Canty defending cricket shield

Press, 26 December 1979, Page 12

Canty defending cricket shield

Canterbury has a sufficiently experienced and well-balanced squad to make a strong bid to retain the Hallyburton-John-strme Shield when the national women’s cricket tournament begins at Porrilt Park today.

The competition extends until January 5 and will provide a more intensive programme for the players than in past seasons. The inclusion of Central Districts as a sixth side has eliminated the bye. Four of the Canterbury players, the captain, Pat Carrick, Jenny Oslon, Ann McKenna and Kay Gilray, made their debut for the provincial first XI in 1961. Sue Rattray had her first tournament five years lai er and Vicki Burtt has been a regular selection since 1969. Form shown during the club season suggests that Lesley Shankland, McKenna and Olson

should have productive run-scoring series, and the youngsters. Debbie Hockley and Nicki Turner, can be expected to make valuable contributions as batsmen and with their agility in the field. Although Canterbury might lack a truly penetrative pace attack, the bowling has variety and consistency. The spin will he the responsibility of Rattray and Nancy Williams, in support of Sue Brown, Carrick and Gilray, the three leading wicket-takers at club level. Margaret Alabaster is well qualified to handle the wicket-keeping duties. Wellington will be led by Pat McKelvey, the present New Zealand captain. She, along with the probable openers. Barb Bevage and Prue Hyman, and Chery! Henshilwood have the talent to develop their innings. Two other Wellington players should provide

entertainment. Jackie Lord, this country’s top leg-spinner, is also very capable with the bat, and the wicket-keeper, YvOnne Taylor, favours a hard-hit-ting batting style. Eileen Badham, an opening bowler and top-order batsman, has been chosen as North Shore’s captain for the first time. She should receive strong assistance from Ev Miller, Karen Plummer and Chris Miller. North Shore’s wicket-keeper is Ingrid Jagersma, a former Canterbury player with distinct promise as a batsman. A generally inexperienced team has been named to represent Otago, but it would be unwise for its opponents to take it lightly. Gail Tipa and Barbara Newton (nee Turner) are the most seasoned players and MargaretMary Coughlan, if only 15 years of age, will be making her third tournament appearance as a mediumpaced bowler. Lona Richards, an opening bat, will be captain.

Auckland, led by its wicket-keeper. Edna Ryan, should not be under-esti-mated. Ryan, the all-roun-der, Carol Marett, a spinner. Glenvs Page and the consistently high-scoring Kay Simon have all played first XI cricket for a number of summers. Denise Cobb, whose tendancy to stray from a line and length negates some of the effectiveness of her pace, is expected to spearhead the Auckland attack, with a former Otago player. Shona Gilchrist, sharing the new ball. The team also includes Heather Shale, a New Zealand under-23 representative last season, and the opening batsmen, Faye Hedges and Jan Whitcombe. The new side. Central Districts, has a former Wellington and New Zealand player. Vivienne Stevens (nee Sexton), at the helm. Diana Caird, Rosemary and Liz Signa! were ail in the national under--23 side last year and, with Jo Belgrave, should have benefited from the internal tour and be well equipped to adjust to two-day cricket.

Also included are the capable Judith Blair and Janet Ackhurst, while Linda Fraser's background as an Auckland bowler earns her respect.