CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 17544, 27 December 1920, Page 3

CRICKET

PLUNKET SHIELD MATCH. The first Plunket 'Shield match of the season, played between Auckland (holders) and- Hawke’s Bay (challengers), was commenced at Auckland on Saturday. The weather was fine, and the wicket in good order. Auckland won the toss, and batted, their innings realising 537 runs. When stumps were drawn the visitors had one wicket down for 13. The Auckland batsmen played bright and crisp cricket. N. C. Snedden (Auckland's captain) was in his best form, and only gave one chance before reaching his century. His total was 139. His partnership with Smith realised 222 runs. Smith (91) also gave a fine exhibition. C. A. Snedden marked hi? entry into Shield cricket by making 119 after a cautious innings. Tho visitors’ fielding was sound. The following are the scores : —Auckland, 537; Hawke’s Bay, one wicket for 15. CANTERBURY v. WELLINGTON. In beautiful weather and on a good wicket Canterbury commenced a match at Lancaster Park.' Christchurch, against Wellington on Christmas Day. There was an attendance of over 3,000, from whom £132 was collected at the gates in voluntary contributions. The visitors, batting first, made 176, Lambert (74) and Burton (34) being principal contributors. R. Rend captured five wickets for 62 runs, and Sandman three for 50. At the call of time Canterbury had lost three wickets for 55 runs, Brosnahan not out 18. WELLINGTON v. WAIRARAPA. At the Masterton Park Oval, Wellington won the toss, and going in put together 133 runs,, Wairarapa replied with 124 (Dacre 64). NEW SOUTH WALES v. VICTORIA. This Sheffield Shield match was begun at Sydney, on Christmas Day, in very hot weather. New South Wales in their first innings have seven wickets down for 314 (Bardsley 125, Macartney 68). Macartney hit a ball on to the wicket for the third time in succession, once in each of the innings of the test match.