A STRONGER GRIP

Evening Post, Volume CXI, Issue 69, 23 March 1931, Page 14

A STRONGER GRIP

MIDLAND SCORE WELL

GOOD BATTING EFFORTS

In setting out on the final series of championship matches, commenced ou Saturday afternoon, the teams in the senior competition looked to run-getting in quick time, and the result was that play was of an entertaining order.. Midland, With a lead of four points for the championship, made a splendid beginning against Potone on No. 1 wicket at the Basin Reserve, aiul thus tightened theiv grip on the premiership. Baker, who has been scoring solidly throughout the season, was again of great assistance to Midland, but several others made good contributions, notably Doneglme and Tindill. In the latter part of the innings wickets fell cheaply, but a total of 261 was reached, and this served to enhance Midland's prospects.- of carrying off the championship: Before stumps were drawn Petone made 17 runs for the loss of one wicket. Wellington took first strike agaiust University on No. 2 wicket at the Easm Reserve, and went for the bowling m good style, their object being to make as many runs as possible before declaring at ten minutes to five. Worker, Whyte Hollings, Morgan, and Airey all battedl aggressively, and through their efforts Wellington had made 208 runs for seven wickets when the innings was closed. Worker was given out lbw in playing; a ball on to his pads, and the University | captain sportingly recalled him, but Worker was quite satisfied to accept the original decision. Wellington set up a hot attack, and several times Blundell and Symes were unlucky in not getting wickets. University however, gathered in 75 runs for the loss of one wicket before stumps were drawn. In Welhngton s innings Harrison performed the Hat trick" At Kilbirnie the home team batted first against Old Boys, ancldidjot waste any time in running up 272 runs. Ward, Crook, arid Bilby all scoring well in spite of Lambert's bowling, which^accounted for seven, wickets for 88 TO Old Boys ran up 98 runs for two wickets bfore Play ceased for the day, Ronaldson and Lamason making most ot tne nms At the Hutt Recreation Ground Hutt compiled 204 against Instate, M'Girr being responsible for | nearly halt that total. Bilby bowled well for Institute, who replied with 65 for two wickets The two Wellington representatives in the New Zealand team, C. 8. Dempster and X C. James, are not assisting their respective Warns in the final matches as they leave for England next Saturday afternoon!

OUTSTANDING PERFORMANCES. BATTING. jrGIrr ■ (Hutt) »9 Baker (Midland) 1>« Ward (Kilbirnie). XO Crook (Kilbirnio) £» Boilings (Wellington) ■* Tlndlll (Midland) ■*% Morgan (Wellington) •>" Whyte (WolliiiBton) v £ Bilby (Kilbirnie) V* Donegliuo (Midland) *J BOWLING. T,ambert (Old Boys) I for fj Bilby (Institute) J Harrisoa (Univuisitj) *" ™ g Uodger (Pcto:ie) 4 for l.s