PRESS MATCH

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 75, 29 March 1926, Page 3

PRESS MATCH

CHBISTCHTJECH DEFEAT WEL-

LINGTON.

A team representing the Wellington newspapers visited Christchurch on Saturday and played a match, with the Christchurch newspapers' team at Lancaster Park. The conditions were excellent, and the visitors made a splendid start when called upon to make first use of a good wicket. At the luncheon adjournment the total was 176 runs for four wickets. Wljen play was resumed, however, Wellington suffered; a collapse, mainly as a result of the appearance of the well-known Canterbury representative, A. W. Thomas. The innings closed fo^ 195, Thomas having taken four wickets for 6 runs. Ho well, Russell, and Guiney also gave useful assistance to the home team's attack. Fitzmaurice played a very fine innings, scoring very freely, per medium of a good range of shots. His score of 76 included thirteen fours. Hendry (41), Mummery (22), Fleet (21), and.Freeman (12) and Greig (12) also made acceptable contributions. The Canterbury team indicated that it was strong in batsmen, and, although its chances were not bright at the outset, the position was much improved as the *play progressed, Thomas and Bell being the principals in the effort to place Christchurch in a winning position. - With the exception of Fitzmaurice, the Wellington bowlers did not cause batsmen much uneasiness, while some fielding errors^were also of advantage to the home team, which compiled 292 runs. Thomas was top-scorer for Christchurch with 73, while Bell closely followed with 65. Others who scored well were Hartley-Smith (29), Williams . (27), Howell (31), and Mortlock (20). Fitzmaurice carried off the bowling honours for Wellington, securing nine wickets for 127 runs. The other wicket was obtained by Hornblow. Christchurch won on the first innings by 97 runs.

During the visit the: Wellington team was entertained in splendid style, and appreciation of the hospitality was expressed on behalf of the. team by Messrs. A. Sando, (manager) and J. D. Howitt (captain), who also congratulated the winners on their very fine performance, and expressed a wish to see the Christchurch team in Wellington next season. Messrs. A. Lane and -L. Guiney spoke on behalf of the home team, and referred to the very ■ fine sporting spirit in which the match had been played. The match had been thoroughly enjoyed, and the hope was that it would'be an annual fixture.