AUSTRALIANS TOO GOOD

Dominion, Volume 21, Issue 121, 20 February 1928, Page 10

AUSTRALIANS TOO GOOD

WELLINGTON ELEVEN FOLLOWS ON COLLAPSE IN SECOND INNINGS SIX WICKETS FALL FOR 92 RUNS That New Zealand cricket has not yet advanced sufficiently to enable a Dominion eleven to seriously challenge the full strength of Australia was amply proved at the Basin Reserve on Saturday, when the Australian team, who had scored 375 on Friday, dismissed Wellington for 206. The local men fared even more disastrously in the follow on. Foley, Lowry, Badcock, and Lamason scored one run between them in the second innings. Dempster and Lambert made a spirited stand, but Grimmett dismissed both, and when stumps were drawn at 5.45 six wickets were down for 92 runs. Grimmett, Blackie, Oxenham, and Morton produced bowling of a superior brand to that to which Wellington batsmen are accustomed, and they were excellently supported by brilliant wicketkeeping by Oldfield.

The match was resumed at the Basin Reserve at 11.30 on Saturday morning in hot, muggy weather. Dempster (27) and Foley (6) resumed Wellington’s first innings, with no wickets down for 42 runs. Oxenham opened the bowling against the northerly breeze, sending down a maiden of good right-hand medium pace to Foley. Blackie took up the attack at the other end. Grimmett soon relieved Oxenham, Foley getting a single to backward point off the second delivery. Blackie was flighting the ball in the air in puzzling fashion, and sent down two good maidens in succession. The 50 came up in as many minutes, Dempster having 33 and Foley 9. After being at the wickets for 63' minutes, Foley reached doubles with a pretty leg-glide off Blackie, for which they ran 4. Blackie had now sent down fourteen overs, eight of which were maidens, for 17 runs. Dempster was going well. Foley brought up applause by off-drivin'' Grimmett for 4, placing himself in the twenties. After sending down fifteen overs for 19 runs, Blackie gave way to Morton, to. whom Oldfield stood well back. Blackie then came on against the breeze. By tapping Morton io cover for a single, Dempster reached his half-cen-tury, after batting . for 87 minutes, hearty applause greeting the feat. An off-drive by Foley was fumbled by Oxenham at cover, and they got three for it at Blackie’s expense. A Brilliant Catch. The first wicket fell at 87. Dempster, who had been at the wickets for 100 minutes, let our at one from Blackie, and was brilliantly caught by Grimmett close in at fine-leg. Dempster had shaped very soundly, hitting six fourers. 87—1—52. Lowry joined Fojey, who was 26, and opened by turning Morton to leg for a couple. At 90, Oxenham took the ball from Morton, and Lowry hooked the last ball of the Queenslander’s over to mid-on for a couple. .In Oxenham’s third over, Lowry powerfully hit one past cover to the ropes. The next ball ho nearly placed into Richardson’s hands at extra cover, but the next whipped in from leg, and clean bowled him. The Queenslander had taken one wicket for 6 runs. 86 —2 —9. Badcock got going right away, and the hundred appeared for 125 minutes’ play.' The Englishman slammed one from Oxenham through Alexander for a couple, shaping very confidently. At 108 Grimmett relieved Blackie, who had sent along 25 overs for 34 runs and eno wicket. To show the quality of the Australian bowling, it need only be stated that Oxenham had bowled seven overs for 9 runs and a wicket.

After being at the wickets for 155 minutes, Foley reached 30 by hitting Oxenham to long-leg for four. The luncheon adjournment was taken at 1.30, when the board showed two wickets down for 119, Foley being 32 and Badcock 15. The innings had then been in progress for 160 minutes.

On resuming at 2.15, the ground was ringed with spectators, the attendance being in the vicinity of 8000.. Grimmett took up the howling against the wind, and Oxenham resumed with the breeze. End of a Patient Innings.

Arter 'batting for 171 minutes, Foley’s long innings came to an end, Oldfield snapping him up behind the wickets off Grimmett. His 36 included five boundary shots. 126—3—3 G. James partnered Badcock, and arrived fb see Hie Englishman crisply cut Oxenham past point to the ropes, placing him in the twenties. James got Grimmett through the slips for a couple, and the score was taken along to 130. Ponsford was applauded for brilliantly picking up a hot drive by Badcock at mid-on off Oxenham. At 135, Badcock, who had reached 23, was smartly caught and bowled by Grimmett. 135—4—23.

StcLeod, the University left-hander, came next, and arrived to see James step in front to a straight one from Oxenham and fall l.b.w. 135—5—4.

Wellington's hopes now centred in McGirr, who opened well by banging the first ball he received, from Oxenham, to the pickets at mid-on. At 1-17, Alorton relieved Oxenham, who had taken two for 28 off eighteen overs, seven of which were maidens. Tlie 150 came up after the innings had been in progress for 211 minutes. Blackie here took over from Grimmett, whose 26 overs had resulted in two wickets for 58 runs. McGirr heartened the big crowd by lifting Blackie over the square-leg boundary for four. McLeod then cut Morton square for three, and McGirr placed the express bowler twice to leg for a couple each time. McGirr then lifted one from Blackie high to Oxenham on the boundary af square-leg, but the fieldsman, who had the sun in his eyes, dropped the catch. The Queenslander, however made amends immedia’fcdy afterwards by catching McLeod at short square-leg, off Morton. The partnership had added 35 in half-an-hour. 170—6—-11. A Good Catch. JLamason now collaborated with McGirr, who was 22, but without a run being added the latter lifted Blackie high to Alexander at deep long-on and the South Australian took a well-judged catch. 170-7-22. Lambert came next and arrived to see Blackie adopt a pronounced legtheory. He had only one man on the off, Ponsford, at mid-off. It was somewhat novel to see a bowler operating with no slips, point or covers. Lamason got Grimmett, who had relieved Morton, away to leg for three, bringing 180 up. Wellington were now only halfway on their journey and had only three wickets in hand. At 185 Oxenham took the ball from Grimmett and got Lambert caught behind the wicets by Oldfield right away. 186—8—7. Brice, the Wellington captain, only lasted two minutes, Richardson snapping him up at silly mid-off off Oxenham. 186—9 —0.

Spirited Last Wicket Stand. Massey, the last man,, joined Lamason and interest centred in whether the total would reach 200. Lamason banged one from the Queenslander up against the fence at square-leg, which brought 190 in sffiht. Massey then lifteil Blackie high to long-on for a couple and got him away to long-leg for a similar number. At 198 Grimmett took Biackie’s end and sent down a maiden to Lamason. B.v driving Oxenham to long-on for 4, all run, Massey brought 200. up for 260 minutes’ play. Tne Institute colt then cover drove Grimmett for 3.

The end came a minute later, Lamason lifting Grimmett to Kippax on the boundary at square-leg. The innings, which lasted for 261 minutes, closed at 4 o’clock for 206 —169 behind the Australian total.

The Australian bowling was wonderfully accurate throughout the innings. Oxenham came out with the best figures, securing four for 39 off 22 overs, seven of which were maidens. Grimmett and Blackie also oowled very ably, giving the batsmen lots of trouble. Morton • was also very steady. The Australian fielding was clean and smart, and Oldfield did outstanding work behind the wickets.

Wellington Follows On. The crowd was in hopes of seeing Ponsford bat again, and were keenly disappointed when they found that Wellington were following on. Dempster.and Foley opened Wellington’s second innings at 4.27 to the bowling of Morton and Blackie. Dempster started in brilliant fashion, scoring four and two off Morton’s first two balls, and "jetting fourers off the first and second balls of Blackie’s first over.

Sensational Collapse. With the total at 20, Foley, who had only scored a single, stepped in front to turn Morton to leg, and fell l.b.w. 20—1—1.

Lowry followed, but was bowled with the fifth ball of Morton’s second over. The Victorian express bowler had now taken two for 11. 20 —2—o. Then Badcock was clean bowled by Blackie without scoring. 21 —3—o. Lamason was elevated on the batting list, and arrived to see Dempster tap Morton through the slips for four, Oldfield making a- futile grab at the flying leather. The Australian bowlers were doing as they liked. Before he was able to open an account, Lamason was skittled by Blackie with a ball identical to that which had spread-eagled Badcock’s sticks. 27—4—0. Brighter Batting. Lambert came in, and a gasp went up when Blackie grazed his sticks with the very first ball he received. Lambert was applauded for hitting Blackie to the long field for two, foui‘, and a single, bringing 30 up. He then lifted one from the same bowler to the ropes at long-leg. At 39, Oxenham took the ball from Morton, who had secured two wickets for 18 off six overs. Dempster was going well. He reached 30 by sweeping a full toss from Blackie to the ropes at Lambert emulated his example by off-driving Oxenham to the track at long-off, which brough 50 up in 44 minutes. The Old Boys’ batsman crisply cut the next ball square to the ropes. At 54, Grimmett relieved Blackie, who had taken two wickets for 24 off seven overs. In Oxenham’s third over, Lambert reached 20 by banging one past cover to the ropes, and repeated the stroke in the following over. Facing Grimmett, Lambert cut one square to the fence, reaching the thirties. Lambert had now hit seven fourers, and had overhauled Dempster, both batsmen being 34.

This was the end of a bright innings however, as Lambert jumped out to hit Grimmett missed, and was brilliantly stumped by Oldfield. 71 —5 —35. James followed, and arrived to see ths diminutive Schneider come on in Oxenham’s place. The youthful South Australian sent down slow right-hand leg-breaks, keeping them well up to the batsmen. Three came from his first over. Dempster placed one from Grimmett between mid-off and cover, and they ran four for it. The next ball he brilliantly turned to the ropes at long-leg, nine coming from the over. James hit Schneider to mid-on for four, and Dempster placed Grimmett to fineleg for lour.

With the total at 92, Dempster, who had reached 49, was bowled round bis legs by Grimmett. He gave a.good display, hitting eight fourers. McLeod joined James, but at 5.45 an appeal was successfully made against the light, and much to the disgust of the large crowd stumps were drawn for the day. The score then stood at 92 for six wickets which meant that Wellington still requires 77 runs to save an innings defeat, and have only four wickets in hand. The explanation of the collapse on Saturday afternoon was simply due to the fact that the Australian bowling was too good. Tlio fielding was also first class, the men being placed so well that it was very difficult to get runs against the accurate bowling. THE SCORES AUSTRALIA. First innings 375 AVELLINGTON—First Innings. C. S. Dempster, c. Grimmitt, b. Blackie 52 H. Foley, c. Oldfield, b. Grimmett ... 36 T. C. Lowry, b. Oxenham 9 F. T. Badcock, c. and b. Grimmett 23 K. C. James, 1.b.w., b. Oxenham ... 4 E. McLeod, c. Oxenham, b. Morton 11 H. M. McGirr, c. Alexander, b. Blackie 22 J. It. Lamason, c. Kippax, b. Grimmett 12 B. M. Lambert, c. Oldfield, b. Oxenham 7 W. S. Brice, c. Richardson, b Oxenham 0 H. B. Massey, not out 13 Extras—Byes 10, leg-byes 7 17 Total 206 Fall of wickets. Quo for 87, two for 96. three for 126, four for 135, five for 135, six for 170, seven for 178, eight for 183, nine for 186, ten for 206. Bowling Analysis.

Second Innings. C. S. Dempster, b. Grimmett 49 H. Foley, 1.b.w.. b. Morton 1 T. C. Lowry, b. Morton 0 F. T. Badcock, b. Blackie 0 J. R. Lamason, b. Blackie 0 H. M. Lambert, st. Oldfield, b. Grimmett 35 K. C. Janies, not out 6 E. McLeod, not out 0 Extras—No ball 1 1 Total for six wickets 92 Fall of wicket- One for 20, two for 20, three for 21, four for 27, five for 11, six for 92. Bowling Analysis.

A GREAT CROWD The attendance on Saturday was estimated at between 9000 and 10,<Wl, .£560 being taken at the gates, ns against £242 on Friday. The match will be concluded to-day, play commencing nt 11.30 a.m. No charge will bo made for admission.

DISAPPOINTED CRICKET CROWD

WANTED TO SEE VISITORS BATTING Amongst the 10,000 spectators who assembled at the Basin Reserve on Saturday were hundreds o£ people who had come down from the provinces specially to see Ponsford, Woodfull, Kippax, and company in action at the wickets. Intense disappointment was therefore felt when the Australian captain, V. Y. Richardson, compelled the Wellington team to follow on their innings. No one can blame the Australian captain for playing serious cricket, but the crowd would have been very grateful to him on Saturday had he determined that Australia should go to the wickets. No doubt, the Australians were tired after their trip across the Tasman and their flying trip to .Nelson, and welcomed the opportunity to obtain an easy day to-day. The collapse of the Wellington team in the second innings has caused the Wellington Cricket Association a loss of about .£250, which would have been secured had a full day’s play been possible to-day. To add insult to injury, play ceased at 5.45 on Saturday owing to an appeal being successfully made against the light. This robbed the crowd of three-quarters of an hour’s entertainment for which they had paid. One indignant country visitor pointed out that 5.45 summer time was only 4.45 actual time, and it was ridiculous, ho said. Io protest against the light in the “middle of the day.” HAWKE CUP MANAWATU TEAM. Palmerston North February 19. Mr. A. M. Ongley, sole selector, has chosen the following to represent Manawatu against Wanganui at Wanganui on Tuesday and Wednesday for the Hawke Cup mtch:—Ongley, Gallichan, Norris, McVicar, Mullins (Palmerston North), Pacey, Diederich, Young (Old Boys), McSweeney (R.S.A.), O’Keefe (High School), Bull (Levin). Pegden (Palmerston North) is twelfth man. PLAY IN OTHER CENTRES AUCKLAND. BY Telegraph.—press association. Auckland, February 19. The first series of matches in the second round of the Auckland Cricket Association’s senior championship concluded yesterday in fine eather, and on fast wickets, with very dry outfields. Some very fine batting was seen. In the match between Eden and North Shore, the latter made . 235 on the first dav. Eden replied with 483 for six (Mills 135, A. F. Weir 112 not out, Postles 45, Cooper 45). Eden secured a three-point win. Ponsonby, 344 for eight wickets (declared). obtained a three-point win over Parnell, 178 (Hay 52, Irving 50), and 118 for four wickets (Anthony 53 not out). In Parnell’s first innings, Roy took four wickets for 32. University made 273 (Burbidge 59). A response of 171 was made, by United Suburbs, whoso second innings realised 188 'Busliill 75). University won on the first innings. On the first day Y.M.C.A. made 251, and Grafton 100. Grafton followed on yesterday, and were dismissed for 69, Horspool being absent on account of a family bereavement. Y.M.C.A. thus oj> tained a four-point win. The position in the senior championship still remains very interesting. Ponsonby leads with 22 points, and Eden has 21, North Short 20, and Parnell 19. FORTY RUNS IN ONE OVER. Auckland, February 19. In a match in the suburban championship, Fletcher, of Ponsonby, hit six sixes, four off successive balls, making forty off the over. The Suburban Association has decided to engage an English cotch for next season, to be selected by Bowley. CHRISTCHURCH. Christchurch, February 19. Weather was ideal for cricket on Saturday, and the wickets and outfields fast. A new series of matches was commenced. Riccarton and St. Albans, tho two teams ' in the lead in the competition, met,; and the match commanded most attention. St. Albans had first use of a good wicket, and were all out for 248 (C. G. Crawford 82, N. Dorreen 80). Four batsmen failed to score. Bowling for Riccarton, C. E. Evans took seven wickets for 110 runs. With four and a half hours to play, Riccarton scored 102 for one wicket (A. Cox 43 not out, A. W. Roberts 44 not out). Merritt had a bowling triumph. Playing for Old Boys against Sydenham, ho took nine wickets for 89 runs. Sydenham’s innings produced 206. Old Boys scored 79 for two wickets (J. Jacobs 48 not out). Linwood batted first against West Christchurch, scoring 311 (Condliffe 51. F. Kerr 87, J. Prosper 101). West Christchurch lost one wicket for 51. Old Collegians had first strike against East Christchurch, scoring 209 (H. Macfarlane 38. M. F. Pengelly 42). Bowling for East Christchurch, J. -McEwin took six wickets for 67 runs. East Christchurch lost one wicket for 78. DUNEDIN. Dunedin, February 19. First grade cricket matches were continued to-day. Grange scored a twopoint win against Dunedin. The latter made 103 in the first innings, and Grange declared with eight down _ for 107. Dunedin in the second . innings declared with six down for 169 (Cavanagh 100, W. Cherry 40). Grange in the second strike lost five wickets for 94 (Knight 43 not out). In Dunedin’s secong innings Alloo took three wickets for 75 runs, and Elmes two for 24. In Grange's second innings Claridge took two for 32, McGregor one for 12, and Sinclair one for S. In the Carisbrook-Albion game, the former secured a two-point win. Albion in the first innings scored 148. and lost three for 47 in tho second strike. Carishrook made 248 (Smith 59, McLeod 57, Procter 54). Shepherd took two wickets for 39. M.C.C. TEAM’S LAST MATCH (Rec. February 19, 5.5 p.m.) Cape Town, February 18. The Marylebone team has commenced the last match of the tour, against Western Province. Marylebone has eight wickets down for 333 (Sutcliffe 62, Tyldesley 41).—A.P.A. and “Sun.” TREATMENT OF COUNTRY CRICKET To the Editor. Sir,—l have to thank you for the publicity which you have so kindly given my first letter on the subject <f the treatment of the country teams by the Wellington Cricket Association, and also Mr. D. McKenzie for bis informative reply. I do not agree with tho view of the Country representatives that playing before a city crowd on a good wicket is productive of better results for cricket generally; it may be all right for the actual players, but I submit that there is a good deal to bo gained by actually seeing the good players in ac ( ion. For example, we have in Wanganui good boys who have not been selected for the Country team, because others are considered of greater value. I make no complaint about, this, but I do think that it would bo more beneficial to cricket generally if these lads could have an opportunity io watch and try to emulate tho example of the better players. However, I must absolve tho Wellington Cricket Association from selfish motives in this connection, but I do suggest that tho fact flint tho Wellington Cricket Association lias not received a request for a loan of a coach is no excuse.. Obviously, this is a new point for Mr. McKenzie, and there is no reason, as far as I can see, why

the W.C.A. should not have taken the initiative in the matter. “Certain financial obligations are involved,” says Mr. McKenzie, but 1 suggest that the offer of the able coach ol the W.C.A. should be made as a quid pro quo, for the loan to tho W.C.A. of our best men for Plunket Shield and other matches. I was not aware of the offer of the Wellington Cricket Association to spud a team to Wanganui this year, but I agree with the view that unless some international players are included it would be quite useless sending the team forward. Wo should, of course, like to pit our strength against the real Wellington team. I should think, however, that llie public would appreciate the visit, and patronise the game-here if the Wellington side contains a sprinkling of the internationals—say, Janies, McGirr, Badcock, Lowry, and some of the younger players. The latter would benefit by the experience on strange wickets, and also by association with more seasoned players, and besides, it would not be very interesting if we saw a one-sided game—which it certainly would be if the full strength of Wellington came forward against Wanganui. The intentions of the Wellington Association as outlined in the last paragraph of Mr. McKenzie’s reply, are on the same lines as those advocated by me, but why has the Wellington Cricket Association allowed the grass to grow under its feet in this connection? Personally, I feel that Plunket Shield and Hawke Cup matches are not productive of that which their respective donors had in view. This is, of course, a matter for the N.Z. Cricket Association, and I suggest that the playing of there matches every two years—giving the intervening year to the development of country cricket —would achieve the better results in the matter of advancing the cause of N.Z. cricket. —I am, etc.. WANGANUI. February 16'.

Morton 0. ... ]j M. 4 B. 32 W. 1 Blackie .... 32 14 53 2 Grimmett .... .. 28.4 7 65 3 Oxenliam ... ... 22 7 39 4

Morton 0. 6 M. 1 B. 18 W. o Blaekie .... 7 2 21 2 Oxenham ... K 0 Q9 0 Grimmetts .. ... 6 3 19 1 Schneider .... 2 0 8 0