A DRAWN GAME.

Evening Post, Volume CXIII, Issue 55, 7 March 1927, Page 8

A DRAWN GAME.

With the big task of overhauling Institute's total of 523 runs, Midland settled down to work in earnest at Kelburn Pauk and made such good progress that by six o'clock, when stumps wore drawn, they had reached 477 with three wickets in hand.' With another half hour at their disposal it is quite possible that Institute's total would have been overhauled. An outstanding performance was that registered by the Midland captain, W. A. Baker, who opened the innings and remained undefeated at its close, his score standing at 226. Baker, who a few years ago wns ranked as one of the best batsmen in New Zealand, demonstrated that lie has lost none of his form. His batting was the last word in soundness, for he gave not a Biugle chance during his long stay at the crease, and made scarcely a single faulty stroke. The ball was sent to the boundary with a regularity that must have been monotonous to the Institute fieldsmen, and towards the close he .hit out and placed several sixes to his credit. Admittedly, the Institute bowling was not strong, but it takes a batsman of calibre to score a double century under any circumstances. Baker's performance was duly recognised by spectators. Dind, who, partnered Baker for the second wicket, was .also in great form, and was unfortunate to miss his century by six runs.' He was more aggressive tL.au his partner, especially towards the end of his innings," and he took a heavy toll o£ the bowling, sixes being very common. It was an attempt at a big hit that brought about his downfall, the batsman failing to connect with a slow from Prince and being smartly stumped by Bilby. Turvey, who reached 81, batto 1, well, and appeared to be well set for his ceutury when he allowed.a half-volley, probably the worst ball of the day, from Malcolm to skittle him. Patrick was typically breezy in putting 24 together, and Tidman and Hester did good service. Malcolm was the only bowler to come out of the ordeal with anything like good figures. Details follow:— > INSTITUTE. First Innings ;.... 523 MIDLAND. First Inningß. Baker, not out 226 Doneghue, b Malcolm 9 Dind, st Bilby, b Prince 94 J. Hutchings, run out 0 Pati'ick, b Malcolm 24 Turvey, b. Malcolm 81 J. W. Hutchings, c Banks, b Malcolm 1 Tidmau, b Malcolm 17 Hester, not out 14 Extras „ H Seven wickets for • 477 ■ Bowling Analysis: Baumfier took no wickets for 66 runs, J. Malcolm five for 147, Ward: none for 28, Rodgers none for 54, Griffiths none for 24, Foley none for 25, Prince one for 75, Banks none for 75