CANTERBURY BEAT OTAGO

Dominion, Volume 34, Issue 80, 28 December 1940, Page 11

CANTERBURY BEAT OTAGO

Seven Wicket Margin

HADLEE’S FINE INNINGS

FOR 144

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) CHRISTCHURCH, December 27.

In a most brilliant exhibition of fast scoring, Canterbury secured a sensational seven-wicket victory over Otago in the interprovincial cricket match.

Faced with the seemingly impossible task of scoring 303 runs iu less than two hours and three-quarters, Canterbury batsmen scored so fast that victory was obtained with more than 20 minutes to spare, and it is doubtful whether there has ever been a more sustained fast-scoring rate in a big match played at Lancaster Park before.

The heroes of Canterbury’s innings were Hadlee and O’Brien, who added 210 for the second wicket in 82 minutes. Hadlee made a brilliant 144, which included 14 fours and one five. O’Brien had one six and 10 fours in his 101. From the beginning runs came at an amazing rate, 50 in 25 minutes, 100 in 50, 150 in 74, 200 in 90, 250 in 111 and the remaining 56 in 27 minutes. Conditions were again perfect and though the crowd was meagre early in the day. it gradually increased as Canterbury’s chance?; improved. Knight and Duncan again gave Otago a good start with a stand of 104 for the first wicket, but. considering their brilliant batting in the first half-hour on Thursday, the remainder of the innings was slow. Knight again gave a polished display for his 54, but Duncan, who made 52, was not quite so certain. Robertson, whose 56 was the top score for Otago, started off briskly, but later slowed down. His display was more solid than brilliant. Of the others Toomey and Smith did best, but each treated the bowling with too much respect. The Canterbury bowling was again consistently gpod, with Burgess for the second time securing the best figures. His three for 61, off 19 overs, was a really good effort. Roberts, who secured only one wicket, was impressive, and of the others R. 11. Scott and R. Westwood were more dangerous than in Otago’s first innings. Hadlee’s batting was the highlight of Canterbury’s Innings. From the start he looked for runs and his innings was one of the best he has ever played for the province. O’Brien, though overshadowed by his captain, played easily his best innings since he returned from England last year. A chance at 63 marred his display somewhat, hut he was always at home to the bowling. Uttley, the only other player dismissed, did not shape as well as in the first innings, but Cromb and Anderson both gave bright displays iu the short time they were in. Though the Otago bowling was badly punished, it cannot be said that it was weak. They were up against batsmen who were looking for runs, and few bowlers could have checked them. Robertson was most used, but he could not keep the runs down, a remark that applies also to the others, of whom Begg and Elmes were the best. The Otago fielding was good and only one easy chance was missed. Scores: — OTAGO.

.. 298 Second Innings. Knight. b. West wood .. 54 Duncan, c. Moynihan, b. Westwood Robertson, b. Scott .. 56 Smith, c. Scott, b. Burgess ... Edwards, b. Burgess 0 Mills, b. Burgess ■ .. 0 Rimes. c. Hadlee, b. Roberts . .. 1 Tooniev c. Anderson, b. Scott Cliettlefolunjh. not out Lester, not out .. 14 Extras Total for eight wickets, declaret . 241 Bowling Analysis. 0. M. II. W. Roberts 1- 0 41 J Westwood 12 1 •14 Burgess 19 2 61 «» Anderson ... 1 <> 4 0 Cronib 6 4 20 0 Scott 1- 1 O’Brien 1 0 53 4 6 CANTERBURY. .. 237 Second Innings. Hadlee, st. Mills, b. t’betlli'bur gh .. .. 14 4 Utllev, e. Knight, 1.. Klines ... .. 16 O'Brien, e. Begg, b. Robertson .. 101 Cronib, not out Anderson, not out .. is Extras - Total for throe wickets .... .. 306 Bowling Analysis. ■0. M. It. W. Begg 7 1 ■II) 0 Elmos < 9 61 1 Robertson ... 8 <1 50 1 Stealth 3 0 30 0 Leader 5 0 -IS 0 Chettloburgh . 3,5 0 41 1. Knight 1 0 22 0