CRICKET

Dominion, Volume 23, Issue 73, 19 December 1929, Page 13

CRICKET

PLUNKET SHIELD MATCHES WELLINGTON & CANTERBURY Although the Plunket Shield matches are somewhat overshadowed this seasou by the visit of the M.C.C. team, interest in them has been stimulated by the announcement of the Auckland, Otago and Canterbury teams for these games. Otago plays Auckland nt Auckland during Christmas, while Canterbury and AA ellington commence their match at the Basin Reserve on Saturday, December 28, Canterbury being engaged against the Englishmen just prior To their departure for the North. A perusal of the names of the Canterbury team leads to the conclusion that the Canterbury authorities have selected a young team which will ultimately be welded into a combination calculated to restore Canterbury to her former greatness. The team will be led by M. L. Page, the New Zealand representative batsman, who will have under his command R. C. Burns, C. M. Harris. I. B. Cromb, and AA r . E. Merritt (Old Boys), P.’Allen, J. L. Powell, and A. AA . Roberts (Ricearton), G. Simmonds (Sydenham), aud S. G. Lester and R. O. Taibot (Old Collegians). A notable absentee is R. Read, who has bowled so well and manfully for Canterbury for many years, but is now making the younger generation. It will be noted that J. Newman, the popular Hampshire professional, is not included. This is in accordance with the Canterbury policy of excluding coaches from their representative teams. While the team is strong in batting almost down to the last man, the bowling. in the absence of a left-hander and a bowler of pace, leaves something to be desired. Merritt, of course, is a host in himself, but he could do with a stock bowler like Read to support him. Possibly Talbot may fill this role. There have been many stirring contests between Wellington and Canterbury during the last fifty years, and the coming game should provide good fare for the public. J WELLINGTON COLLEGE v. WANGANUI COLLEGE RAIN STOPS PLAY Dominion Special Service Wanganui, December 18. The annual cricket match between Wanganui Collegiate School. and Wellington College was continued to-day. In their first innings yesterday Wellington made 124 runs, and in their first strike AA’anganui replied with 110. On a sodden wicket this morning AA’ellington iu their second lost seven wickets for 04 runs. Heavy rain stopped further play. Ihe game will conclude to-morrow. Detailed scores are as follow: COLLEGIATE SCHOOL. First First innings “ Second Innings. Stephenson, b. Fullerton-Smith .... 1 Law, b. Kirkcaldie-Y Masters, 1.b.w., b. Fullerton-Smith .. L Stevens, b. Fullerton-Smith Wiggs, c. and b. Bennett Hill, 1.b.w., b. Glendining Reynold, not out ••■••••• X Bird, c. Bqjpiy, b. Bennett u Cooper, not out S Extras Total for seven wickets 64