PRACTICE MATCHES

Evening Post, Volume CXII, Issue 95, 19 October 1931, Page 13

PRACTICE MATCHES

PROMISING FORM SHOWN

As a preliminary to the season's cricket competitions most of the local cricketers participated in practice matches under splendid conditions on Saturday afternoon. It had been intended to commence the senior grade championship on Saturday, but this idea was dropped when it became known that a proposal to conclude the matches on Labour Day did not meet with general approval. In the practice matches little in the way of high scoring was attempted, the play being regarded simply as a "pipe-opener." j Signs were not lacking, however, of good form being likely at the start of the championship competitions. , „,,■■'" j-i The Kilbirnie Cricket Club opened its season with a practice match between senior and second grade elevens at tne Kilbirnie Reserve. The opening ceremony was performed by Mr. W. J. Gaudin, who wished the club all success during the coming season. References were also made by Mr. Gaudin to the club's past performances, and to the representation in the representative team. Speaking of cricket generally in the Dominion, he considered that there was no reason why New Zealand should not develop good cricketers and worthily maintain the place recently gained in international cvicket. Tributes were paid by him to tho enthusiasm of club members aud to the work of the ladies' committee.

Those playing in the Kilbirnie senior eleven included Coltman, a former senior player in Australia. His form, with that of several others, created a very favourable impression. In this match, as well as in others on the different grounds, various players retired after bavftig a brief strike in order to give as many as possible a chance of batting practice in the limited time available. v

Wellington and Midland played a practice match on one wicket at the Basin Reserve, and the other wicket was used for a similar purpose by Institute and University. Wellington College Old Boys and Wellington College (promoted to second grade) played a match on the College ground.

There were practice matches in various other grades, as well aa in the Mercantile League. In one league match "Truth" (162) defeated Niven's (128).

Hannah's Factory, 141 (Oliver 71 not out, Upham 20, Dennis 14) defeated Warehouse. 86 (Bonner 28, Morris 14). Bowling for Factory, A. Larsen took three wickets for 1? runs; Allen, two for 8; Dennis, two for 13; Oliver, two for 26. For Warehouse, Evans, five for 49; Gridley, two for 13.