TRIBUTES TO MERRITT

Evening Post, Volume CXVI, Issue 31, 5 August 1933, Page 11

TRIBUTES TO MERRITT

In the latest issue ; to hand of the "Cricketer" a contributor pays a fine tribute to W. E. Merritt, one "of Now Zealand's cricketers in the Lancashire League. Constantino, of course, is a great showman (the writer state's), and the- most written up of all Lancashire League professionals, but I rather fancy the ideal man from a spectator's point of view is "Bill" Merritt, the New Zealandcr., A very free-hitting batsman, he entertains the spectators all the time he is at the wicket with his big hits, and when ho!is bowling there is always something happening, for if the batsmen are not "carting" him all over the field he is getting wickets ■quickly—which is just what the spectatorsin. the Lancashire League like to see. Anyhow it is significant that the Rishton Club, who have Merritt Js assistance, are proving a very big draw this season. ■■•.-■ j Another report gives details of a week spent,by Merritt with the Maori Club at Worcester Park. Five matches were played, and the Maori Club won them all. Many well-known players appeared on the ground during the week, aiyl the New Zealand Test player, W. E. Merritt, played a prominent part in the cricket, finishing up with the "hattrick" against the Jesters (states one account). Merritt was much too clever a bowler for most of his opponents, but B. M. Hasscll, who captains the Maori Glub in such a sporting manner, never let him dominate the game too much, and only "turned him on" when a wicket was needed —and Merritt never failed his captain on a single occasion. "What would some harassed leaders give to bo able to liave a'bowler who can take wickets to order? Merritt's best figures were: Five for 19 v. Incogs., seven for 26 v. M.C.C., three for 10 v. E. W. Dillon's XI, and six for 28 v. the Jesters. His scores were: 18 y Incogs., 8 v. M.C.C., 26 v. Major Minnis 's Army XI, 71 v. E. W. Dillon's XI, and 41 v. the Jesters.