PLUNKET SHIELD CRICKET

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 80, 28 December 1928, Page 10

PLUNKET SHIELD CRICKET

AUCKLAND DEFEATS CANTERBURY OTAGO IN STRONG POSITION AGAINST WELLINGTON The contests to decide the cricket supremacy of the Dominion for the 1928-9 season were continued yesterday. Auckland decisively outplayed Canterbury in the game at Christchurch, the southerners being so far behind on the first innings that they had to follow on. Otago finished up the day yesterday in a commanding position against Wellington. With a lead of 47 on the first innings, the southerners put up the fine score of 234 for the loss of three wickets in their second knock, which means that they are 281 runs ahead with seven wickets still m hand.

OTAGO IN STRONG POSITION WELLINGTON 47 BEHIND ON FIRST INNINGS SOUTHERNERS SCORE HEAVILY IN SECOND KNOCK After a day’s interruption through the Basin Reserve having been booked on Wednesday for a sports gathering, which did not eventuate owing to rain, the Plunket Shield match between Otago and Wellington was resumed yesterday morning. The honours of the day were all with Otago, as, after dismissing the locaKeleven for 47 less than the southerners themselves had made, they set to work In the second innings to consolidate the grip they had. secured upon the game. A dogged opening stand by H. C. Alloo and A. R. Knight took the bloom' off the Wellington bowling, and paved the way for some solid scoring by Eastman and Blunt. In fact, all the Otago men batted soundly, with the result that at drawing of stumps last evening the board looked well with 234 on for the loss of only three wickets. Otago are thus in the strong position of being 281 runs ahead with seven wickets still in hand. The game) will; Be concluded to-day, and no doubt > Otagb will make every effort to pile on as big a score as possible, as in the event of two teams winning an equal number of Shield games averages are taken into account. It is highly improbable that finality will be reached to-day,; and a draw is a foregone conclusion. I A Good Stand. f Revived by Wednesday’s downpour, and freshly cut by the motor-mower,) the playing area looked a picture when the game was resumed at 11 o’clock yesterday morning. With 281 runs on for the loss of six wickets, in reply to Otago’s innings of 398, the not out batsmen, Lamason (52) and McGirr (30), continued Wellington’s first innings. A fresh southerly was blowing, but the sky was clouded, and there was not much drying power in the sun’s rays, which filtered through a blanket of clouds. A. Alloo took up the bowling with the breeze, while Eastman trundled against it. The bowlers were on the spot, and the batsmen had to be watchful. Steady play saw 290 come up, and Lamason then ran into the sixties by swinging a short one from Alloo over the ropes at long-leg. McGirr should have gone in Eastman’s next over, as he skied one to squareleg, but Monk lost sight of the ball, and allowed an easy catch to drop on the carpet a few yards from him. Pleased with his escape, McGirr opened out, and 300 soon appeared. McGirr, who was shaping brightly, soon reached his half-century, and was rapidly overhauling Lamason. At 316, Elmes took the ball from Alloo, but McGirr brought 320 up by crisply late-cutting the left-hander to the pickets. Eastman was bowling well, and twice beat McGirr with two particularly good deliveries which narrowly missed the sticks. End of a Good Partnership. At 328, McGirr’s bright innings came to an end, the batsman returning one to Elmes. The Hutt man had played a really good innings for his 56, which only included three boundary strokes. He had assisted Lamason to put on 90 for the seventh wicket when runs were badly wanted. 328—7 —56. Lambert came next, but after scoring was clean bowled by a beauty from Eastman, who got his first wicket, after bowling 35 overs for 89 runs. 331 — Hoar, the Wairarapa representative came next, and arrived to see Lamason make himself top-scorer for the innings by running into the seventies. Hoar failed to score, as Eastman, who was bowling particularly well, hit his sticks with a break-back. 335—9 —0.

Henderson, the last man, joined Lamason, who was 75,. and the score was moved along to 340. Lamasou was doing all the scoring, and soon passed into the eighties. Henderson, who was not happy,- whs nearly caught and bowled by Elmes,-but the bowler, after juggling with the leather, put it on the earpet. Lamason called up applause by rattling one from Eastman hard up against the fence at square-leg. This brought 350 up. * Bad Luck for Lamason. The innings closed at 12.10 for 351. They went for a single for a stroke by Henderson to cover, and a good return by -A'. Alloo to- Galland saw Lamason run out. LamasOn had played a sterling innings: for his 89, which included nine boundary strokes. Elmes came out with the best bowling figures for Otago, securing four wickets for 74 off fifteen overs. The youthful left-hander kept a good length, and made them come across sharply at times. Eastman bowled particularly well before lunch, the deliveries with which he bowled Lambert and Hoar being particularly good ones. A Dogged Opening. With a lead of 47 on the first innings, Knight and H. C. Alloo opened Otago's second knock at 12.27, to the bowling of McGirr and Henderson. After sending down three overs for 5 runs, McGirr gave way to Hoar, who sent down a maiden to Knight. Badcock here relieved Henderson, whose three overs had brought as many runs. . After sending down two maiden overs, Hoar gave way to Lowry, and a cheer went up. when the batsmen stole a single, which broke a string of maidens. Not a solitary run came from the first three overs Which Badcock sent down, but be was then replaced by Lambert. The luncheon adjournment was taken, vzlth the total at 14, which had taken 33 minutes to put on. After lunch, Badcock and Hoar carried on the attack, the batsmen continuing stonewalling tactics. One run came off the first- five overs Badcock sent down, while three runs were scored from Hoar's first-four overs. Play was deadly dull. Twenty-five overs saw as many runs come up, and the wags in the crowd commenced to be ironical in their comment. There were seven maidens, and only 6 runs in the first eleven overs which Badcock sent along, and six maidens and five runs in Hour’s first.ten overs. It took 71 minutes to hoist 30 runs. . . After sending (town 13 overs, eight of which were inaideiis, for 7 runs. Badcock gave way to Jbowry, who sent down eigbX

overs, six of which were maidens, for 7 runs. Hoar, after bowling seventeen overs for 13 runs, gave way to Rotherham, whose first ball Alloo pulled to mid-on for four, six coming from the over. This brought 40 up. Knight then off-drove Lowry for three. In Rotherham's second over, Knight leg-glided the first ball to the track, bringing the first fifty up for 101 minutes’ play. After bowling nine overs for 6 runs, Lowry gave way to Badcock. Otago were now 100 runs to the good, with all their wickets in hand. In Badcock’s sixteenth over, H. Alloo lifted one over the bowler’s head to the sight-screen, bringing 60 up. With 68 up, Lambert took the ball from Badcock, and H. Alloo, who had been at the wickets for 121 minutes for 33, lifted the new bowler’s first ball into Dempster’s hands at extra long-on, the fieldsmhn falling as he took the catch in a crouching attitude. The retiring batsman had given his side • a good start by assisting Knight to put on 68 for the first wicket. 68 —1—33. Blunt joined Knight, who was 28, and Henderson took the ball from Rotherham, Badcock making a double change by replacing Lambert. A Bad Run Out. After being at the wickets for 145 minutes Knight had the bad luck to be run out. Blunt played a ball to Badcock at deep point, and Knight hesitated and was too late when he did _ run through, James whipping the bails off with the batsman two yards short of the crease. The retiring batsman had played a dogged innings for his 31, which did not contain a single boundary stroke. 78 —2 —31. , Eastman came next and opened in confident fashion by swinging one from Henderson over the ropes at square-leg. The tea adjournment was taken with the board showing two down for 78. Upon resuming Henderson and Lambert continued the attack. With a snick to leg for 3 off Henderson, Blunt ran into doubles and brought 90 in sight. Runs were coming faster now, both batsmen shaping confidently.

A Slow Hundred.

The first hundred came up for 166 minutes play, and Otago was 14< runs on with eight wickets in hand. At IUU Lowry took the ball from Lambert. Eastman soon rah into the twenties and then brightened play by hooking Henderson to mid-on for 4 and cutting him late three balls in succession for 2,2, and 1, 9 coming from the over. 1 his brought 120 up. • . . Hoar here had another try in place of Henderson and Badcock took the ball from Lowry. Eastman placed Badcock neatly to the on, and they ran 3 for it, and in the same ove- he pulled one to mid-on for 8. 7 coming from the over. The partnership had now realised over 50 for the third wicket. Eastman, as in the first innings, was playing bright cricket. He soon ran into the forties, placing them into the gaps all round the wicket. . . , The Essex professional ran to his half-centurv in an hour exactly, and Blunt reached 30 by driving Hoar past cover to the fence. The wicket ap patently was starting to do things, as Eastman came up to Blunt s end and the pair started to do some hammering down. P With his score at 56 Eastman had a life Henderson dropping a chance at mid-on off Hoar, who was bowhng well. The Otago coach ran into the sixties with a sweet on drive off Badcock and turned the next ball to square-leg for n couple, bringing 110 up. End of a Bright Knock.

With the total at 172, Eastmans sparkling innings came to an end, Henderson taking a smart catch at n !^' ol L°® Hoar. The Essex professional had been at the wickets for 75 minutes for' his 67, and gave a finished display of cleter timing and placing. 112—3—0.<Monk arrived to see Blunt drive H°ai past point to the fence. Monk who played a few games for the Hutt Junior G team last season, opened confidently, and, with Blunt going well, the scoie was moved along to 190. Blunt was now in th ll f oar ie started his 29th over, and was still bowling with rare precision. Monk, iiowever, got hold of one and banged it over the boundary at square-leg. . James missed a chance of stumping Blunt off Lambert, and the batsman vas so grateful for his escape that he banged the next ball up against the pickets at square-leg. With two to long-off off Lambert, Blunt reached his half-entury. Hoar’*s 31st over was a maiden Monk pulled Lambert to square -leg : and drove the next delivery to long-off for three. Two Hundred Up. The pair were going well, and soon ran past the second century. Huns were now coming fast, and 220 soon apPe in 6<l the dying stages, Lambert, Blunt readied his half-centuiy. and Blunt a short one from Hoar iu the same direction for four. Both men were going strongly when stumps were dtawn at 6 o’clock, when the board showed the proud record o beinir loss of only three wickets, Blunt being 61 and Monk 31, the pair having affiled 62 for the fourth wicket?. The Mel lin’ton bowlers could do little on the easy wicket, but all plugged away determinedly. Hoar put up a very b' l ® performance in securing one for overs, eleven of which were maidens. The scores are as follow: — WELLINGTON.— First Innings. C. S. Dempster, c. Douglas, b. A. Alloo is H Foley, c. Galland, b. Monk .... ig F. T. Badcock, b. Elmes T. C. Lowry, e. Monk b. Elmes .. 42 G. A. Rotherham, b. A. Alloo .... " J. R. Lamason, run out ..... • • • • ■ K. C. James, c. Galland. b. Elmes -• 11. M. McGirr, e. and b. Elmes .... ob H. M. Lambert, b. Eastman •• Hoar. b. Eastman M. Henderson, not out .......... • ' Extras: Byes 15, leg-byes 3 .. 18 Fall Ot of wickets: One for 43, two for 90. three for 157, four for lu7, five for 189, six for 238. seven for 328, eight fol 331, nine for 335, ten for 351. BOWLING ANALYSIS.

OTAGO. First innings Second Innings. A. R. Knight, run out ........... 31 H. O. Alloo, c. Dempster, b. Lambert 33 IL C. Blunt, not out ,•••••• I, C. Eastman, c. Henderson, b. Hoar bi Monk. Hot out •••;•• Extras: Byes 5. leg-byes 3, wides 2, no-ball 1 U Total for three wickets 234

Fall of wickets:-One for 6S, two for 78, three for 172. BOWLING ANALYSIS.

AUCKLAND DEFEATS CANTERBURY MARGIN OF TEN WICKETS MERRITT PLAYS FINE INNINGS By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, December 27. Canterbury entered on the third day's play in their match with Auckland with an almost hopeless task before them, but the local men to-day gave a much better batting display than they had given in the first innings, and to some extent made amends for their earlier failure. There is no doubt that weather conditions on the first day handicapped them considerably, but even allowing for this Auckland clearly demonstrated their all-round superiority. The northerners won by * ten wickets.

The weather kept fine, though it was far from being ideal cricket weather. A cold easterly blew across the ground all day, and only at rare intervals was the sun in evidence. There was only_a moderate attendance, the sum of £45 representing the gate takings. The continuation of Canterbury's second innings saw some fine batting by the two Old Boys’ representatives, Merritt and Page. Merritt's feat of top scoring was exceedingly popular, especially as it was unexpected. Any doubts as to his batting ability were completely dispelled, for he played an innings of which any batsman in the team would have been proud. Not the least meritorious part of his knock. was the manner in which he curbed his desire for a hit. He had ago at two or three which he missed, but they were off the wicket. His defence was sound and thoroughly painstaking right through, but what was especially pleasing was his enterprise. He picked out the hittable ball with great judgment, and many of his scoring strokes were as good as anything in the match. Page is entitled to equally high praise. He was always in aggressive mood and it was only very accurate bowling that kept him quiet. He showed commendable restraint, sound and careful defence, and his scoring strokes were with few exceptions high class. His and Merritt’s batting stood out as the bright spot in an otherwise disappointing display by Canterbury. Burns shaped like a class batsman during the short time he took to make 23. especially in regard to his scoring strokes. His off-driving' was especially good. Newman played a lot of sound and good cricket for his 17, and against pace bowlers he looked as though he could stay there all day, but he was not nearly so confident to Bowley’s slows. Of the others, Hamilton batted very soundly until he was unlucky enough to be run out. His defence was distinctly good, but he did not make the most of his scoring opportunities. ~. , , The Auckland attack was of high quality right through. Allcott, Weir, Dunning, and Player were a quartette that always required watching, and not at any time during the innings was the bowling loose. Then’Bowley, with his tricky slows, always seemed a likely wicket-getter, though one had a feeling that such temping stuff would be soundly trounced in club cricket. The Auckland fielding was as good as the bowling, and the two made up a fine exhibition of out cricket. Auckland were set the easy task of making 78 runs in their second innings. They made them without the loss of a wiclTt, but the Canterbury bowling was so good that they had to fight for runs all the way, and it took them an hour and 20 minutes to get them. Mills made his 30 in a manner that suggested that Canterbury was lucky to get rid of him so cheaply in the first innings. One could not but admire the confident and easy manner in which he met the best of the bowling, and a loose ball was trounced in equally approved style. Bowley was not quite so sound, but when Bowlev retired hurt, Postles appeared to find no difficulty in playing the bowlling, good as it was. The scores are as follow: — AUCKLAND. First innings 330 Second Innings. Bowley, retired hurt 20 Mills, not out 30 Postles, not out 16 Extras 12 Total for no wickets 78 CANTERBURY. First innings 153 Second Innings. Brasnahan, b. Dunning H Crawford, c. Dunning, b. Weir .... 4 Roberts, b. Weir ••••;•. 0 Page, c. Dunning, b. Weir <6 Newman, b. Bowley 17 Hamilton, mu out 18 Merritt, c. Mills, b. Dunning 84 Evans, c. Rountree, b. Allcott .... 0 Read, st. Rountree, b. Rowley .... < Burns, b. Weir Cunningham, not out " Extras Total • 254 Bowling Analysis.—Player took no wickets for 15 runs; Weir, four for <3; Dunning, two for 47: Allcott, one for 50; Bowley, two for 52.

WELLINGTON COLTS BEATEN. By Telegraph.—Press Association. Auckland, December 26. The Auckland junior cricket representatives under 21, beat 'Wellington colts by an innings and one run. Auckland made 163, and Wellington 41 (Neal 15),in the first innings, and 121 (Neal 36), in the second. Bowling for Auckland, _Nolan took a total of nine wickets for 47 runs in the two innings.

WALKER SHIELD SERIES

AUCKLAND DEFEATS CHRISTCHURCH Dominion Special Service. Christchurch, December 27. Auckland beat Christchurch by 36 runs in the Walker Shield match to-day. Resuming their siteond innings this morning with 7 wickets down for 100, Auckland were all out for 125, Burton being unbeaten with 42. Christchurch collapsed in their second innings, being dismissed for 63. Clarkson and Sweeney being the only batsmen to offer much resistance. The scores are as follow. — AUCKLAND.—Ist Innings 87. Second Innings. A. Gedye, 1.b.w., b Newton 8 W. Badeley, c. Sweeney, b. Mills .. 2 W. Fletcher, c. Mills, b. Newton .. 4 A. Dunning, c. Shand, b. Mills .... 12 G. Cox, run out A. Turner, e. Mills, b. Thompson .. 20 A. Kerr, b. McDonnell 9 L. Martin, stpd. Aris, b. McDonnell 1 E. Stallworthy.' run out O J. Barnes, c Mills, b Newton 11 R. Burton, not out 42 Extras H Total 125 Bowling Analysis.—Newton 3 for 30; Mills 2 for 36; Langford, none for 22; McDonnell, 2 for 5; Thompson, 1 for 23. CHRISTCHURCH.—Ist Innings, 113. Second Innings. A. Shand, b. Kerr 2 R. Chinnery, c Dunning, b. Burton 1 H. Mills, 1.b.w., b. Burton 0 R. Langford, b. Kerr 1 D. Stokes, c. Martin, b. Burton .... 4 G. Newton, b Kerr 0 W. McDonnell, run out 0 W. Sweeney, stpd. Badeley, b. Kerr 23 11. Thompson, b Fletcher 5 B. Aris, b. Burton • g J. Clarkson, not out ... 23 Extras 2 Total 63 Bowling -Analysis.—Kerr, 4 for 32; Burton, 4 for 28; Fletcher, one for one ; Stallworthy, none for one. The tournament will be continued tomorrow, when Wellington meet Christchurch. FEILDING v. VICTORIA COLLEGE HOME TEAM LOSES ONE-DAY MATCH. Dominion Special Service. Palmerston North, December 27. Victoria University College yesterday defeated a Feilding team on their home grounds by 46 runs in a one-day match. Detailed scores are as follow: — VICTORIA COLLEGE. H. Osborn, 1.b.w., b. G. Connell .. 39 MacKenzie, c. Sandford b. L. Bramwell 34 P. Caldwell, 1.b.w., bG. Connell .. 63 G. Caldwell, c. S. Bramwell, b. L. Bramwell 10 Arndt, c. L, J. Wild, b. L. Bramwell •• • 1 Smyth, c. Telford, b. G. Connell .. 18 Bishop, 1.b.w., b. L. J. Wild •••••• 0 R. Osborne, c. Telford, b; G. Connell o Camp, c. Gibson, b. Laing ........ » Sherwood, not out g Fraser, run out y Extras - 11 Total 188 Bowling Analysis.—McDonald, took no wickets for 21 runs; B. Connell, none for, 46; S. Bramwell, one for 19; Telford, none for .22; Sandford, none for 20; G. Connell, 4 for 26; L. Bramwell, 2 for 11; L. J. Wild, 1 for 9; Laing, 1 for 5. FEILDING. B. Connell, c. Bishop, b. G. Caldwell 3 Whitehead, 1.b.w., b. H. Osborn . . 2 McDonald, c Frazer, b. G. Caldwell 30. L. Bramwell, b. H. Osborn 29 S. Bramwell, c. P. Caldwell, b. 11. Osborn •• • 21 Sandford, b. H. Osborn .......... 14 G. Connell run »ut ’’ Telford, run out 11 Laing, b. R. Osborn 11 Gibson, b. G. Caldwell lb L. J. Wild, not out 5 Extras 0 Total 142 Bowling Analysis.—H. Osborn, took four wickets for 19; G. Caldwell, three for 43; P. Caldwell, none for 20; Sherwood, none for 15; Camp, none for 7j. Arndt, none for 0; Bishop, none for 13; R. Osborn, one for 13. ESSEX CLUB CAPTAINCY REASONS FOR CHANGE (Australian Press Association.) London. December 25. . The Essex Cricket Club has reluctantly decided to publish the circumstances in which the change of captaincy has been made. The report states: “The committee has long been aware of the feeling in favour of n change. The committee asked J. W. H. T. Douglas whether he would resign. He promised to give the matter consideration. Douglas was unable to attend a sub-committee meeting which recommended the change. The complete minutes were sent to Douglas. Morris’s appointment to the captaincy was not made without full consideration. The committee is aware that certain members of the team were disloyal to Douglas, and was also fully aware of Douglas’s services to cricket. For this the committee was most grateful, and asked Douglas to play as often, as possible for Essex and join the selection committee.”

TEST CRICKET

QUESTION OF PLAYING OUT MATCHES P. F. WARNER’S VIEWS (United Press Association.—By Electric Telegraph.—Copyrlgh t.) (Australian Press Association.) (Rec. December 27, 7.10 p.m.) London, December 26. P. F. Warner, writing on the question of played out tests, says the Australian view deserves serious consideration. Also, many are prepared to urge that such fixtures as Gentlemen versus Players should be revived. In the Australian programme he thinks that four days, from 11.30 -a.m. to 6.30 p.m., should be allotted, with a fifth indefinite, provided the rubber has not been decided. “There is over much county cricket. A reduction of the programme when the Australians are here would be welcome and beneficial.” SELECTION OF TEAMS FOR THIRD TEST (Rec. December 27, 9.50 p.m.) Melbourne, December 27. The English team for the third test will be selected on the morning of the match. Andrews and Bradman have been asked to remain In Melbourne till the Australian team has been selected. ADVICE TO SELECTORS (Rec. December 27, 11 p.m.) Sydney, December 27. Interest in the third test match is at a high pitch. Cricket writers and others are offering gratuitous advice to the Selectors in. the same liberal manner as hitherto. There is an insistent demand in Sydney and Melbourne for Bradman’s inclusion, likewise A’Beckett, Oxenham, O’Connor and Andrews. The wicket of the Melbourne ground is reported to be perfect. THE AUSTRALIAN TEAM (Rec. December 27, 11.45 p.m.)' Sydney, December 27. Unexpectedly the Australian team was announced to-night. It is as follow's:—Ryder, Woodfull, Kippax, Oldfield, Bradman, Hendry, V. Richardson, Grimmett, Blackie, Andrews, A’Beckett, and Oxenham. The foregoing Includes the twelfth man, who has not been selected. SHEFFIELD SHIELD MATCHES NEW SOUTH WALES BEATS VICTORIA Melbourne, December 26. The Sheffield Shield match between Victoria and New South Wales was continued to-day. Replying to Victoria’s 376' in the first innings (A’Beckett 113), New South Wales made 420 (Kippax not out 260, Hooker 62). Bowling for Victoria, Ironmonger took three for 95, Hendry, three for 58, A’Beckett two for 92, Ebeling two for 81. The KippaxHooker partnership was responsible for 307 runs, a record in inter-State cricket. Victoria, in their second innings, lost six wickets for 251 (A’Beckett 95, Hendry not out 65). (Rec. December 27, 9.50 p.m.) Melbourne, December 27. In the Sheffield . Shield match Victoria declared its second innings closed with 251 for six wickets. Fairfax took three wickets for 4'5. New South Wales in the second innings made 156 for two wickets (Bradman 71 not out, Seddon 38 not out),. New South Wales won by 44 runs on the first innings. SOUTH AUSTRALIA BEATS QUEENSLAND Adelaide, December 26. In the Sheffield Shield match against South Australia, Queensland replied to South Australia’s 582 with 296, and following on made 416 in their second innings (O’Connor . 61, McCoombe 112, Rowe 52, Nothling 46, Lister 45). Bowling for South Australia, Williams took five wickets for 145, and Wall two for 82. South Australia, in their seconds innings, made 132 for six wickets (Pellew 53), thus winning by four wickets.

0. M. R. w. ...... . . 40.1 Y 96 2 0 24 1 A. W. Alloo .... .. 29 1 51 2 .. 2» .. 15 1 73 0 TJoimlm* ...... Y 1 14 0 n. c. Alloo ... 1 1 0 Zimmerman 1 1 0 0

0. M. R. W. Afr'dirr ...... 3 1 1 0 Henderson • • • ... 14 4 0 Horn* ••••••• ... 34 11 67 1 Bailcoek ... ~ i 14 37 0 ... 12 6 15 0 Jjflinbcrt • • • • • ... 17 44 1 Knthnrbfim . .. ... s o 20 0 Foley ... 1 0 2 0