CRICKET. SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP.

Evening Post, Volume LXXVIII, Issue 130, 29 November 1909, Page 3

CRICKET. SENIOR CHAMPIONSHIP.

The district scheme has resulted (as was. pointed, out before in these columns) in such an equable distribution (in the main) of the bowling and batting talent in Wellington, that round after round so far surprises and reversals of form are regularly met with. As a direct consequence a greater public interest is being excited — a result which the scheme definitely aims at. For instance : Pet-one, after beating College last round, look like going down ignominiously to East B, on performances one of the weakest. The College are prospering against South, who have a good record ; while the strong Central, the leaders up till now, will have to go hard to miss a two-point defeat from East A. All this is good for the game, and already the new scheme is making its presence noticeable. Wickets on the' Basin were in firstclass order on Saturday, the outfield, too, being fast. Truly, it was a batsman's day, run-getting conditions being as favourable as they ever will be. Quite a large crowd attended at the Basin, where they saw an exciting lastwicket partnership and some not overbright cricket. Considering the reputations of the -men comprising the Central and East A, the cricket (with the exception of the partnership before mentioned) was singularly moderate and unenterprising. Apprpximately four hours' play produced 226 runs on No. 2 wicket, where the boundaries are of the easiest. Seventy-seven of the above total were inspinngly hit up by Hales and Gibbes in well under 'the hour, but the i-emain-j ing batsmen who participated were content to jog along at an unexciting pace. -Apparently the more experienced some batsmen become the less inclined they are to take evpn the shadow of a risk. A striking contrast was afforded by the rate of scoring on No. V, where the Collegians, a young team, comparatively, had three figures up in the hour, when the veterans on No. 2 were about 60. There was not a great difference in the quality of the attack either, but the regular batsmen of East A (and Central later) played a very serious game indeed. Victoria College are having what may bo called a very encouraging season in senior ' cricket thus far. They, began with two -fctraight-out- A'ins, and then struck disaster (in the shape of Petone) in tho third round. Now they have South in. an anxious position — fourteen runs to the bad on the first inning?. This result, so far as it goes, is attributable mainly to Monaghan 's batting and bowling and brisk innings, by Foster, Niven, and Berendsen. When it is noted that the three batsmen named accounted for 106 runs of v total of 156, it can be seen without looking at the detailed scores that the other batsmen were not extraordinarily successful . Monaghan, who threatened a big score, got 29, including only two singles, th'o other scoring strokes being 5 throes and 3 fours. F. Dempsey committed suicide, in a manner of speaking, and De la Maro ran too far out to ono of Cobcroft's slows to trouble to go back, when he missed it. Foster and Niven got together and scored fast, the batsmen being severe on the South skipper's "twirlies. Then Foster lunged forward to Patrick (a fastish ball) and Schmoll cleverly lifted the 'bails — a clean bit of work. Walters "yorked" Niven, and it was all over. Cobcroft bowled some good and some bad balls, with «n undue proportion of the latter. Johnson, a left-hander, bowled Monaghan with a well-pitched fball that swung in from leg. Dind showed some disinclination to going down to the drive in tho field. Though Cobcroft hit up 20, Taylor 24, Burton 21, and Dind 27, Monaghan (sending down some stuff with whip and break on it) clean bowled the first three, and had Dind caught off an uppish stroke." In each case the batsman merely attempted to play the ball. Burton and Dind 'batted brightly, and the former would have been out but that a double fumble occurred. Tilyard, who has shown JittJe form this season, kept one end going for a considerable time for South, a couple of drives being fine strokes. His leg work, too, was sound. With only a dozen or so runs to catch the College score, Johnson, the last man, was deluded by a yorker. Patrick failed again. This player wants to practice some restraint. Considering his form, Burton was sent in late for South. Monaghan, though expensive at first, bowled dangerously after he got a length. The College fielding was patchy. Griffiths at point is not fast enough for that position. De la Mare, who held one catch nicely, is out of place in the outfield. Darroch took a well-judged catch in the slips, sending M'Kay oack. When the last two men for East A got together the score was 100 for 9. When Hales played Miller on some time later, the total was 177. To give an indication of the rate of scoring, it can be shown that of that 100 runs, a half or thereabouts, were singles. Of the early men, Mahoney ran up 42, laboriously,- Hutchings failed, and Little (19) had but a short tenure ; Midlane hit 13 singles, and Birch poked about for twenty minutes for nothing but a little gentle exercise. Then Hales and Gibbes joined interests and smote the bowling exceedingly. Gibbes played a dashing and sound innings, his cutting being nicely timed and safe, while some of his off drives were all that off drives should be — hot and well placed. It was very food form. The crowd expected spme reworks of, Hales, and the fast bowler did not disappoint them. He hit lustily, beginning with fifteen in four strokes. The stand buzzed murmurously as the score lengthened, and both batsmen were received with much noise on coming back. They demonstrated that the attack was not what their chibmates of greater mana had led them to believe. The partnership was responsible for quite vigorous cricket with no element of hick attending. If (.here was pottering about among the East there was some more when the Central strong (potentially) batting team set out after the 177. A score of 49 for five speaks for itself. Hales further distinguished himself by dismissing four j men at an aggregate cost of 18 runs. Beechey sent one back to Hales, and Hawthorne and Bruce, after making a small stand, fell to the same bowler. Naughton jumped out to a nice slow break from Gibbes, and missed. Kinvig began bright] v, and resumes next Saturday with double figures opposite his name. For Central, 7_aws did fairly only. Miller was kept off much too long when Hales and Gibbes were pelting the other bowlers. On such a wicket and to such vigorous batsmen, Itmt straight otutf is of attic use, Birch [ fielded badly |or Coatgtfi Young B_be_ta J

behind the sticks for Central, kept wickets promisingly, allowing very little to pass him. Petone celebrated the first game at home this season by collapsing disgracefully before the Last B team, which, up to date, has done nothing very startling. C Hickey's "slows" were too much for the local men, Isherwood alone doing anything. Hickey bagged seven for 17, and literally mowed down the enemy. When East began, a like exhibition looked imminent, Brice leading off in deadly fashion with Bowles, Wilson and Dickenson—all ciphers. Then Goldfinch and M'Lennaii put a better complexion on the game, Collett assisting. Hickey and Nash kept the ball rolling, tho former hitting four fours and three threes. Petone are still 103 to the bad, with eight wickets to fall. Senior and Brice may do something towards wiping off the deficit. Hutt are still battling, though they struck heavy metal in North last Sat urday. Thanks to llodgers, the suburban team made a respectable score, Rodgers 'notching 58 —an excellent innings, including 10 threes. As he also bowled creditably—four for 45, of a total of 144 for six —the Hutt all-rounder looks like assuring himself of a place in the lepresentative team. On his form last year he deserves it. Luckie (five for 31) was the most successful bowler for North, for whom Wynyard, Williams, Waters, and Finlayson batted effectively. Details are as follow :—: — VICTORIA COLLEGE v. SOUTH. VICTORIA COLLEGE.—First Innings.

Bowling Analysis.—Patrick, one wicket for 28 runs ; Cobcroft, six for 50; Walter*, two for 11; Johnson, one for 16; Taylor, none- for 15 ; and M'Kay, none ior 25.. WELLINGTON SOUTH.—First Innings.

Bowling: Analysis. — Monaghan, five wickets for 59 runs \\ Niven, three lor 26; Foster, ono for 22; and Miller, nono for 25. Umpires—Messrs. Lambert and M'Konzie. EAST B v. CENTRAL. WELLINGTON EAST A.—First Innings

Bowling Analysis.—Kinvig, two wickets for 39 runs; Wilson, ono lor 40; Miller, three for 23 ; Hickson, none for 19; Laws, four for 46 WELLINGTON CENTRAL.—First inning-.

Bowling Analysis.—Hales, foiir wickets for 18 runs; Gibbes, ono for 12; Tucker, nono for 12. Umpires—Messrs. Bock and Varnham. EAST B v. PETONE. EAST B.—Fir.t Inning.

Bowling analysis—Brice, five wickets for 41 runs; Senior, nono for 35; Nunn, one for 27; Joyce, three for 43; Bennett, none for 10. PETONE.—Firbt Inningb.

Bowling analysis—Hickey, seven wickets for 37 runs; Collett, two for 19. Second Innings.

Bowling analysis—Hickey, ono wickefi for 6 runs; Collett, one for 4. Umpires—Messrs. Greenwood and Hayward. HUTT v. NORTH. llUTT.—First Innings.

Total 110 Bowling analysis—Upham, three wickets for 22 runs; Luckie, five for 31; Willis, two for 32 • Finlayson, nil for 10. NORTH.—First Innings.

Bowling Analysis—Pringle, ono wicket for 35 runs; Collyer, nil for 42; Rodgors, four for 4b; Judd, one for 13. Umpires—Messrs Yontts and Donnelly. JUNIOR. North defeated Petone by an innings and 37 runs. Chailesworth, for the winners, took four for 4, and Twohill four for 13. Central and St. John's drew, after a very exciting finish. Tha latter made 61 aad 121 (Schlmidt 20) and CeaUoi 62 and. 120 {Saundttfl 22J,

V.M.C.A., 106 (M'Girr 40, Hughes 26) and 1?J (Murphy 37, Wilson 34), beat East, 88 (Millward 18 not out) and 76 (Book 19). For the losers, Cannole (six for 34) and Joham (eleven for 61) bowled effectively. THIRD-CLASS. St. Mark's, 140 (Cording 51, Charlton 21) and 53 for one (Mason 22 not out), v. College A, 81. Cording took six for 11 and Morrison four for 9. East (one shorU, 140 (Edwards 59, Kelling 30 not out, Pram 22), v. V.M.C.A., 72 (Jacobson 20). For East, M'Cardell took six for 19 and Masterson four' for 24. Bryant, M'Kay. and Elliott bowled best for V.M.C.A. North, 97 (Hili 17. Carmichael 22, Williamson 21) and 52 for two (Edie 16 not out, Biddle 20), v.\ Central, 42. Halse and A. 11 . Bay, for Central, and Proud and Carmichael, for North bowled effectively. JUNIOR ASSOCIATION. Templars, 113 (Cresswell 32, Wright 19, Blenkiusop 16, Dooley 10), v. Har bour Board. 100 (Hamilton 44. Coates 12, Wright 10). Templars' bowling — Blenkinsop, three for 21 ; Brown, four for 44. Clark (five for 25) and Williams (two for 17) bowled best for Harbour Board. Evans Bay. 170 (Kershaw 30, Ward 23, Hay 21. Higginson 20, Clafidge 17, Gambrill 14), v. Vivian, 35 for eight wickets (Makeham 11). Bennett (five for 12) and Wriglcy (three for 13) bowled well for Evans Bay, as did Rowntree (three for 20V and Young (five for 60) for Vivian. Kilbirnie, 63 (Derbyshire 17) and 83 for six wickets (Pooley 24, Hatchard 13, Puissell 13, Bramley 13, Thomas 12), v. Polhill, 24 (Edmonds 14). Thomas (five *or 10) and Pooley (four for 12) were Kilbiinie's best bowlers. Maplestone (six for 20) and Driver (four for 26) were the most successful for Polhill. Thorudon, 52 (Roberts' l4) v. Selwyn, 47 and 48 for two wickets (Curry 18, Murray 14). Bowling for Selwyn, Buck (six for 24), Burns (three for 18). Wils.on and Martin bowled best j for Thorndon. • ' Selwyn B, 110 (Robertson 25, Hopkins 19, Mahony 12, Forrester 12, Windsor 11), v. Wanderers, 48 (Garnett 17, Hatcher 11). Cattanach and Wallis bowled well for Wanderers, Hopkins securing the most wickets for Selwyn. Albions, 188 (Riuverin 86 not out, Duff 26, Barry 23, Farrell 13, Woon 13, Lingard 12), v. Berhampore, 47 (Nelson 17) and 17 (Nelson 6). Bowling for Albion — Cunninghame (ten for 19), Sauverin (five for sevcw), Lingard (four for 35). Nelson and Walker bowled best for Berhampore. 1 WELLINGTON BOYS' LEAGUE. 1 Senior Grade — Marisf Bros. beat V.M.C.A. by 23 runs. Highest scorers : Marisfj Bros., Murphy 14, Galvin 13 : V.M.C.A., Falder 12, Smith 9, Thirkell 8. St. James beat V.M.C.A. B by 4 wickets and 74 runs. Highest sporers : St. James, M'Kay 45, Wilson 20, Tullett 14; V.M.C.A.', Tempest 12. Northland beat Ivhandallah by 45 runs on the first innings. For Northland, Femiell 25, and for Khandallah, Keen 28, Caroline 23 (not out), Auld 22, batted best. Institute beat St. Aloysius by an innings and 68 runs- St. Aloysius played four men short. Telegraphmen beat South Wellington. Junior Grade. — V.M.C.A. A beat Wesleys by an innings and 36 runs. For Y'.M.C.A. Tullelt 32. Worth 17, Bates 15, Aamodt 10; and for Wesley, Huffan 11, were the highest tcorcrs. Northland beat V.M.C.A. B by 9 wickets and 2 runs. For Northland, Roberts 65, Thompson 16, Stapleton 21 ; and for V.M.C.A., Mudie 35, M'Girr 19, being the higheet scorers. Institute A beat Rofeneath by 52 runs. Institute B beat Vivians by 5 runs. St. Aloj>ins won by default from Khandallah. LADIES' MATCH. The Wellington East Ladies' cricket team is having a very successful season. At the beginning of the month it beat the South eleven by an innings and 30 runs, and last Saturday concluded the game with North, winning by an innings and 42 runs. As, so far, there are only three teams, South had the bye on Saturday. , IN OTHER PLACES. [BT TELEGRAPH — I'RESS ASSOCIATION.! DUNEDIN, 28th November. . Cricket matches were continued yesterday in .splendid weather. Dunedin (70 and 86) beat Grange (48 and 83), securing a four-point win. Albion defeated Opoho by 104 runs, the former making 210, and the latter 58 and 48. Carisbrook A beat Carisbrook B on the first innings. The latter made 149 and 199 (Siedeberg 65), and the former closed their first innings with nme wickets down for 295 (Rutherford 75, Godfrey 55, not out). CHIUSTCHUPtCH, 28th Nov. The weather was beautifully fine today, when the third round of the grade matches was resumed. St. Albans (158 and 101) beat Linwood (107 and 124). West Christchurch (216 and four for 0) beat East Christchurch (161, W. Carlton 80). Sydenham (259 for six, A. Jonee 110, W. Hayes 50, J. H. Bennett 54) beat Riccarton (97 and 171 for four, H. Ellis 92 not out). AUCKLAND, 28th November. The fourth round of the Auckland Cricket Association's district championships was commenced on Saturday, in fine weather. The senior grade results are as follows : — Eden v. North Shore : Eden, first innings 134 (Relf 40). Ponsonby v. Grafton : Ponsonby, first innings 104 j Grafton, 103 for two wickets (Mason 70, S. P. Jones 39, not out). Parnell ' v. University : Parnell first innings, 195 (Sale 110); University, 57 for one wicket.

FOURTH ROUND. Victoria College, 156 v. South, 142. East A, 177 v. Central, 49 for 5. East B, 160 v. Petonc, 45 and 12 for 2. Hutt, 110 v. North 144 for G. HONOUR BOARD. Batting. Roclgers (Hutt) 58 Giljijss (East A) not out 40 McLennan (East Si 47 Mahoney (Ea3t A) 42 Footer (College) 42 Bowling. Hiefcey (East D) 7 for 17 Hales (East A) 4 for 13 Luckle (North) 5 for 31 Rodgers (Hutt) 4 for 45 ' Co'jcrcft (South) 6 for 50 Brlce (Pet one) 5 for 41 Laws (Central) 4 for 48

Foster, st Schmoll, b Patrick Vi De la Maro, st Schmoll, b Cobcroft... 1 Monughan b Johnson 29 Dempsey, c Patrick," b Cobcroft ... 2 Sivcn, b Walters 35 Berendsen, c Patrick, b Cobcrolt ... 26 Darroeh, b Walters 2 Ui-iffiths, c Patrick, b Cobcrofl ... 1 Burbiu'ge, not out ... ... ... ... 2 Broad, st Schmoll, b Cobcroft ' ... 1 Miller, v Johnson, b Cobcroft ... 0 Extras ... ... ... ' ... ... 15 lotalu 156

Cobcroft, bMonaghan Taylor, b Monaq;lian Dind, c Do la Mare, b iMonaghan Patrick, b Niven Burton, b Monaghan Tilyard, not. out „ Flimmcr, c Monaghan, b Niven M'Kay, c. Darrceh, b Monaghan Schmoll, b Niven Walters, run out Johnson, b Foster Extra* ... 20 ... 24 ... 27 ... 0 ... 21 ... 19 ... 0 ... 8 ... 1 ... 6 ... 6 ... 10 Total „ ... 142

Hutehingß, c and b Kinvig Little, b Wil«cm Mahonej', b Kinvijj Midlane, b Laws Tucker, b Laws M'Gill, b Miller N. Ilalos, c Wihon, b Laws Lomax b Miller Gibbes, not out Orinimett, c Kiuvig, b Laws E. O. Hales, b Miller ... Extras, ... 3 ... 19 ... 42 .... 16 ... 0 ... 7 ... 0 ... 2 ... 49 ... 0 ... 32 ... 10 Total ..'. ITT

Bopchcy, o and b Hale? ... Bruce, b K. O. Halos Hawthorn, »c N. Hales, b E. O. Hales Birch, lbw, b K. O. Hales Naughton, st Mahonpy, b Gibbes Roberts, not out >.. Kinvig, not out Extras 2 ie c 3 ] 1C 1 Tnhil fnr fi,o tviVL-nts

Howies, o Joyce, b xsnco . . Wilson, b Briee Dixon, b Brice . Goldfinch, o laherwood, b Joyce (Jollett, b Joyce M'Lomian, 1.b.w., b Joyce Nash, c. Powell, b Bnco Hickey, b Nunn ... Miller, not out Claridgo, c Joyce, b Brico Extrus t.. ( I ... ( . . 3: ... 2. ... 4' ... 1' ... 3i ". ( Total ... 16(

Dalgleish, si. Glurnige, fa. Hicfcey Onto, b Hickey Isherwood, run out Bennett, b..Collett Senior, c Collett, b Hickey ... Joyce, b Collett ... „ Brice, c Nash, b Hickey Nunn, not out • Bold, 1.b.w., b Hickey Reynolds, b Hickoy, . . Powell, c. Collett, b Hickey ... Extras .. 0 2 ... 19 . . 2 ... 3 ... 3 ... 0 ... 4 ... 3 ... 0 ... 0 ... 9 Total ' ... 45

JMunn, not out Dalgleish, 1.b.w., b Collett Powell, b Hickey » Bold, not out Extras 3 5 0 2 2 Total for two wiokets Aggregate "l 2 57

Wilson, b Upharn Aldereley, b. TJpham Prihgle, c. Williams, b. Luckia Judd, b Luckie Rodgers, b Luckie Staples, b Luckie Climie, c Blacklock, b Upham Olliver, 1.b.w., b Willis Sanderson, b.- Willie Pilcher, not out Colls'er, b Luckie Extras 7 4 0 0 58 7 3 4 9 3 0 15

YYynyard, b Pringle Phillips, 1.b.u., b Rodgers Hicksou, h Jtuld . . Williams, c Staples, b Rodgers Blcicklock, b Rodgers Waters, not out . . ... ... Upbam, b Rodgers Finlayson, not out . . Extras ... 27 ... 24 ... 7 ... 30 ... 4 ... 25 ... 0 ... 18 9 Total for six wiekots . 144