CANTERBURY "GATES"

Evening Post, Volume CXXXI, Issue 15, 18 January 1941, Page 13

CANTERBURY "GATES"

LOWER THAN EXPECTED

MANAGER'S REPORT

Details of the Wellington cricket eleven's trip to Christchurch recently, when it defeated the Canterbury provincial side by a comfortable margin, are contained in the report of the manager (Mr. J. D. Howitt) presented to a meeting of the Wellington Association's management committee this week. It reads as follows:—

"Canterbury won the toss and as the wicket was in great order it looked like a big first innings for the home side. Canterbury's batting proved rather uneven and it looked at times as though they would only reach a moderate score. Uttley played a solid innings for 78 and Anderson made an excellent 86, but A. W. Roberts proved the great stumbling block, his 94 not out being made by sound and, at times, brilliant cricket. Three of Canterr bury's tail-enders made double figures, thus assisting to bring the total to 359.

"The Wellington team felt confident of overtaking this score, only to find the fortunes of the game fluctuating. Donnelly commenced well, but went off with his batting; D. S. Wilson played a great knock at a critical stage for 72; Norris helped with 36.

"Canterbury's second innings opened at 4.15 p.m. on the second day and through a great bowling burst by Pritchard, well backed by D. S. Wilson, five wickets had fallen for 102 when stumps were drawn.

"The third and final day provided exciting cricket. Anderson played a great innings of 116 and was well supported by the Canterbury tail. The innings closed for 233.

"Wellington, requiring 277 runs to win, provided a real cricket treat for the spectators, although at stages it looked as if the runs would not be obtained in the time. Donnelly's grand batting for 138 not out proved a matchwinning effort. He was ably supported by D. S. Wilson 31, Burnette 23, P. D. Wilson 25, and Pritchard 11 not out. Lamason set a good example to his team at the right moment and 279 was reached in 176 minutes.

"I wish to pay tribute to the splendid batting of Donnelly, -also his brilliant work in the field. T. L. Pritchard played an excellent part in the victory, his. five for 87 off 22 overs in each innings giving him a notable double. D. S. Wilson had a fine match. W. E. Norris kept wickets admirably. "The. team work was splendid and Q.ur eleven "was well led by Lamason. The younger members all did their part. Rabone had a very good match, batting, bowling, and fielding impressively. T. Russ and Burnette both played good knocks. .. "The game 'was. played in the best sporting spirit The team was well looked after in Christchurch. Messrs. W. R. King, C. J. Oliver, and W. Hamilton were most attentive to our needs.

"T. Russ had further trouble with his arm and received attention from Dr. Uttley, a member of the Canterbury team, who advised a few weeks' rest from cricket.

"The 'gates' were not up to expectations."