CRICKET

Dominion, Volume 22, Issue 83, 2 January 1929, Page 12

CRICKET

PLUNKET SHIELD WELLINGTON’S GOOD START MATCH WITH CANTERBURY By Telegraph.—Press Association. Christchurch, January 1. In the Plunket Shield match, Wellington versus Canterbury, Wellington had •433 on for eight wickets, when stumps were drawn yesterday, and rain to-day caused a postponement till 11 a.m. tomorrow. Under the circumstances, the game looks :t foregone conclusion for Wellington, and it would not be surprising if they won by an innings. Yesterday was perfect, and the wicket developed into a batsman’s paradise. The crowd were treated to an entertaining day’s cricket, and there was incident enough which gave the banker an opening for his-wit, especially -when Lowry was not only keeping balls Off his wickets with his puds, but occasionally indulging in a drop-kick at the ball as it broke away- to the off. Canterbury's . bowlers and fieldsmen got a thorough gruelling. and were glad when the -play ceased. The fielding was very poor, showing lack of anticipation, and many catches were dropped. ’ - Lowry .won the toss, and Dempster arid Foley opened. Foley went without scoring, the board showing 3—l—o. Lamason ■ ’yvas next, and on reaching double figures, touched a fast one, which was excellently taken •by Burns, 18 — 2— lo. Lowry was the incomer, and. opened scratchily. The pair brought a century up for 103 minutes play. The bowling had no terrors, and the pair were going strong at-the-lunch-eon adjournment, the score then being 127. - • - -- , On resuming, Dempster stopped a straight out from. Read with his piids, 130—3 —63. Dempster gave an exhibition of sound, stylish batting,.thoroughly in keeping with his great reputation. He had a much harder task than those who followed him, for in the early stages the bowling‘was very good, the wicket giy- t ing bohTers some assistance. . He met it;' however? with an easy confidence and correctness that was an object-lesson to young players. Lambert joined his skip.-, per. but did not stay long, going out for a hit, and being stumped, 192—4 —TO. James filled the gap, and 208 came up for 189 minutes’ play. With 63 more on Page clean bowled Lowry, 263—0