Bryant turns hand to cricket

Press, 19 November 1981, Page 38

Bryant turns hand to cricket

Miscasting is not unknown in the world of entertainment, but only rarely is a Norman Gunston appointed master of a corps de ballet which includes a Rudolph Nureyev and several others of his stature. Yet this sort of situation has arisen with the “Mainland Touch” cricket team, which will play at Rangiora on Sunday. The team includes five former New Zealand test players, yet it will be led by Rodney Bryant, who not only has a suspect bowling action but, it is alleged, has difficulty in remembering which way up batting pads are placed. His bewildered players include Bert Sutcliffe, still perhaps New Zealand’s most admired batsman, Murray Parker and Zin Harris. But Bryant will not go short on advice, and lively conversation: Simpson Guillen and Noel McGregor are also in the side. This glittering array of talent will be supplemented by Brian Sampson, a former Canterbury representative, and by another of especial note, Fergie McCormick. The opposing invitation team has about it an air of rugged individualism. It includes three All Blacks. They are Doug Bruce, John Ashworth, and New Zealand’s answer to Dennis Lillee, Alex Wyllie. The match, at Dudley Park, has been arranged to raised money for a sports stadium which, it is planned, will be built on the grounds of the Rangiora High School. If Mr Bryant can be persuaded to leave the field at the appropriate time, each innings will last 45 overs. The extraordinary array of varied talents will not be the only source of entertainment. The organisers are providing gymnastic and judo displays (apart from those likely to break out on the field), and a civil defence exercise demonstration. The pool beside Dudley Park will be open for swimmers — and perhaps for one or two of the cricketing failures — and family barbecues will be welcomed around the ground. . The kick-off — and it could be that — is at 10.45 a.m.