CRICKET

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 152, 24 December 1926, Page 20

CRICKET

•v "Nor our"

INTEREST STIRRED

BIG GAMES UNDER WAY

WELLINGTON'S STBONG SHIELD " '"' ' TEAM.

Wellington is at present enjoying a foast of cricket;, and while much of it has already been good, the special on tho menu is now about to be supplied. To-morrow the series of "this season's contests for the Plunket Shield is to be commenced, Otago meeting Wellington at the Basin Eeserve, and Auckland and Canterbury trying conclusions at Christchurch. As preliminaries to Wellington's Shield engagements the matches with the Wellington Country and the New Zealand Minor Associations' teams have been of considerable value, both having illustrated the point previously made in these columns, that there is a wealth of good talent in Wellington's Plunket Shield province. The local selector (Mr. K. Tucker) has once again selected a very strong sicle to represent Wellington, in the first Shield match; in fact, it is one of tho best that has ever represented the province, so good that quite a number of players still capable of worthily representing the province and the Dominion are unable to be placed. The batting strength is such that with everything in order there may be some tall s«»™JB- Otae°J bowlers will have to be at their best to prevent this Wellington side from making a big score. The team is solid Si round, aid should be well capable of keeping the Plunket Shield in Wellington's possession.

Tho Cliosen Players. Mr Tucker has called upon three riayers from the country districts to assist Wellington in the match against Otago. These are T. H. Lowry, R. de R. Worker, and C. S. Dempster, _ and they are by no mesßis new to big cricket. ' As batsmen this trio should be of great service, while in the field Dempster and Worker will be a good pair, Lowr/ has been a good man in the field, but having been keeping wickets for some considerable time he may feel the change. James, of course, will be the wicket-keeper in the Shield match, and on performances is entitled to it. There was never any doubt about the selection of Hiddleston, Badcock, M'Girr, and Brice, while this writer has aU along been quite satisfied that Kortlanp was entitled to retain the place which he has filled with credit an. the P Kortlang has always appealed to "Not Out" as one o fthe finest players in New Zealand cricket, and it has been difficult to understand why a man of such sterling worth in cricket should be criticised so harshly. Last year Kortlang made a very effective reply to those who were crying him down, and in the recent Town-Country match he gave them something more to think about. Will tb.036 who have been disinclined to recognise Kortlang's ability still say that this great batsman is not worth his place in Wellington's Shield team! He is good enough^for the very best eleven that New Zealand can put in the field, and if merit counts in the selection of the New Zealand team for England Kortlang must be given a place. The team could well do with a player of his calibre._ The idea that Kortlang has not the residential qualification that should count can be dismissed. He has played more firstclass cricket in New Zealand than he did in Australia, and, moreover, he has already represented the Dominion. I ■ Eeverting to Wellington's team to meet Otago, the remaining three of the twelve players chosen "are Hollings, Henderson, and Lambert Hollings, after his fine performances in club cricket this season, did not come up to expectations in the Town-Country match, though t)!ie experience will no doubt serve him ,welL He is a young cricketer with a big future, and this fact being recognised he is being given his chance. Lambert is the type of player likely to be of good service at any time. Henderson is a better bowler than his figures make him out to be, and has a ball that ban beat the best of batsmen. No matter how hard the match he can see it out, and that is more than can be said of most other bowlers of pace in the Dominion. His big handicap is in not receiving the support he deserves. Bernau may be Counted rather unlucky in not finding a place in the Wellington team, but there are other good players in the same box. It is doubtful whether Mr, Tucker could have done any better. He h'ae picked a great side. The Recent Matcne3. Evidence of the amount of good done by the Wellington Cricket Association for the game in the country districts was furnished by the recent visit of players from the country. The TownCountry match on this occasion was on a par with those played between the provinces, each aide containing players who rank among the Dominion's best. iThat all of them are in the one province Shield district goes to show what a fine field Wellington has from which to draw its Pluniefc Shield team. And then many jplayers of class were unable to get a chance in the match. This fixture is bound to be a permanent one, but such is the advance of cricket in the country districts that the time is coming jwhen they themselves will be strong contenders for the highest honours to be obtained in Dominion cricket. The (Wellington Association is indeed doing a great service to the game in closely studying the interests of cricket and ifcricketers in its country districts.

The trial for the New Zealand minor associations'representatives, staged at the suggestion of the New Zealand JPouncil, was not a patch on the TownjGountry match. iror one thing, the minor associations' team was by no means as strong as the Wellington country team, and it failed badly against a weakened Town eleven. It was of little value as a trial, and certainly the team was not fully representative of the minor associations of the Dominion. The time spent on this match would have been much better utilised in a match of the kind previously suggested in these columns — Wellington country districts v. the Best of the minor associations, or line minor associations v, the major associations. The idea of an1 inter-island match might well have been adopted.

Outstanding features of the TownCountry match were the magnificent batting double by Kortlang and the first-class display of batting and wic-ket-keeping by Janios. Kortlang'a performance was one of the best on record in New Zealand; in the matter of total inns for two unbeaten innings it exceeds that of C. Dacre., who scored 127 and iOl, both not out, in the AucklandiVictoria match two seasons ago. James has improved out of sight, both as a wicket-keeper and as a batsman. Lambert showed good batting form for ,Town, while Airey and Holliuga also made fair scores in the second inningg,' ftbeM two .eoh<s should do well aa they $J*te fSS^^^k fiMHttJE^S jscineipfli.

performers with the bat were Lowry, Orr, and Dempster. All played with considerable restraint. Tho bowling revealed nothing new that might bo of valuo to Wellington at tho present .time. With more opportunities in big cricket Mitchell and Newman would probably be worthy of serious consideration for places in the Wellington team. In the minor associations' match, Going was about the pick of tho bowlers, although in delivering the ball ho often broke tho lino. His deliveries which disposed of Baker and James appeared to be "no balls." Galliehau and Cameron showed good form with tho bat in this match. Stephenson, the young Hawkes Bay player, was disappointing in both matches, as was Worker who was every quiet on each visit t<i the crease, Ota go'a Team. Commenting on the selection of the Otago team to meet Wellington in the Plunket Shield match, commencing at the Basin Eeserve to-morrow, the Dunedin cricket writer, "Mid-on," states: The selectors of the team to play Wellington had very little choice in the way of talent, and, although there are one or two weaknesses, it is generally recognised that the best available side has been combe 4 out. Still, there was one player who should have been given consideration over at least two of those who have been included, and that is J, Lynch, the Southland captain. He did fairly well in tHe match against Otago last week—much better, in fact, than some of those who have been given preference—and he gave one the impression that amongst players of his own calibre he might be an extremely useful man. He bowled all day, keeping a splendid length,' and, although Otago is well off for lengthbowlers of his class, he would have been a handy sort to have in reserve. There is no doubt about- his batting accomplishments, and he is slicker- and cleaner in the field than several of the Otago side. His inclusion, too, would have helped the game in the South.

There is necessarily some doubt as to whether Galland will be able to play. It is understood that he will leave with the team, and, although a crippled Galland might bo equal to one ordinary sound player, the Grange man, bubbling over with enthusiasm as he is, could hardly be expected to take unnecessary risks. Without him in the team Otago's chances would be far from bright. There is nothing to fear about Otago's bowling strength-—that is, if Dickinson is back to his best form by then. ' The fast bowler has not been very successful this year, but the wickets have been right against him. He has already given Wellington a taste of Ms qualities, and he starts off with a big advantage in this respect. Tocrance, the Alloos, Blunt, Galland, Shepherd, and Blamires are there to give him a helping hand. One cannot be so optimistic about the batting, though a side with a Blunt in it might be expected to do anything. Still, the fact remains that several of those who have been the province's mainstays in the past few years have been disappointing in club games. It is unfortunate that M'Mullan, one of the exceptions, is not available. The selection of Green, Carisbrook's 'keeper, is very gratifying, especially as he was overlooked when the players were picked for - representative practice. He was one of the biggest successes on his side in the Southland game, and the selectors could hardly have left him at home. A correspondent suggests that in view of the length of the tail of the Otago side the team should be known as the Kangaroos. Senior Averages. ■ With four series of matches completed A. M. Hollings is now at the head of the batting averages. This player also has the highest aggregate, having scored three successive centuries. Next on the list is W. S. Briee, who was previously at the top. Mason, James, Airey, Hiddleston, and Ronaldson all retain prominent places. Notable advances have been made by, H. Nunn, W. J. R. Christophersen, H. I'oley, WMtwell, W. Dustin, D. Burt, and H. E. Nieholls. Nunn is now third on the list, having carried his bat in all but two of his seven innings. The bowling figures show that the Hutt trio, Beard, Aldersley, and M'Girr are outstanding performers. Beard's figures are particularly good. Badcock is still well in the lead for total wickets, and his average is splendid. In' four matches Badcoek has taken 3t wickets. Beard, with 18 wickets, ha 3 the next best aggregate, followed by Brice and Hollings.

The leading averages are-s—i

Others with averages over 20 are:—W. Turvey (M.), 36.00 (for two Innings); G. Lang (K.), 22 (one innings); and Price (T.)., 23.66. Price Is now In Australia. *JN'ot out. i

The Hat comprises playera who have taken five or more wickets. Price, who has gone to Australia, has an average of 16.33.

In comment upon incidents in tho recent Taranaki-Wanganui Hawko Cup match a Taranalq. writer says: "If Dempster had not been run out by the remarkable throw-in by Lay—a throwin the like of which has seldom been seen before—the verdict might easily have gone the other way." Lay holds the javelin-throwing record for Australia and New Zealand.

It is not unusual to find young players after meeting with little success in the senior grade returning to the junior grade to jump right into form. A case recently was that of G. Burt, who, after a term with the Old Boys' seniors, was back in the junior gradfl, Playing

CHAMPIONSHIP TABLE. Outright 1st In. wId. win Ii. D. Butt . 1 ? 0 0 University lion Y.M.C.A -.-.. i 1 i „ Vilhlrnla _ .„... 0 2 2 0 Old BO?B « 2 2 0 Wellington ° ? » ¥ Institute « 1 I I Thorndon .— 0 13 0 Ch. Pts. 13 8 7 7 C, G C 4 ;i 3

Inu.N.0. BM.A Boilings (Ui) m 5 — 135 Brice (P.) „„*, 4 1 127 Nunn (R) .*« 7 5 3.3 Airey (W.) ,..3 — 66 Mason (T.) ... 5 1 •132 Hiddleston (Wj) 5 — 86 James (O.B.) ..6 1 03 Ronaldson (O.B.) 4 —- 7S Chrlstophersen (K.) ,..., 7 1 121 tfoley (I.) „». 4 — 123 Bruce (M.) -. lM 4 1 77 Tripe (U.) ...,: 5 1 67 Badcock (K.) H 7 1 7-2 Whitwell (W.) .4 2 *47 Dustln (O.B.) K 4 1 *38 Burt (I.) 4 — 1* Hutchinga (SI.) 6 1 SO' M'Glrr (H.) ... 5 — 61 H. Nicholla CP~) 4 — f-1 Kortlang (T.) . 5 1 OS Gibson (T.) ._, 4 1 *39 Craig (W.) .... 4 — 70 Virtue (T.MO * 6 1 +7.8 Calvert (I.) ... 5 — 80 Grant (Y.M.) .. 5 — 39 Doneghue (M.) 5 ■— S"4 Roberta (T.) .... 5 1 34 Baker (M.) ..» 6 -^ 70 Rtzmaurice (O.B.) ..., 4 — 37 Wasatafte (W^) 5 -*■ 48 Tattersall (H.) 6 — 5.7 Massey (I.) ... 6 2 35 Patrick (O.B.) 5 1 44 Ellerm (T.) ..5 1 68 Ag. Ran 39,4 227 ita 1"6"3 215 259 256 182 265 169 125 156 236 77 110 137 156 155 128 118 85 119 135 127 127 125 98 146 07 1-19 131 sm 85 84 US. AVK. 78.S0 75.66 55.00 34.33 53.75 51.80 51.20 45.50 44.16 42.S3 41.66 39.50 39.33 38.50 36.66 34.25 31.20 31.00 30.75 29.75 28.33 27.25 27.00 25.40 25.40 25.00 24.50 24.33 24.25 23.80 21.S3 21.50 21.25 21.00

BATTING.

nra. E. Smyrlc (P,) ■,~'.^^ WH 5 h. Beard (Hi) -,-■** .18 W. A. Aldersley (IT.) 8 H. M. M'Glrr (H.) ..».„ 12 I*. Nlcholls (P.) .««.. 5 A. Flnlayson (P.) •_»...,• IS W. Tucker (W.) ....«,;, » W. S. Brice (P.) «.. IT W. Yletmeyer (U.) .^b, 14 F. T. Badcock (K.) .^-«; 34 W. A. Baker (M.) .«.*. 6 G. Lusk (O.B.) ....-,.»., H M. Henderson (Y.M.) »,.,, 15 A. C. Tripe (U.) ..« ID A. Grant (Y.M.) ....,„„ 13 T. Plant (W.) ->*. 12 A. JI. Holllngs (U.) . .,.'*, 17 P. Ellerm (T.) 10Reyling (P.) 12 H. Lambert (O.B.) : . >x -, 11 Mackay (U.) li H. B. Masaey (I.) ; 14 J. S. Hiddleston (W.) ... : 10 J. Hutchings (M.) ; 11 H. R. White (Y.M.) .„.. 10 Hyder (T.) •*..(■ 9 A. Buncan (OTB.)""...,., 8 J. A. Malcolm (I.) , ; 7 L. Bfowne (Y.M.) ....« 6 B. Judd (M.) 12 H. Bramley (lC> „ 7 T. B. Craig (W.) ...«..» 6 E. PhilllDS (T.) „ 6 K. TuSS" (O.B.) .: 6 30 HI It 40 115 86 187 li! 381 2& 166 219 210 360 1S8 £40 221 131 2S9 228 ■isp 233 21S 195 181 157 343 20;4 17J5 17? 191 6.00 6.18 7.37 7.58 8.00 8.84 0.55 9.82 10.07 11.20 14.00 15.00 16.13 16.C0 16.84 17.50 17.64 18.80 20.00 20.09 20.Hi 20.64 22.30 23,18 23.30 24.22 24.37 25.85 26.16 2S.58 29.14 29.33 29.83 31.8S

BOWLING.