CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 20984, 24 December 1931, Page 4

CRICKET

NEWS AND NOTES

[By Substitute.]

Considerable interest should attach to the games to be resumed on January 9. as most of them were left in a particularly interesting position. Carisbrook and Albion should have a most exciting tussle, the issue being very open at' the end of the first day’s play. Grange should not have a great deal of difficulty in obtaining two points at the expense of Kaikorai, _ with four points a possibility. _ Surprises are apt to happen, but Kaikorai has not yet shown the form to make such a happening very likely. Christian Brothers has set High School Old Boys no easy task to make 286 for a first innings lead on the second day of play, and Dunedin is also faced with a stiff proposition against University, which has 221 runs on with four wickets-still in hand.

’VARSITY’S GOOD START

There can be little doubt about the fact that University is settling down nicely in senior cricket. Against Dunedin at Logan Park last Saturday the student batsmen gave a display which, though by no means free from blemish, was pleasingly consistent and reasonably vigorous. There were times when the scoring could have been brisker, but the bowling, despite the fact that the wicket was easy, could not bo despised. ' . ~ One of the unhappiest features of the game was the poorness of the Dunedin fielding. Several catches were dropped, and the ground fielding was not so crisp as it might have been. Ihe throwing in was shockingly wild for senior cricketers, and it says much tor the keeping of Regan that the score was not a great deal larger., Regan, who allowed only 5 byes out of the 8 extras included in 221 runs, had a most successful day, for, in addition to his saving of runs, he stumped Sinclair and nipped off the bails when Armstrong was run out. Even when he got Armstrong the throw-in was wild. Of the Dunedin bowlers Coupland was the best, although, as far as taking wickets was concerned, Cayanagh was equally succcessful. Considering that he was getting no assistance from the wicket, Coupland’s feat in sending down thirty overs for 61 runs was quite ■ creditable. Cavanagh also came through with a good analysis, but, being a slower bowler, he was able to spare himself: to a greater extent than Coupland. Arnold was dangerous only in patches, and Langley did not bowl so effectively as on some previous Saturdays. However, it was not a bowlers! day, and they have nothing to worry about. _. . .. Ibbotson and Burt gave University a very solid start. As a left-hand opening batsman, Ibbotson is making a •good impression, and it is not beyond the bounds of possibility that an Otago team will in the near future include him in that capacity. Ibbotson watches the ball closely, keeps it low when striking out, and does not hesitate to whack the loose ones to the boundarv. His off strokes are neatly executed, and balls on the leg side dp not go amiss with him. Burt was hardly as finished as Ibbotson, but his display was a big improvement on some of his early season knocks, and the way he felt for the gaps and steered the ball through was very pleasing. Burt has plenty of power behind his blade. One would like to have seen him reach his century. . , . . - Priest played a typical innings—sate, stylish, and liberally besprinkled with telling forward strokes that adhered to the, carpet. If Priest carries this form north with him he will be one of the successes of the Otago team’s tour. Sinclair is batting much better since he made up his mind to score runs and not specialise in defensive measures. On Saturday his stay at the wicket produced some very attractive batting.

ALBION AGAIN COMES TO LIGHT. As has been the case in former seasons when the Albion senior team has performed well in the competition after making a bad start, the old-established north end team is once again showing its true mettle after failing against Grange and Old Boys. The first evidence of the side’s strength was revealed against Kaikorai and on. the opening day of the match against Carisbrook the team performed with credit. Albion’s useful total of 191 can bo accredited chiefly to the lively and inspiring display of Shepherd, who has few equals as a fast run-getter. Against the two Otago representative bowlers, Dunning and D. Smith, he knocked up 50 in half as many minutes, and Ins inning of 67 lasted only forty minutes. His chance to Blunt in the slips when 19 was the only blemish in an otherwise sound and exhilarating knock. This was surely compensated for when he was bowled with a “shooter” from Dunning. In Carisbrook’s turn at the crease he also bowled with his usual steadiness, and with a little more luck might have captured more than one wicket. It is interesting to note that so far this season he has scored 217 runs in five innings, while off seventyeight overs, including twenty-eight maidens, he has taken seventeen wickets at a total cost of only 139 runs. H. Miller, who gave ouo chance in making 22, showed improved form, though as an opening batsman his scores for the season of 13, 24, 9,2, 9, and 22, should bo considerably, better. He has yet to master the art of correct timing in order to get the best results from his efforts. L. Smith, who has scored double figures on every visit to the creases except one, again started off well, registering 13 before he made the mistake of stepping forward and trying to hook a ball on the middle pm from D. Cameron. Smith is inclined to take too great a risk with the short pitched ones. , , , , A pleasing feature of the day’s play was the fine batting of S. Duncan, the ex-Otago representative, who helped himself to 30, including two 4’s in succession off Procter, but ho failed to hook a straight one from the same bowler. Duncan is an bat to watch, and, like his colleague Shepherd, has the happy knack of obtaining his runs quickly.

Interest centred in the reappearance of John Caskie with Albion, but he snicked one into the wicket-keeper s hands after scoring 11. Barron collected his total of 29 m good style and without giving a chance. He was bowled off his pads through playing too soon when trying to pull Dunning to leg. . , ...... Albion lost five wickets for 145, but the “ tail ” did not wag. On the other hand, Carisbrook has five down for 112, but one or two useful bats- f . men have yet to come, so that the side may yet get the 80 runs necessary to avert giving Albion a lead on the first innings. , . Dunning’s handling of the Oansbrook attack occasioned some comment. His first seven overs produced 32 runs, and it is open to question whothci no should have kept himself on so long. Dunning bowled no fewer than twentyfive overs, and later on certainly bowled with more sting, finishing up with six wickets for 78 runs. W itn the wicket hardly, suiting him, !>• Smith was over-bowled in view ot the scant respect with which some or the batsmen treated him. Off ten overs 37 runs were scored. Blunt had only 5.3 overs, but took two wickets tor 6 runs, and in tfiew of his recent success it is difficult to understand why Moloney was not used at all As Shepherd was the mainstay ,of the Albion side, so Roger Blunt saved the day for his side. He batted very confidently and with great freedom, and was only dismissed through failing to get on to an off one from Silver, winch “kicked” a bit. D. Cameron showed good form till ho was run out, and Moloney was very unhappy when facing Duncan, who was unlucky m not getting his wicket. L. Silver failed to find a length in his first four overs, but on his second appearance he was dangerous, and captured three wickets, forty-four runs coming from his howling altogether. When the match is resumed an extremely interesting and exciting Jmisli can bo expected. CHRISTIAN BROTHERS PERFORM WELL. Christian Brothers is one of the most solid sides in the competition, and the inclusion of the coach, F. T. Badcock, has given the side just a little or that stiffening it may have Jacked m tho past, both in batting and bowling. Following up a good win over University, the Brothers made an impressive showing against tho attack or High School Old Boys, and their stay at the crcaso during the whole afternoon realised tho splendid total or -bo runs. The rate of scoring was mute satisfactory, especially in view or the interruption caused by the heavy downpour, and there is no doubt that the inclusion of Badcock and the hope expressed at the club’s opening day has had something to do with the brighter cricket that is now being provided by the majority of the team. Frank Toomev is a most useful opening batsman, and his contribution of 51 last Saturday was the result of a really sound display. He did not bat stodgily, but showed care in dealing with the straight ones, and played Dickinson with confidence, making some nice leg shots off the fast bowler. He scored most of his runs behind the wickets, executing neat shots to leg and down the gully. His only chance was a hot one to Edwards oft his .first ball, the wicketkeeper failing to accept a difficult catch. A gratifying feature of tho innings was tho improved form shown by some of tho colts, and there is no doubt that T. Rodgerson will do well by being placed higher in the batting list, as was done in this match. Ho showed sound defence, and in getting 24 placed the ball nicely, most of his runs coming from shots in front of the wickets. He has not a great deal of power behind his scoring shots as yet, but ho is only a youngstei. and that will come. If club form is any criterion at all, Badcock should certainly make runs in representative cricket, for he is undoubtedly in fine form just now. Ho got another score of 04 in this match, driving powerfully and cutting beautifully. He made his runs quickly, and did not give an actual chance, though he made one or two uppish shots. C. Lynch was strong on tho off, and put togethei a score of 31 in good style, Cusack being another batsman who shaped well in making 25 not out. A. W. Alloa was the most effective member ot the Old Boys’ attack, and kept a good length throughout, also turning the ball a lot. Ho finished up with five wickets for 91 runs • but Dickinson was more expensive thuu usual, his two wickets costing 72 runs. He was rocking them in on the dry wicket, but then tho rain came clown and took the nip out of tho pitch. Alter that Dickinson was content to keep them on tho wicket, bowling little more than fast-medium stuff. The one that took Brookos’s wicket had a bit of extra pace, but he was a little unlucky not to have claimed one or two more wickets. None of the other members of the attack offered much trouble, though Leader bowled well for a few overs. Groves claimed Badcock s wicket at a cost of 20 runs, the coach attempting to get him round to leg, as he had done previously for G and 4 respectively, but missing and being out lb Qld Boys’ fielding was patchy, and the returns to tho wickets were not always of tho best. Things should bo interesting when this game is resumed on January 9, and tho unbeaten Old Boys’ Eleven will have to go hard to srnrpass Christian Brothers* total ot 285.

GALLAND’S. BRILLIANT DISPLAY. Of Grange’s big tally of 277 against Kaikorai more than half the runs were scored by Arthur Galland, who went in midway through the innings, when things were not looking too bright tor the north-enders, and rattled up 100 runs in 105 minutes. Ono experienced judge of the game told the writer that lie had seen Galland in many of his best exhibitions, but he regarded Saturday s display as ono of tho finest the genial Grange' player has ever given, and that is high praise indeed. He made Jus runs with shots all round; the wicket, though his powerful driving got Jinn most of the runs. Ho also made some great shots to the boundary on the leg side, connecting time and again with great power. Ho pulled ono hall ovei tho pavilion into tho street, and generally gave one of the brightest displays of hard hitting and punishing batting seen on the North Ground for many a long day. Ho gave ono or two chances,

a difficult one at 28 being the most expensive. After passing the century he also gave an easier one, but a man playing such an exhilarating knock as Galland certainly deserved a little luck. At the outset, the pitch proved very difficult, and while the ball was dry Constable, the ex-Dunedin bowler, was getting considerable pace off the pitch, and the ball that claimed Knight’s wicket was a “ trimmer.” Constable had most of tho batsmen in trouble until Galland got to him, though Boyd also played him '.veil. He was the only really dangerous bowler, though Rcnnick'also took a couple of wickets. No fewer than nine members of the side were given a turn with the ball in an effort to difelodge Galland, but at the end of the day he was still unbeaten. M’Kay batted soundly in making 15, and was unlucky in being run out. Boyd batted well for 35, and looked like staying, when he was bowled by Constable. Lemm hit hard the “ tail ” end of tho innings for 17, hut he was inclined to lift the ball overmuch , . Kaikorai batted for more than halt an hour, and had lost one wicket for 2-1 when stumps were drawn, young M'Knight being unbeaten with 14 to his credit. Grange tried no fewer than five bowlers in an attempt to separate the opening pair, and the only wicket that fell was claimed by the promoted junior, 0. Dey.

LEAGUE NOTES. On the day’s play Roslyn Mills deserved tho win against Post Office, for whom Briggs played well, getting his runs all round the wicket. He is also worth his place on the field. Palmer has a keen eye and not many balls got past him. Henry was unlucky as he stepped out of his crease to dodge a return which knocked , his bails off. Reynolds plays a straight bat; it takes a good ball to get past him. Greenway was the best bowler, and was steady with tho hat. Beck showed improved form-

THE APPOINTMENT OF MANAGER. There will bo a general feeling of regret that the upshot of the latest discussion conecrning the appointment of a manager to accompany the Otago cricket team on the northern tour has been the resignation from the Management Committee of Mr W. A. Rowland. It will certainly bo the hope of all who have the interests of cricket at heart that Mr Rowland will bo induced to reconsider his decision, though when seen by the writer during the week ho affirmed the decision convoyed to Monday night’s meeting. There has been a difference of opinion as to whether or riot a manager should be sent north with the Otago team, but irrespective of the appointment altogether, the writer cannot help feeling that the association’s attitude in the matter was, as Mr Wycherley pointed out, rather belated, even if it were meant in the best interests of the sport, and under the circumstances it was not surprising

tlmt Mr Rowland adopted the course he did. Mr Rowland was appointed manager of the Otago team at a meeting of the. association on November 26, while the president of the association was absent in Australia. Nothing was said at that time about the shortage of finance, though, of course, it was fairly common knowledge that the association had little to come and go on. At a subsequent meeting the question of the financial position of the association was brought up, but members.reaffirmed the appointment of Mr Rowland. It might have been thought that that would have been the end of the matter, but after that meeting anonymous letters appeared in a newspaper, and a third meeting was called. At this meeting, which was held last Monday night, the motion appointing Mr Rowland manager was rescinded, and during the discussion Mr Rowland intimated his decision to x - esign and left the meeting. Mr Roivland will have the sympathy of many of those who know what splendid work, and practical work at that, he has done for the good of the game, whether they are of opinion that a manager should have been sent or not. If the financial position of the association -was such as to make it so imperative not to send a manager,, an explanation should be given as to why the appointment was made in the first place and then later reaffirmed. One can conceive that so reasonable a man as Mr Rowland would have viewed the position in the right light had it been made clear to him, but it would bo interesting to know if the financial position of the association was any worse at the time the motion was rescinded than it was when the appointment was made. The whole affair will be regretted by cricketers, for men of Mr Rowland’s calibre are too few and far between in cricket these days. Pie has been a member of the association since 1916, a member of the Grade Committee for eight years,' and chairman for the last two years. The association may have saved some money, but it has lost one of its most useful members.

NOTES. Australia has seen no better bowler on true wickets for a long time than Alexander John Bell, the genial giant with the South African cricket team, says a Sydney writer. His in-swinging perfect-length ball has sorely troubled opening batsmen in Sydney and Brisbane. Woodfull, Ponsford, and Bradman, in Brisbane, had a rasping time on the fast wicket rubbing their limbs and at times their bodies when hit by an in-swinging red ball. “ I was dead anxious to play against South Africa, as I have in matches against Now Zealand and England, and this would have completed tho triangle,” said P. M. Hornibrook, the Australian cricketer, when interviewed recently. “If tho selectors thought I was out of form, they should not have included me among the twelve selected. But, having picked me, I fail to see why there wasn’t room for me

among the eleven players, irrespective of whether the wicket was wet or dry.” Otago’s northern tour commences tomorrow with the Plunket Shield match against Canterbury, the present holders of the shield, and local followers of the game will be; with the writer in the hope that the young Otago side will acquit itself with credit. The material is there, and if the men display confidence there is no reason why a good showing should not be made in this game as well as in tho Auckland fixture, which will be decided a week later. The New Zealand Council’s decision that W. E. Merritt should not again be invited to play for New Zealand would probably come as a surprise to those who did not know To what extent Merritt’s negotiations with the Rishton Club (in the Lancashire League) had reached. According to the information that has been given out, Merritt admitted to the New Zealand Council that he had broken an undertaking ho had given not to accept a cricketing engagement in England for a period of two years after his return to New Zealand. The council has certainly taken drastic action, and in view of the action taken by the Australian Board of Control with regard to Bradman’s breach when the Australian team last visited England, one cannot help feeling sympathetically inclined towards Merritt, and after all there is also the loss to New Zealand cricket to consider.