PLAY IN THE FINAL

Evening Post, Issue 82, 6 April 1936, Page 14

PLAY IN THE FINAL

MIDLAND'S INNINGS

A splendid century by Crawford, and a timely and forceful stand by O'Neill were factors mainly responsible for Midland's first innings' victory over Wellington in the senior championship final on No. 2 wicket at the Basin Reserve. Damp conditions also had an effect, and there were some lapses in the field by Wellington. On the first day ■ Wellington made 183 runs and Midland, who were handicapped to some extent by the failing light, ,had made 35 runs for the loss of three wickets. Owing to the unfavourable ■weather and wet wicket on Saturday the commencement ol play was delayed for some thirty-five minutes when it was decided to continue after the wicket at both ends had been liberally coated with sawdust to provide a better foothold.

Midland's two not out batsmen Crawford and Buddie faced the initial at-; tack with confidence and it became evident that the heavy outfield would considerably affect the batting performances. Conditions otherwise, however, were in favour.of. the batsmen. Fifteen runs were added before the fourth wicket fell, Buddie giving a catch which was accepted smartly by Morgan. TindilL who opened cautiously, soon settled down and during his stay the score was.advanced by-94, many singles being acquired by smart running between the wickets. With the dismissal of Tindill Midland still required 89 runs and with only five ■wickets in hand their stocks had slightly fallen. It was at this stage, though, ISiat O'Neill became associated with Crawford and before the partnership ■was dissolved Midland had the match practically in hand. O'Neill, who appeared uncomfortable at first, gradually worked into effective action and before losing his wicket he rattled on 41 runs. His valuable stand, which lasted 57 minutes, took Midland to within six runs of the required total and altogether he hit six 4's.

Crawford all the time had been doing splendidly, though he had a "life" at 30. He presented a sound blade to most of the deliveries, and at no stage did he appear troubled by the Leg strokes, square cuts, and powerful carpet drives were all executed in a masterly fashion by this colt and at the close of the innings he was still undefeated. His was really the matchVinning hand.

After Midland had made 184 and the result consequently had been ■placed beyond doubt, the Wellington captain gave Crawford a sporting chance to tfbtain his century. He used bowfers who are seldom looked upon in that light. Although the remaining wickets fell cheaply Randall kept his end up well and provided Crawford with the necessary assistance, and this pair carried the total to 237 before being separated. Crawford finished'; up unbeaten with 106. , '

Although the Wellington ■< bowling was well varied few of the bowlers were able to gain results on the day, due, no doubt, to the uncertain foothold and greasy ball. Symes did well in capturing four wickets (three on the first day) at the cost of 63 runs and Meech, who took two .wickets/main-; tamed a steady. attack which always bad the batsmen on their guard. Airey, as has been the case on other occasions, showed that his particular type of delivery can be effective. Details:— WELLINGTON. ', ; ,; First innings 183 MIDLAND. . : First Innings. ljustin, b Symes 11 McCawe, c Whyte, b Symes f> Buddie, c Morgan, b Symes 18 Bezzant, c McDonald, b Symes ..., 6 Crawford, not out 106 Tindill, b Meech .. :. 20 O'Neill, c Airey, b Morgan ...;.. 41 Osborn, b Meech 0 Fay, b Airey 1 Newman, st Whyte, b Airey 5 Randall, b McDonald 15 Extras 8 Total 237 Fall of wickets: One for 17, two for 18, three for 30, four, for 50, five for 94, six for 178, seven for 178, eight for 189, nine for 197, ten lor 237. - Bowling.—Symes took four wickets for 63; Meech, two for 53; Airey, two for 20; Morgan, one for 12; Blundell, •one for 52; Cousins, none for 13; Mcpcmald, one for 7; Thomas, none for Tflhe umpires -were Messrs. Mooreand y ebb.