PETONE'S ALL-ROUND ABILITY.

Evening Post, Volume CIII, Issue 53, 4 March 1922, Page 12

PETONE'S ALL-ROUND ABILITY.

During the season Petone have had little need to test their defensive qualities, and for this reason it was generally expected that they wonld be unable to succeed against Wellington with a .firstday total of 432 for eight wickets. Only one course was open to them if they were to save defeat, and that was to hold out on the second day and make the match undecisive. Their chances of doing so were not by any means, bright, as it would be practically a new experience for the team. To the surprise of Most followers of. the game, Petone achieved their object in such a manner as to exceed' the expectations of. even .thp 'most optimistic of their own supporters. Only six batsmen were required to accomplish the task, and apart from adapting themselves to requirements they did Hot neglect to make runs.? To a certain extent they were assisted by comparatively weak bowling, Wellington's chief trundlers being off colour and affected more as the game" progressed by a" solid defence. Petone's fight in this respect furnished further proot of the ability of the side to meet any circumstances, and left no. doubt as to their title to premiership. Play was not altogether dull for the spectators, as at times when the bowling became loose the scoring was increased at a fairly good rate, notably when Finlayson and Cate were associated. Boundaries were frequent/ and a few big hits each realised six. "This and previous displays are fully deserving of the success which has come to "Petone, and which has been in no small way due to youth and keenness. '"■