A GREAT MATCH

Evening Post, Volume CVII, Issue 20, 24 January 1924, Page 4

A GREAT MATCH

OTAGO'S FIGHTING FINISH

REMARKABLE CRICKET FOR THE SHIELD.

(Bi TELEGRAPH.—SPECIAL TO THE POST.)

DUNEDIN, This Day. The conclusion of the Plunket Shield match saw a great fighting finish on the part of Otago, who were faced with 641 runs to get. The looked at one time to have a possible chance of achieving what would have been a marvellous >viii. HcSwever, the tail did not ana they were beaten .by 145 runs in a match in which 1904 runs were scored. This is easily- a^ record aggregate for New Zealand, aricf does not fall far short of an Australasian record. Seven cenjturies were made, and two other batsmen were within an ace of scoring three figures. each. Also the display given by both teams has aroused wonderful-""

interest, not only locally } but throughout the Dominion, and must dp a lot of good to the game, especially in view of th visit of the New South Wales team.

The wicket provided for the match at Carisbrook came in jfor unstinted praise, and the caretaker, Mr. Ross,-was congratulated by both teams on his work. The wicket at the conclusion of the game looked fit enough to start another match on, and throughout it gave no assistance whatever to the bowlers. It will be remembered that Ross was awarded the Cncket Council's prize last year for providing the best wicket in connection with the tour of MacLaren's English team.

The outstanding bowler of the match was A. W. AUoo, who todk 12 wickets. His form was such that the opinion was expressed that he should be seriously considered for the New Zealand team. In addition to his bowling performance he was one of those who rose to this occasion in Otago's second innings, and made an invaluable 65.