CRICKET COMMENTS

Dominion, Volume 29, Issue 133, 29 February 1936, Page 4

CRICKET COMMENTS

Hutt Valley Association

(By Fibst Slip.) The joint leaders in the A grade, Empire and Trafalgar Park, suffered defeat on Saturday in the Hutt Valley Cricket Association competition. Gear, who now occupy pride of place, accounted for Em. pire, and the rapidly improving Bell Park side disposed of Trafalgar Park, _ Gear’s win gives them a lead of one point over Empire and Trafalgar Park, but they have to meet General Motors, who seem to be more confident of late, and Bell Park. Their last fixture will be a hard match to win, as Bell Park’s performances recently have been very convincing. The determined batting of Pollock, 33, O’Halloran, 52 not out, and Murray, 22, enabled Gear to win by a substantial margin. O’Halloran’e innings was one of his best displays. in recent years, and proves what a fine all-rounder he is. Pollock’s 33, although long overdue, contained many fine shots and he lost his wicket in attempting a big hit. Empire, without the services of Capstick, appeared to be a disorganised team, for on a batsman’s wicket they could only muster 92, their chief scorer being Philp, 27. Wood, their fast bowler, was of little use on a slow bowlers’ wicket, and at no time was he dangerous. Bell Park by defeating Trafalgar Park narrowly on the first innings placed themselves nearer championship honours, Eckoff, 30, and Lilburne, 25, were their main batsmen. Barnes, 23, again top scored for Trafalgar Park. W. Blackwood, five for 16, bowled exceptionally well for Bell Park, and always commanded respect. . x Meadows, 144 (Harvey 52 not out, Green 36), were fortunate to escape defeat from General Motors, 126 for seven (Wellington 45, Brandy 28), time alone saving them. Both Wellington and Harvey returned to the form that won them representative honours this season. Both played defensive and toward the end of the innings attacking cricket. Harvey being the more polished. Green (Meadows) again batted excellently in making 36. and showed improved form behind the Metters United, 79, defeated Grace'field, 69. Sharpe (Gracefield’s captain) will be an absentee for the remainder, of the season owing to a cartilage in his knee giving away at the nets. This is unfortunate for both him and the association, ae his performances in club and representative cricket assured him of the trip to Christchurch at Easter. Henshaw (Gracefield), with the captain’s responsibilities'or his shoulders. returned five for 19, and flighted his deliveries with judgment The three leading teams in the B grade all. suffered defeat, General Motors accounting 'for Waiwetu, Central defeated Todds, and a weakened YALC.A. team surprisingly defeated Taita. Putt (Y.M. C.A.), an unorthodox left-handed batsman, scored heavily against the Taita attack. Strickland (Todds), five for 20, found the Nai Nai wicket to his liking and bowled very well. Oddfellows, 129, easily ■ accounted for Gracefield, 14 and 123-for nine. . At this week’s meeting of the management committee it was decided that at •the termination of the second round of the A grade a knock-out competition be played. Special rules for this competition have been drafted, and clubs concerned will be' circularised at a later date. A special feature of the competition will be the awarding of points, eight points for an outright win, five points for a first innings wiu, and two for a tie.