CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 19381, 15 October 1926, Page 12

CRICKET

PROSPECTS FOR THE SEASCH

[By Mid-ox.]

OARISBROOK.

Oarisbrook was well down tbe list last season, and when it became known that Worker, Ramsdon, and a few other useful men would not be available this season there was naturally consternation in the south enders’ camp. Fortunately, however, thev have gained Blunt, one of the best allrounders in the dominion. Apart from hia prowess as a player, Blunt’s presence will improve the morale of the side immensely, and no wonder the supporters of the team are looking forward canfidontly to the coming season. There is a distinct prospect that G. G. Austin, whoso capabilities with the bat require no enlarging on hero, will be persuaded to skip the first grade side. It is generally admitted that Austin retired all too soon from serious cricket, and his reappearance will bring joy to the hearts of all followers of the game hereabouts. George Dickinson met with an injury to his shoulder early in the football season, but this should not in any way affect his trundling abilities. Dickinson, of course, wilT bo one of the first players picked for tho English tour.

Slow-bowler Douglas will again be available. He was a little disappointin some of his engagements last season, but he is one of tho type that develops with age and experience. Norman, one of last season’s biggest disappointments, will not bo available, and it is reported that Bardsley is' taking a season off in order to nurse some injuries sustained at Soccer._ _ It is understood that another promising colt, Proctor, will be playing for another club.

Green, who did so well as the team’s sally last year, will again bo assisting the club. Allan, one of the most promising of tho younger players, finds his way into tho firsts, along with another likely-looking colt, Gonrley. Cantrell, who has the happy knack of coming to light at critical moments, was not always a certain starter last season, but he is settling permanently here. Amongst tho newcomers are M’Gavin, who played for Albion last soasoji, and Lynch, who comes from the north. Oarisbrook have a fine quartet of bowlers in Dickinson (fast), Douglas (slow), Blunt (slow), and Cameron (medium). With this attack they should be an extremely difficult proposition.

As usual, the side has had a big influx of junior players, but it is obviously too soon yet to start prophesying about them.

ALBION. There will not be many changes in the Albion team, though _ # it looks as if M’lvor, a very promising colt, will not be available this season, as ho is at present in Oamaru. Jim Shepherd was very unlucky last year, having the leanest season for a long time; but his admirers are hopeful of better things this time. Should ho strike anything like his best form, he will have to be seriously considered for the English tour. Blamires, S. Duncan, W. Vorrath. Dr Reid, Caskie, Binnie, and Blair will all bo available again. > There are a few new players who will have to bo considered for places in tho senior team, including Reid, late of Milton. Albion won tho second grade A competition last year, and it is likely that some of the youngsters will bo given a chance. The side is at present badly in need of a wicketkeeper. GRANGE.

It seems to be difficult to remember a season when Grange did not win the first grade competition. Of course, good play has been the main factor in their successes, but their wonderful team spirit has also had a good deal to do with it. The side is also fortunate in having a skipper with the superabundance of energy that is displayed by Galland. All tho old side will be seen in action, including A. W. Alloo, who has been threatening to abandon tho game for golf for several seasons past; but fortunately tho allures of cricket appear to bo too much for him, and he takes his place manfully at the crease at the beginning of each season. Conracli, who was prevented from playing at tho latter end of last season owing to a motor accident, has completely recovered, and will be out again. It has been confidently reported that M’Gregor will be playing for Dunedin this season, but Secretary Rowland denies this. MTGregor will certainly be wanted by Grange, whoso attack is far from classy. Hanau and Elmes, the latter on oxChristchurch player, should find places in the senior team. “ Bill ” Rowland, who is now a life member of tho club, is again the secretary. Galland is the only one who can equal him for bustle and buzz. DUNEDIN.

The Dunedin Club had a run of lean seasons until last year, ! when at one stage they looked certain winners of the shield, but a great chance was tossed away in the final game. Ihings look brighter than ever for the coming season, and although they have lost Casey several new and decidedly likely-looking playora have joined up with the old club. The departure of Len. Casey considerably weakens their bowling strength whilst it also deprives them of a hard-working secretary, who put a tremendous amount of enthusiasm into the task of rehabilitating the club’s fortunes. Next to Dickinson, he was easily the fastest bowler in Dunedin, and although ho lacked staying power, he was frequently very deadly tor an over or two. “ Dick ” Torrance bowled with all his old-time resource last season, and there is no reason to suppose that ho will not do as well this time. Ho was a big factor in the club’s success last year. The two other representative players, Cherry and Baker, have youth on their side, and one anticipates a few sparkling performances this season again. Amongst the newcomers are C. L. King (Christchurch), Hanan (Invercargill), Arthur Wilson (Wellington). The first-named is a stylish bat, who compiled a few good scores for Linwood seniors last year. Ho is also a useful change bowler. Hanan is a cousin of the Grange performer, and those who have seen him in action in the south are predicting a bright future for him in local cricket. _ Both these players have all their cricket before them. Wilson is considerably older, but his experience will be invaluable to his side, as some years ago he was captain of Old Boys (Wellington). Battle, who played a game or two for Kaikorai, is another acquisition to the club. Ho played some time ago for St. Albans (Christchurch). HIGH SCHOOL OLD BOYS. The High School Old Boys’ Club will not have many new performers this season, though, should they be admitted to the_ first grade, there will bo a very different story to tell, as Dickinson, Knight, and A. W. Alloo would almost bo certain to link up with the new club. The matter rests with the Grade Committee, which is hardly likely to reverse its decision of last, season. It is obvious, however, that the team that played in the B section of the second grade competition should be promoted to the A section.

The weather ami the races permitting, there should be hosts of enthusiasts at the nets, to-morrow. Otago’s place in the sun, from a cricket point of view, is Largely dependent upon whether .Oil gol jg ip a generous m?pd, go ~

far matters have been far from encouraging, as only one club has been able to got in any practice at all. Tho heavy rain recently left the grounds in a very soggy state, whilst the top-dress-ing operations on the Oval and North Ground have been seriously interfered with. Tho Oval is not getting any better, and those who are unfortunate y condemned to play pn it occasionally during the season will be looking forw&rd to tbs time wliou Xiogfin Parle will be available. Perhaps by this time the Oval will have subsided out of existence. Many parts of it are certainly in a bad way at the present time, and it does not look as if tho improvement scheme can make any material difference to it. The North Ground during tho past few seasons has been as bad as any ground could possibly be, and the only hope for it is for a ploughing match to bo held on it, and then left to recover for a couple of seasons. Oarisbrook is never at its best until near the end of November, but after that it has no equals in the dominion. There is a very hopeful feeling amongst all tho clubs that may be taken as a portent of a great season should the Celestial Meteorologist be favorably disposed, which he certainly wasn’t last year. Blunt’s debut in Otago cricket will be looked forward to with considerable interest. In fact, this player’s presence hero should act as a big stimulus to tho game. After the wretched season we had hero last year, it badly required something to put now life into tho pastime, and perhaps Blunt will bo a material factor in the rejuvenating process.