Auckland.

Canterbury is at present 20 points behind Wellington with one game in hand. Wellington has yet to play Northern Districts.

Canterbury starts its match with Otago at Carisbrook today, and then plays Central Districts. To bring the most unexpected victory in thelong history of Plunket Shield cricket, Canterbury must win well at Dunedin and Masteriton, and hope that Northern ; Districts can produce a i spectacular reversal of form ■—or that Northland rains [intervene. Pitch problems Yet to have any prospect of further success, Canterbury not only has to win but also pick up performance points. The return of V. Pollard might brighten the batting, but at Carisbrook, where the pitch has been somewhat suspect this season, a flurry of runs seem unlikely. Canterbury’s limited assets have been employed with extraordinary success this season. To attack what has seemed indifferent Otago batting, it has K. I. Ferries, C. W. Aldridge. C. R. W. Dickel, C. M. Kirk and Pollard.

Spendthrift spinner

Ferries, at an advanced age for a representative cricketer, has done wonders through unrelenting accuracy, ability to move the ball and sheer courage. He, perhaps more than anyone else in the side,

has the competitive instinct very highly developed. Aldridge)) inexperienced but eager, can bowl the really good ball now and then and he has the assets of stamina and strength. Pollard probably matches Ferries in determination, and Dickel, although he bowls leg breaks, does not have the spendthrift attitude typical of his type. He hates having runs hit off him. His return of 13 wickets from three matches is a triumph for his art, for he has not been flattered by the fielding. Kirk had problems of line, but he seems to have settled down; he is a talented leftarm spinner with a record to match.

The batting successes of ■ Canterbury have been greater than most could have expected. P. E. Wallace, coming from Ashburton club cricket to the hard facts of a shield series, may not have charmed with elegant stroke production, but he is all application. Century-maker N. M. Parker has had a century and some failures, but he is accomplished and can score quickly.

K. Thomson returned to very good form against Auckland. Pollard is likely to rise to the occasion, and C. L. Bull — although no doubt to be subjected to the particular attentions of M. G. Webb — has the tenacity and technique to do well.

B. G. Hadlee, R. M. Gearry and a lively tail complete the batting line-up. There is every reason to respect Otago’s attack. Webb already has 33 wickets at minimal

cost, and the life and accuracy of G. Powell and G. B. Thomson have brought them 30 wickets in aggregate. It is a very long chance, but Canterbury cannot yet be discounted a Plunket Shield candidate. It has been a “Cinderella” side. And there is only one ugly sister left.