Lees fit

Press, 22 February 1977, Page 30

Lees fit

It is expected that Warren Lees will be able to take his place behind the stumps, if required, when the first cricket test resumes at Lancaster Park today. Lees, the New Zealand wicket-keeper, suffered a severely bruised right shoulder when struck by a delivery from the pace bowler, Richard Hadlee. He aggravated the injury later in Australia’s innings and the wicket-keeping duties were taken over by Jock Edwards.

Although Lees batted in his chosen position of No. 7 in the New Zealand order, he was obviously in considerable discomfort, and he underwent intensive ultrasonic treatment at the Christchurch Public Hospital yesterday. For the other players in both teams, the rest day provided an opportunity to relax.

While the New Zealand cricketers and many of the journalists covering the test were testing their golfing skills at Waitikiri yesterday, most of the Australians were exneriencing the thrill of ietboating down the Waitnakariri river.

Although conditions were unpleasant and the nartv received a good drenching, the 10 to 12 miles trip was considered by the team manager (Mr Roger Wotton) “to be one tremendously exciting experience.”

“A few lines were thrown out but. although we saw a few salmon, nothing was caught,” he said. Mr Wot-

ton said that the other members had played golf at Shirley — “at least it gave a chance for everybody to get away from the hotel.” A trophy, donated by Mark Burgess’ firm (Brittain Wyn Yard), gave the

New Zealand players something to strive for in the Waitikiri golf tournanent. Glenn Turner might not have been the most successful batsman in New Zealand’s first innings, but he has golfing talent and won the tronhv with 39 stableford points.