CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 20635, 7 November 1930, Page 4

CRICKET

CLUB COMPETITION PROMISES WELL

NEWS AND NOTES

[By Substitute.]

Under favourable weather conditions the cricket season has been launched, and the opening day’s play was sufficient to suggest that the competition will bo of unusual interest. Dunedin’s strength .was recognised, but Old Boys surprised not a few of the enthusiasts by the fine display made against that eleven last Saturday. Carisbrook looks like being one of the most formidable sides in the competition. Its batting is .solid almost down to the last man, and it does not lack good bowlers with such players as Dunning, Procter, Smith, Blunt, and Cameron to call upon. Grange started off disappointingly, but invariably fields a side that' has to be reckoned with. Albion made a good start against Christian Brothers, . and, containing both players of seasoned experience and a number of promising colts, last season’s champions are again likely to bo in the running. Phristian Brothers is a young side which may mould’ into a very fair eleven, and taking a glimpse of the opening displays one feels confident in anticipating a highly interesting and successful club season. OLD BOYS START WELL. .Dunedin has a very powerful side on paper, but at the same time is going to have its work cut out to stave off defeat in its match against Old Boys, champions of two seasons ago. Old Boys has the nucleus of a good side in such seasoned players as Gale, Dickinson, Alloo, and Co., and there is nothing wrong with such promising young cricketers as Moloney, Giles, Cherry, arid Leader, to mention a likely quartet. Old Boys arid Dunedin were provided with what was probably the best of the three Logan Park wickets, and Arthur Alloo iriado no error when he sent his side in to bat. Under the conditions the wicket played well, though it may but up before tbo game is over. The outfield was slow and rough in parts, which may have been a contributory factor to Dunedin’s unimpressive display of fielding, of which more anon. Dunedin- is extremely well off for bowlers, but though seven of them were tried ; Old Boys gave its opponents an afternoon in the field, and 278 for five wickets was a most respectable first-of-the season tally, and one which suggests that Old Boys is likely to prove a formidable batting side, as most of the members can make runs; and one good batsman who was not playing on Saturday was H. E. Harraway.

The writer heard Arthur Alloo remark during the course of the first-wicket partnership that he would be a bappy man if Gale and Moloney put on- 80 runs between them, and he was not far out. 89 being up when Gale played one on from Badcock. Gale is a very solid batsman, particularly effective with his off shots, and ho did not look like getting. out until Badcock beat him by a change of pace, the ball hanging a bit and Gale playing it on. His 35 was a valuable innings. Gale laid the wood on good and hard, but he also made one or two nice shots to third man.

■ D. A. R. Moloney is regarded as one of Otago’s most promising colts, and he is one whoseems destined to go further in big cricket. He is a more than useful change bowler, but it is as a batsman that he will attract most attention, judging from his delightful exhibition m making 46 on Saturday. It Was the most attractive batting of the innings, and the ball that Torrance heat Jui. with was a real good one Moloney was picking the right ones to score off, and at no stage was lie cramped or stilted in his batting, showing a wide range of strokes and placing tliefn with 1 nice discrimination. _ Ho has benefited from his winter coaching, and is a more finished batsman than before. His driving through the covers was worth watching on Saturday, and his ■timing was first class. Although he may have been most effective to the off, he also made several sweet strokes on the leg side, and ho has started so well that good things will bo looked for from this exceedingly promising young cricketer.

Giles is another young cricketer of more than ordinary promise, and in saying that he has not the same variety of strokes or that polish that marks Moloney’s batting is no reflection upon a good young batsman. He knocked up 25 in nice style, but his timing was a bit uncertain, and he was out eventually when he failed to get properly on to one from Monk and lifted it midway down the pitch, where the bowler hold an easy catch. Arthur Alloo began as if he were badly but of practice. Even Badcock was unable to tempt him, hut the captain’s excessive cautiousness, well intentionod' though it may have been, did not meet with reward, for with only 4 to his credit Alloo was given out Ibw to M'Grogor. Dickinson and Leader, the left-hand hatshian, were in the best scoring partnership of the afternoon, 102 being added for the fifth wicket. Dickinson is known throughout the length and breadth of the dominion as New Zealand’s best fast bowler, a real matchwinner on his day, but it is not so generally known that Dickinson, when he likes, can make runs in most attractive fashion. His trouble on many occasions is common to other great bowlers—he likes to make them too quickly. Dickinson was just a little bit uncertain at the start, but after the first over or two he batted most attractively, the New Zealand representative having the honour of scoring the* first "entury in senior cricket for the season. Dickinson gave a chance to Cavanagh when his score was 49, but that usually reliable field is hardly to he blamed for missing the catch, as the crowd had en'■roachod over the boundary on to the field, and Cavanagh was almost on them when going for the catch. Dickinson’s hidings was not free from blemish, ami he was inclined to play some uppish strokes, especially to the off. Nevertheless, ho drove vimfnlly ami found the gaps well. Most of liis runs were scored in front of the wickets, but ho got a few runs through the slips ami

reached the leg boundary on one or two occasions. Dickinson’s usefulness to Otago will bo even greater if ho decides to devote just a little more attention to his batting than he has done in the past, for there is no gainsaying that ho lias quite a good variety of strokes. Leader took some time to play himself iu, but he hit out quite merrily once ho got into his stride, driving strongly, ■ though Ids most favoured shots wero on the leg side. Cherry had 2 to his credit when stumps wore drawn.

No fewer than seven bowlers were tried during the afternoon, but the attack was rather lacking in sting. Still, had the, fielding been what it should have been Old Boys’ score would have been a good deal loss. This was the first match of the season, so that differentiations will not ho made. In future due attention will be directed to faults in this department. The returns to tho wickets at times wore atrocious, and the backing up left much to bo desired. Although the wicket was not of much use to Badcock he showed that he thrives on work, and sent down no fewer than twenty-nine overs, including six maidens. His wicket cost 63 runs, but ho tossed up very few loose ones, and varying his pace cleverly was also getting a bit of spin on at tho finish. Badcock has such an easy action that he can bowl all afternoon without apparent effect, and one docs not require to bo a prophet to predict a good season with the ball for the coach.

Torrance was as difficult as any bowler tried by Strang, the left-hander bowling ton overs for 24 runs and one wicket. He maintained his usual good length, and ho was swinging across on to the wicket in disconcerting fashion at times. Robertson sent down soma loose stuff when ho came on at first that simply asked to bo clouted, but the left-hand slow bowloy shaped much better at the finish. Neither Clarklge nor Monk was particularly impressive. The former had little command of length dr direction, and Monk was sending down a lot of short ones. Monk’s action is not of the best, otherwise ho would probably collect more wickets than he does. M'Gregor bowled steadily, his fourteen over producing 47 runs for one wicket. ■ BOWLERS ON TOP. Even allowing for the usual first-of-tho-season weaknesses, there was something lacking in Grange's batting against (Jarisbrook. Grange won the toss and took strike, many batsmen adopting purely defensive attitudes from the moment they walked to the crease. Two or three defensive players are useful in a team at times, hut unless a side is prepared to make some show of aggressiveness it cannot hope to go far in the quest for honours. The Grange batsmen may have learnt their lesson, and the second innings may record a different story. As extenuation for the poor hatting, one may venture the opinion that the wicket did not turn out to bo so good ns it looked when the skipper decided to take first strike.- Dunning, for example, was imparting more turn to the ball than usual, and, although ho did not trouble the opening batsmen to the same extent as the swinging Procter, he was rarely _ easy to score off. Knight’s early dismissal was a bad business for Grange, and M'Mullan got 13 by waiting lor the loose ones. Now and then his strong pulling was in evidence, but his was by no means a free exhibition.

No fewer than four players made 8 runs a piece—Boyd, Galland, Elliot, and Riach. Boyd seemed a bit puzzled at the way the ball was behaving. Another innings or two and he should bo hack to his usual ’ run-getting form. With Galland there was nothing halfhearted about the impact of bat and hall, and ho should not be long in striking his best form. Elliot, a newcomer from Auckland, must be given credit for trying to force the game. At the beginning of bis knock he was a little uncertain, but after a few overs ho was timing much better. He will probably turn out well Rinch’s 8 not out at the tail-end came in handy. Ha was one of those who tried to make things bright and breezy Chadwick seemed to be cutting it fine now and then in running between the wickets, but doubtless he was tho bfest judge of the distance and did not come to grief. His style of batting might well lie emulated by some of the younger members. Not everyone is suited to the forward play favoured by Chadwick, but from a study of his action young batsmen should realise that 'it is possible fo hit hard and jet play safe. Procter took three wickets for 10 runs, and if the iator Grange batsmen had proved hard to dislodge ho would probably have been brought on again later in tho innings. Dunning, fairly consistent in length, proved his worth, and Blunt, despite occasional loose deliveries, was quite successful. Cameron was inclined to over pitch. D. Smith, tho young Australian, takes a short run, but without anv apparent effort ho can command considerable pace, lie bowls with a graceful action, varies his bight, and keeps a good length. Ho should do well in Otago cricket. Blunt and Dunning gavo Cnrisbrook a groat start. In making his 30 Dunning gave a crisper, more forceful display than ho has shown for a long time. Ho lias been under the coach, and the wrist work he was getting into some of his shots was shown by the way ho exploited the square cut with almost all the ease of Blunt.

Blunt was finding tlio gap 1 in the field with his usual neatness, but there were moments when his timing was tar from right, and it was this lack of batting synchronisation that led to the several chances that ho gave. If anything loose to leg came along, ho made no bones about sending it bounding to tho pickets. Groves, a very spectacular batsman when he is on his game, revealed a touch of his vigorous play. Ho seems to realise that a player of his typo could not last long if he tried to bat quietly, and, quite rightly, lie goes for tho bowling at every opportunity. Nevertheless, lie knows how to block a ball that is really dangerous,

Elihes’s bowling was inclined to be expensive, but the left-hander sent down good balls u> mako ~,0 wm„ , u es and the club’s .supporters hopeful of his future success this season. Lemin, who was more reliable, came out with the best average. If full time* is played in this game Grange may be bard put to if to avert a three-point defeat. ALBION’S STRONG POSITION. Albion’s chance of getting two points on tho slate appear particularly rosy in tho match with Christian Brothers. With 191 runs up and three of their

opponents out for 22, last year’s champions haye certainly made a very promising start. Not at any time during their stay at the crease did the Albion batsmen show any signs of that first of season timidity. The leading batsmen, particularly, played the bowlers confidently and proved that attack was the best method of defence. Shepherd was outstanding in this direction, and judging by his form on Saturday should be in for an exceptionally good season, trie batted in tho most exhilarating fashion, and had the outfield possessed a little more life he must have hoisted a century. Many of his drives wero executed with sufficient power to have reached the boundary had the outfield favoured him at all. Tho wicket was also inclined to be tricky and the pace of the balls was very deceptive. On tho day it was quite a meritorious effort, of the kind which strengthens his claims to being one of tbo most attractive batsmen to watch in New Zealand. In his total of 71 he hit no fewer than eight 4’s, finally returning one of Brookes’s “ slows ” back to him

His partner in this dashing innings was H. Miller, who was making Ins first appearance with the Albion seniors, though he was a member of Eastman’s colts’ team. This young batsman, while not approaching the aggressiveness of _ his wily partner, played sound cricket and outlived Shepherd at the crease. Thus his effort was more valuable to his side than his score of 17 would indicate.

Jim Barron, who was one of Albion’s leading lights last season, began the new season well by collecting a total of 30 runs iu solid stylo, while J. Allen showed considerably improved form to contribute a soundly played 36. Had any of the remaining batsmen showed any signs of making a stand, it was quite on the cards that Allen’s score would have been larger. After plugging away quietly for over half an hour he suddenly began to stop out when he noticed the wickets falling rapidly. The tail-enders gave little _ support to him, five wickets realising only 13 runs. W. Vorrath, the skipper, appeared to be getting set when Dawson accepted a good catch in the long field. One of tho most impressive knocks of the day was the one by J. M'Haffio, who was scoring freely all round the wicket when ho mistimed one of Blair’s deliveries.

On the day the young Christian Brothers’ side is to be commended 0u its showing. The attack was well handled by the leader (W. Brookes), and the fielding of tho side left little to bo desired. Though two actual chances wero lost, these wore more than compensated for by tho ones accepted. F. Toomey behind the sticks spoilt an otherwise' unblemished display through missing Shepherd when his total stood at GO. Among the bowlers J. Blair and J. M’llroy shared the honours, though Collett was also a valuable asset.

An entirely different tale was told when Albion took the field with an hour to go and Christian Brothers defended the fort. At this stage it is only fair to state that the wicket was in anything but an ideal condition, and that stonewalling tactics were hardly to be condemned under the circumstances. At _ any rate, the Albion attack was fairly dangerous, and all the bowlers had to bo watched closely, though Shepherd was the only one _to meet with success. His two victims cost him only 7 runs off five overs.

GEORGE GUNN WRITES. A prominent member of an English cricket team that’ visited New Zealand many years ago was George Gunn, of Notts County, and that ho has not forgotten the dominion, or the friends he made during his visit here is shown in a letter he has written to Mr G. A. Wycherley, President of the Otago Cricket. Association, who was with Gunn a good deal on that occasion, and also when the Notts player was in Australia on a health-recruiting trip. It may be recalled that Gunn was called upon to play for England against Australia during that visit to Australia which also marked the first appearance in Australia of J. B. Hobbs. Gunn, in his first test, at Melbourne scored a century. That he is now completely restored to health Gunn puts down to “ Now Zealand mutton and the wonderful climate.” Ho is now feeling the strain of the long programme of county matches at Home, and intends casing off a hit, stating that 1m would not mind accepting a coaching engagement'in the dominion. Gunn, at the time of writing, had just returned from tho West Indies, and ho has no great opinion of tho country, or the cricketers, although there are some very fine players. He expects the Australians to put up some records against them, and states that he will not be snprised if Constantiho’s tactics as a bowler find disfavour with public and players alike. His method seems to bo to place about seven men on the leg side, and to bowl in such a manner as makes tho batsman’s position at tho wickets precarious, to say the least. If ho happens to hit one of the Australian idols, Gunn reckons there may be trouble. Owing to the fact that Grimmett and Bradman did not play for Australia against Notts, Gunn did not have tho opportunity of playing against them, but ho considers Grimmett a very fine bowler with an ideal temperament. NOTES. Tiie captains of the respective senior elevens were elected last Saturday, being as follow:—Albion, W. Vorrath; Carisbrook, J. A. Dunning; Christian Brothers, W. Brookes; Dunedin, W. Strang; Grange, A. Galland; Old Boys, A. W. Alloo. With the exception of Brookes, each of the players mentioned above has represented Otago. K H. Tucker, who has retired from cricket after having established a fine record over a long-period of years, still holds tho record for the greatest nunibo- of centuries scored in Wellington sonio 1 ’ cricket (says the ‘Post’). His total is nineteen. _ W. Baker, who gained tho distinction not long ago of passing the 10,000 mark for runs scored in senior cricket, requires one more century to equal Tucker’s record, and C. S. Dempster, who has made more runs than any other Wellington player in a season, requires two centuries to equal tho number compiled by Tucker in senior club matches. Others who have made ten or more centuries are F, Midlano (11),

J. Hutchings (10), and W. Si Brice (10); . . Midlane, whoso name is mentioned m tlie list above, made a double century for Wellington against Otago round about the 1914-15 season, and was a very fine batsman, representing N 3\v Zealand. He also played in Sydney. but did not meet' with a great deal of success over there. It is' to be hoped that in future teams will make every opportunity to start club games punctually, and captains should give the umpires every assistance in seeing that the starting time is adhered to. Last week the match between Old Boys and Dunedin was twenty minutes late in starting. It is all very well to make excuses on account of the opening of the season, but a good start means a lot. Twenty minutes will often mean the difference between a two and a three-point win, and teams should take that into account. ,

Leslie Ames, the Kent wicketkeeper who was chosen to accompany the English team to South Africa, did not accept tho invitation; and N. Farriraond, of Lancashire; took his place. Both wicketkeepers of the team —G. Duckworth and Farrimond—therefore, are Lancashii-e men (says an exchange). Duckworth, of course, ranks ns the best English ’keeper of tho day, and has “ kept ” in the last two series of tests. Farriraond, however, is said to be little inferior to him, and it is only the presence of Duckworth that has kept him out of a regular place in first-class cricket. He is the keeper for the Lan cashire second eleven, but owing to the frequent absences of Duckworth in the season just closed ho obtained many chances in the first eleven, and performed so well that the absence of the test man made no difference. Duckworth and Amos were the two ’keepers in the last English team in Australia. The University Club is making every effort to convince the powers that bo that the time is coming when its claim for entry to senior ranks can be delayed no longer. Tho club is possessed of a real live executive under the leadership of a very capable president in, Mr h. M. Hanan, and its players are exceptionally keen. No fewer than three teams have been admitted to the second grade A competition from the University Club.

Those responsible for the wickets at Logan Park last Saturday deserve great credit, for while it would have been very difficult to play on some of the other grounds the Logan Park wickets stood up to the strain of the bad weather of the previous fortnight remarkably well. Logan Park is a big asset to Otago cricket, and it is a matter for regret that the car service to tho ground is so bad, for games at that end of the town deserve to be patronised, and probably would be if an improved tramway time-table was arranged, not merely for the players, but for the public as well. The Dunedin Club has a splendid array‘of bowlers, but the fielding will need to show a vast improvement if the best results are to be achieved. There was too much slackness evident on Saturday, and young players should remember that keenness and alertness in the field is highly essential in any team that has aspirations towards the chain pionship. Coaching activities for tho season are now getting under way, and during the week Coach Badoook started operations at tho Otago Boys’ High School, coaching having already commenced at M'Glashau College. It is hoped that’ tho colts’ practices at Carisbrook willbo in full swing nest week. An onlooker at Logan Park on Saturday afternoon was J. D. Scott, who was * considered' good enough by the selectors for a place in the Otago team against the colts recently, but apparently was not considered worthy, of a trial in tho Albion senior eleven on Saturday. Those who saw Scott in action with Albion in second grade cricket last season have stated that he is a wicketkeeper of class, and) he is also reported to ho a fair batsman. Without going into the advisability or otherwise of Scott being included in tho Otago team for that Labour Day match, it is surprising that a player of his credentials lias hot been given a trial by the club to which ho belongs.