PLUNKET SHIELD

Evening Post, Volume CX, Issue 157, 31 December 1925, Page 8

PLUNKET SHIELD

WELLINGTON v. CANTERBURY

TO-MORROW.

Wellington's bid for possession of the Plunket Shield is to be commenced to-morrow, when the local representatives will meet the Canterbury team which recently defeated Otago (the present holders of the Shield), by an innings. Canterbury's prospects of success have been enhanced by the performance against Otago, and they expect to put up a strong fight against Wellington. Of Wellington's possibilities a splendid indication was given in the TownCountry match early in the week, in which exceptional speed in the compilation of v runs was shown by the more forcing of the local batsmen. The team selected to meet Canterbury, though without the services of Collins and M'Leod, is regarded as particularly strong in batting, while it has a good supply of bowlers and is capable of smart work in the field. There is every prospect of bright cricket during tho match, which will be played to a finish. If the weather remains fine some high scoring should be registered, the wicket prepared by Mr. A. Brewer having the appearance of playing exceedingly well. The Canterbury team arrived from the South this morning, and indulged in, practice at the Basin Keserve. The team is exactly the same as that which defeated. Otago:—D. M'K. Sandman (captain), J. M'Ewin, M. L. Page, F. Woods, L. B. Brunton, J. L. Findlay, B. 3ead, A. Cox, B. O. Talbot, B. A. Gasson, and Gregory, with G. Mbrtlock as twelfth man. The Wellington team is as follows:—W. S. Brice (captain), J. S. Hiddleston, H. M. M'Girr, B. J. Kortlang, C. S. Dempster, F. T. Badcock, H. Tattcrsall, W. Barclay, H. Lambert, J. E. Banks, and. M". Henderson, with A. M. Hollings as twelfth man. Play is to commence at 11 a.m. each day, and stumps will be drawn at 6 p.m. The, adjournments will be: Luncheon fl-oin 1 p.m. to 2 p.m., and tea from 4 p.m. to 4.10 p.m.