‘Duck season’ for some youngsters

Press, 6 March 1984, Page 25

‘Duck season’ for some youngsters

Saturday morning junior cricket competitions are in full swing again after an extended Christmas break. There have been major personnel changes, especially in the upper grades, but much of the old spirit is still there, obviously re-kindled by the recent international series.

For Lancaster Park in the C grade, however, the start of a new cricketing year has been the opening of the “duck season.”

In a 13-a-side match against Riccarton, Park had nine noughts on its score-sheet. It would be unfair to dwell on that, except to note that Riccarton’s Aaron Goodall had bowling figures of four for two, and Craig McGlinchey, two for one. In other recent matches, Kurti Kotzsikas compiled a tidy 22 for Burnside-West in the A grade, and Stuart Bates had a hat-trick, all bowled, in the C grade. Burnside-West’s B grade side was in the embarrassing position of 34 for six against Hoon Hay recently. However, a fine fighting partnership of 66 between Neil Thomson (41) and Paul Cannell (21) carried the side to the respectability of three figures. At Sydenham Park on Saturday, Burnside-West VII was engaged in a good B grade tussle with Sydenham 11. On the first day of play, West’s Edward Burrows went close to a hat-trick, finishing with three for 12 from four overs. Aaron Snell fielded well. Anthony Spiers has shown promising batting form recently. For Sydenham, Mark Abraham, a newcomer, has shown all-round promise along with Nick Tate. Blair Johnson, the captain, has taken over the ’keeping gloves and is enjoying his new task immensely. On an adjacent pitch, Sydenham, which lost six experienced players at Christmas, was 24 for one at one stage, chasing New Brighton’s 127 in an A grade match. Stephen Fleming, a lefthander, and Julian Mason showed elegant techniques. They have much to learn, especially in picking the line of poorly-directed deliveries early, and putting the ball i away, but they have laid the early groundwork to succeed in their trade.

A new team-mate, Ricky Taylor, is showing a lot of promise as an all-rounder. Nigel Turner bowled well

for New Brighton on Saturday, to back up his 31 with the bat on the first day. Stephen Hemi (42) and Carl Lawson (34) also batted convincingly. In a B grade* match at Hospital Corner, Xavier College set out in pursuit of Old Boys’ 72, scored on the first day. Michael Matthews scored 26, Matthew Lanyon 18. and Brendan Ryan was batting well.

In the Old Boys’ innings, Todd Nicholls batted conscientiously to be last out for 41. Lanyon, a spin bowler, had the best return for Xavier, with four for 14. Gordon Malcolm excelled in the field, especially with his throwing, and Ryan took a couple of good catches. Backing up Nicholls in the Old Boys’ batting was Glenn Foulds, who scored eight low in the order. He bowled well on Saturday, steadily, with a good line, Darryl Aitken was run out for nought in the Old Boys’ innings, but he is showing potential, along with Ben Hodgson, who is very keen and a good fielder. Matthew Coates, the 'keeper, is working hard and showing promise.

St Albans, in the B grade, reached the healthy total of 160 for nine against Old Collegians. Derek Burton (57) and Neville Richardson (21) both retired, while Nathan Considine made 24. On Saturday. Michael Schupbach was 'keeping tidily, and Andrew Wylie had two wickets for three at one stage as Collegians struggled at 23 for four. For Collegians, Hugh Parris was among the wickets on the first day, and Nigel Brokenshire ’kept very well. He scored 11, run out, on Saturday and looks a promising bat. In another B grade match, Riccarton appreciated the services of Adam Hurley, a steadfast opening bat, newly promoted to the position. He held up an end well as Riccarton moved to 30 for one in reply to Old Collegians’ 130. Ben Winters and Mark Pilbrow were bowling tightly for Collegians while Alastair McKay and Sam Dawson supported them well in the field.

In the Old Collegians innings, Anthony Pike (53 not out) and Blair Rouse (29 not out) provided the bulk of the total. Riccarton’s Peter Tasker took three for 20 while a newcomer, David Alabaster, ’kept well. Mark Burke scored a good 49 for Riccarton earlier in the season.