CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 21025, 12 February 1932, Page 4

CRICKET

NEWS AND NOTES

[By Substitute.]

The sixth round of matches has been completed, and leaves Grange two points ahead of Cansbrook, Old Boys, and Christian Brothers, so that interest in the competition looks like being maintained to the end. The're were one or two minor surprises last week, the most noteworthy being the splendid recovery made by Kaikorai against Christian Brothers, the first side which lias failed to notch a four-point victory against the hill eleven.

FLUCTUATING FORTUNES. Fortunes fluctuated at Carisbrook in the match between Old Boys and Carisbrook, and the two-point win by the home team deprived the ex-High School players of their position at the head of the championship table, incidentally giving Carisbrook a chance of being within striking distance when the final reckoning is made. Carisbrook had its misfortunes on the . first day of play, but after losing seven wickets for 178 runs the last three wickets added quite a useful tally on the second day of play, 57 runs being put together in the three-quarters of an hour that was occupied at the wickets. This was clue largely to a sound display given by Jim Cameron, who'took his total to 36 and was unbeaten when Procter played one from Dickinson on to the stumps. Cameron was missed in the slips in Dickinson s first over, but otherwise batted very well, driving well and also making some effective hook strokes. A. W. Alloo did not increase Ins previous week’s bag, but Dickinson claimed two more wickets. On a bumpy wicket he might have been even more effective, but was inclined to bowl too much outside the off stump. Old Boys had plenty of time to make the runs, but slow batting at the start did not help matters. Leader went cheaply, and Gale was much-more cautious than usual. He began in unattractive fashion, and persisted in playing off balls to the on, though he was batting well when he was caught by Allan m the slips off Blunt after making 82. Groves began vigorously enough, hut rashly went for a hit against Moloney, who bowled him with his wrong ’un. _ . ’ Ona of the best bits of batting of the afternoon was seen during Norman Cherry’s stay at the wickets, and his 26 were made in cricketing style. He was opening up very nicely when he mishit Blunt and was caught in the long field. Cherry has shown much improved hatting this season, and his offdriving was worth watching on Saturday. He also made one or two good hook shots, but with his departure it was realised that a good deal depended on A. W. Alloo and Dickinson. The latter restrained a tendency to be unduly aggressive, batting with more restraint than usual, and under the circumstances his tactics could scarcely be criticised. However, just when he looked like making a good stand with Alloo. he played all over one from Dennis Smith and was bowled by a ball that kept low. Arthur Alloo’s value to a side at any time is difficult to estimate, but invariably he gives of his best when his side is up against it. The honours of the bowling were with hini, and he earned further distinction by the valuable innings which he played for his side. His 74 not out was made by essentially correct cricket, and, though he was a bit slow at the start, it would have been folly on his part to risk losing his wicket when his team was in such a desperate plight. He was not too comfortable facing Blunt and Moloney at the start, but once he got his eye in all the bowling was the same to him, and he was placing the ball very cleverly rather than driving. He executed some powerful and well-timed square cuts, and his leg-glances brought quite a lot' of runs. Without his assistance it is difficult to say how Old Boys would have fared on Saturday. Ruff' and Harraway both got themselves out through weak snots,’ but Jack Smith shaped confidently in reaching double figures. Ho was a bit over-anxious facing Blunt, who eventually brought about his dismissal to a catch at mid-off by Moloney. Dunning tried numerous bowling changes, and this policy came off. He himself lacked direction, and, though the ball was occasionally keeping pretty low, he did not look very dangerous, swinging away too much as a rule. Roger Blunt bowled really -well, keeping a good length and turning the ball . a hit. Batsmen who are not at home to slow howling tie themselves into queer knots when facing Blunt, and his improved form with the ball was pleasing in view of the approaching shield match. Ho took four wickets for 46 runs. Moloney bowled with no great amount of luck, taking one for 37. Nevertheless, he kept a good length, and was flighting the hall much better than usual. Don. Cameron trundled accurately, and took two wickets for 22, , while Smith was getting the pace on nicely, and keeping a good length. In one or two cases, however, he beat the bat and just beat the wickets. Kerens was less impressive than nual behind the stumps, and missed one or two chances of stumping, hut the ball was playing tricks and keeping low, and one chance was a pretty difficult one for that reason, The fielding of both sides was good, but the throwing in of some of the Old Boys’ players left a good deal of room for improvement. ALBION’S LATE RECOVERY. Although Albion required only 150 runs to equal Dunedin’s first innings’ total, it was not before eight wickets fell that its position was secure, and a productive last-wicket stand ensued, Duncan reaching his century, to ho undefeated, while Henderson collected 13 not out. From seven for 104 to 233 for nine wickets, when the closure was applied, was surely a remarkable recovery. Undoubtedly, the feature of the innings was the display by Stuart Duncan, who showed a welcome return to the form shown five years ago, when he last made a century. It is recalled that in 1922, when playing for the Otago Boys’ High School team against Southland, Duncan compiled a total of 98, while in the same match F. Kilby, the All Black footballer, distinguished himself by registering a century for Southland. Duncan’s exhibition on Saturday was recognised as one of the most attractive seen at Logan Park, and those who came to the match merely to see Jim Shepherd _ in lively form, had their compensations, for Shepherd’s failure was made up by the interesting and stirring finish which the encounter provided. So far_ this season, Duncan lias batted five times, and has scored a total of 160 runs, with an average of 40. Ho has also taken eleven wickets at a cost of 17.72 runs a-piece. For its attack, Dunedin relied on Coupland, Claridge, Langley, and Cavanagh, who all bowled well until Albion passed the desired total. Coupland and Claridge, however, bowled most steadily, though Langley finished up with the biggest bag. The latter

bowled his leg breaks effectively, and his straight one had to be watched. None of his victims were bowled, two being caught, two stumped, and the other being dismissed Ibw. The only Albion man bowled was L. Silver, who made the mistake of “ feeling ” forward to a fairly fast and short one from Coupland. In Dunedin's second innings, which brought Cherry a total of 29 when he was brilliantly thrown out by Duncan, no byes were recorded, a feature which added to the meritorious performance of the wicketkeeper, Heenan. He was responsible for two fine catches and his work was even better than in the first innings, when he allowed only two balls past him in about three and a-half hours’ play. KAIKORAI AVERTS OUTRIGHT LOSS. There were few who expected that Kaikorai would prevent Christian Brothers from securing the four-point win necessary to place it at the top of the competition along with Grange, but once again the vagaries of the game were revealed, and, showing a marked improvement in batting, the hill team put together the respectable tally of 244 in the second innings, the highest score it has made in first-grade cricket. With six wickets down, Christian Brothers declared, 247 runs being on the board in response to Kaikorai’s first innings tally of 89, but Kaikorai offered surprising resistance to a solid attack. The University Oval, however, was in tiptop order, and the batsmen had no cause for complaint in this respect. Christian Brothers batted barely half an hour on the second day of play, but G. Lynch and F. Dawson piled the runs on in good style, the latter rattling up 47 not out, while Lynch brought his total to 54 before he was caught in the long field by Dunbar. Dawson was in particularly aggressive mood, and ran to .36 while Lynch added 19. Dawson has been used to fast wickets in Wellington, where he played junior cricket, and, though he has been a little disappointing with the Brothers eleven, it has been felt that he was worth persevering with, and his good display on Saturday should be the forerunner of other decent tallies. He was scoring all round the wicket, but his best shots were the late cut and his hook to leg. At times, too, he found the gaps through the covers. Badcock was handicapped by a bruised finger, and, though swinging them away, could not turn the ball back, so that he did well in taking three Kaikorai wickets for 52. At times he was beating the batsmen badly, but they would not play the ball that was swinging away. , It was the consistent M Knight who held Christian 'Brothers up, and to him must be' attributed the Brothers failure to notch a four-pointer. Ibis colt has wonderful defence, and, though h’o does not get a lot of power behind his strokes, they were made in tradesmanlike style. He survived a confident appeah for leg-before while M'llroy was bowling over the wicket, but the lefthander ran in front of the umpire and blocked his view. Ho gave a very sound exhibition, and, although the bowlers were tempting him to have a hit, kept the ball down, bringing off a few nice drives, but_ getting most of his runs around to fine leg. He Was not afraid to use his feet to the slow howling either. , , Balk, who was playing his first game, batted very soundly for 46, and, like M’Knight, had the misfortune to bo run out. He drives a ball well) plays a nice straight bat. Rennick looked like making runs when he, too, was run out. Constable made merrj during his stay at the wickets, and had 26 opposite his name when Badcock brought about his dismissal. The wicket did not suit MTlroy, but the Brothers’ left-hander howled well. He was tossing up slows to get MTvnight to hit him, and even then was not particularly expensive, his two wickets costing 44 runs. The fielding generally was good, though Rogerson missed a very difficult chance in the slips off M’Knight when the Kaikorai man. was in the eighties. UNIVERSITY’S SPORTING DISPLAY. University and Grange provided the spectators at the North Ground with an exciting finish as the result of the latter team’s desperate attempt to secure a four-point win. Grange had a commanding lead when University was dismissed for 131, and with 100 minutes to go the students followed on. They certainly gave a most sporting display, and in contrast to their unenterprising display in the first innings set out about the howling in good style on their second venture to the crease, eight wickets being down, for 205 when stumps were 1 drawn. No time was wasted between the fall of a wicket and the advent of the new batsman, and 1 ’ had Grange not been deprived of the bowling services of Galland, who had a bad foot, it is likely the leaders would have secured the additional two points. _ . The ultra-cautious tactics adopted by ’Varsity in the first innings were not very successful, and only three players ran into the twenties. Mark Hanan played a very good knock for 22, all his shots being in front of the wickets. A. Cameron carried his bat for 24, and also batted quite attractively in the second innings. His display in this game certainly entitles him to retain a higher position in the batting list. J. M’Haffie scored 24 and 60, and his display in the second innings was one of the jnost impressive he has given in Dunedin. He batted excellently, his driving being particularly good, while ho hit several sixers, putting heaps of power behind his strokes. Ibbotson batted an hour for one run in the first innings, and eventually reached 13; but he brightened up considerably in his second knock, and reaped the reward by putting together 41. Hawkesworth’s 36 was a valuable contribution to the second innings total, most of his runs being got behind the wickets. Chettleburgh was imparting a good deal of spin to the ball, and in the first innings bagged six for 53. Elmes has rarely howled more steadily or accurately, the left-hander getting four for 28. He was swinging dangerously, and in view of the shield match next week his improved form is most pleasing. Leinin got a couple of wickets cheaply in the second innings, but was straight up and down. Ho has not shown anything like bis form of last year. Grange’s fielding was of a high order throughout the afternoon.

FINAL SHIELD MATCH. Exceptional interest is being taken in the final Plunket Shield match of the season between Otago and Wellington, commencing at Carisbrook next Inday, and Otago’s great showing in the north has given local supporters hopes of success in the forthcoming game. Little fault will be found with the choice of the selectors in picking Otago s chosen eleven, and in view of the good form shown by the various members in the north and by reason of the fact that they have all been maintaining it m club matches since their return one could hardly have expected the selectors to go far outside their original choice. There was never any doubts, of course, about George Dickinson’s inclusion, and he takes the place that was occupied in the Auckland match by M’Haffie and by Priest against Canterbury. Dickinson will give much sting to the attack of the home side, and if the wicket is at all to his liking big things will be looked for from the fast bowler, as lie has been showing great form this season. Incidentally, he should lend strength to the batting of the team, for there is no doubt that he is one of Otago’s best if lie will restrain himself a little at the outset of his innings. Dunning lias not been so effective with the ball in recent matches, but he is invariably a most useful member of the attack and could not be passed by, while Badcock, Blunt, Elmes, Smith, Knight, and Moloney have all been showing good form since their return from the northern tour. Knight, in particular, has been batting better than for seasons past, and if he allows his natural talents full play there is no telling how well he will do against the visitors. Moloney performed well with the ball against Auckland, and has given indications of a return to form as a batsman, while Smith may well be regarded as one of the province’s most promising young allrounders. Badcock is at the very top of his form, both in batting and bowling. and one need hardly say more, as lie is undoubtedly one of New Zealand’s finest all-round cricketers. Elmes batted well on the northern tour, and in recent club matches the left-hander has met with a good deal of success, which is encouraging in view of the forthcoming Wellington game. Coupland is- another useful allrounder, and Cherry has the temperament for big cricket, his display against Auckland practically assuring him of a place in the present team. Hawkesworth has developed into a wicketkeeper of class, and his stand with Blunt in the Canterbury match will long he the subject of talk wherever cricketers congregate. He had no serious rival for the position behind the stumps, and his selection was assured. , .

Cavanagh is twelfth man, and in view of his improved form lately may be a little unlucky to have been passed by. However, it is difficult to see whom the selectors could have left out in his favour. Dunning will have plenty of howlers at his command, and if. the changes are effected judiciously Otago should not lack variety in its bowling. Dickinson. Moloney, Badcock, Elmes, Coupland, Blunt, Dunning, and Smith are all recognised trundlers, and it is a long time since an Otago captain has had such a good collection of talent at his disposal. A captain may have too many bowlers to make uso of, however, and that may he the difficulty Dunning will encounter. Tlio whole side is capable of making runs, and with the fine showings of the northern tour to give it confidence there is good reason for the hope that the coming game will do • still more to restore Otago’s cricket prestige. The respective* teams are: —Otago.— J. A. Dunning (Carisbrook), captain.

R. C. Blunt (Carisbrook). F. T. Badcock (Christian Brothers). C. Elmes (Grange). D. Smith (Carisbrook). W. Hawkesworth (University). D. A. R. Moloney (Carisbrook). G. R. Dickinson (Old Boys), R. W. Coupland (Dunedin). Reg. Cherry (Dunedin). A. Knight (Grange). , —Wellington.— T. C. Lowry (Rangitikei), captain. K. C. James (Old Boys). C. S. Dempster (Old Boys). R. Crook (Kilbirnie). W. Dustin (Midland). H. M. M'Girr (Hutt). J. Newman (Nelson). H. N. Lambert (Institute). .). R. Lamason (Old Boys). T. P. Heaney (Hawke’s Bay). W. Hepburn (Kilbirnie). R. Morgan (Wellington). THE /jEW ZEALAND TEAM. It seems that a good selection has been made for the New Zealand team to meet the South Africans at Christchurch in the first test match, for it was a foregone conclusion that the majority of those who went . Homo last year would have to go in. The fact that Lowry and Vivian were not available left two more places to be filled, and the result is that four of those taking part were not in the team for England. Roberts and Badcock have both represented New Zealand previously, however, and on the form both have been showing, there was little doubt about their inclusion this year.

In the absence of any indication as to how George Dickinson would bowl in a big match this season, the inclusion of the Auckland fast bowler, Don Cleverley, was wise, and Badcock has also earned his place because in form, ho is. one of the best all-round cricketers New Zealand has. Newman has taken the place of Vivian as a left-hand bowler, and it is pleasing that he has now been given a chance to show his worth in view of the fact that his exclusion from the team for the English tour was severely criticised in some parts, fihe bowling does not look particularly deadly, but Cleverley, Badcock, Newman, Cromb, and Blunt should give it variety, and it is gratifying to know that Blunt is showing a return to form with the ball. Ho told me during the week that his injured finger did not seem to be affecting his bowling as much as hitherto, and he was hopeful of his trundling in view of this improvement. Badcock and Cromb should keep the runs down, though they are scarcely the tvpo to go through a side like the Smitli Africans. However, the bowling docs not seem any worse than it. was in England, and the members of the

attack will just have to battle it through as best they can. Lowry’s defection is almost sure to mean that M. L. Page will lead the team, and he should fill the bill well. It will be interesting to see whether the four new men will strengthen the old combination, and the eleven as selected should certainly be able to give a really good account of itself. PLUNKET SHIELD COMPETITION. Under the new points system a team scoring an outright win is credited with eight points. For a win on the first innings four points are credited, and a team that loses on the first innings scores two points. The position of the Plunket Shield competition with only tbo Wcllington-Otago match to bo.decided is:

Thus to win the shield Wellington requires an outright win against Otago, and if Otago secures an outright win it will occupy the position of runner-up. NOTES. Auckland’s representative wicketkeeper, L. S. Smith, Had the misfortune to meet with a serious accident last Friday night, when the motor cycle he was riding collided with a telegraph pole (says the Auckland ‘ Herald ’). Smith received severe injuries, and his condition is still considered to bo fairly serious. Friends and cricket enthusiasts throughout the province will wish him a speedy and complete recovery. An interesting point cropped np for discussion at Carisbrook on Saturday afternoon. Dickinson bowled a ball that brought four wides in its train, and the question arose as to whether, in reckoning his average, they should ho credited against him. The laws of tlio game are indefinite on the subject, it being stated that “ from a ‘ wide ball ’ as many runs as are run shall ho added to the score as ‘ wide halls,’ and if no run be otherwise obtained one run shall be so added.” A wide ball is not reckoned in an over; and is credited jn the score book under a. separate heading, so that no guidance is given there. Quito a few of the recognised local authorities on cricket wore divided on the point when it was raised, and the matter was referred to the famous veteran umpire Alex. Downes. His reply was without reserve: “ AVcll, wides counted against my bowling average for twenty-five years,” was bis contribution to the argument. And there it stands. V. Cusack, of the Christian Brothers’ Club, is making a good recovery from bis recent oocration, hut will not bo able to dou flannels again this season.

Cyril Allcott’s doublt hat trick for Grafton against North Shore in Auckland last Saturday caused batsmen to come and go so quickly that the scorers were all behind in entering up the details (says an exchange). Allcott howled nine overs without getting a wicket. Then he caught and bowled c man, clean bowled the next, and had the following one caught at forward short-leg. The score was carried laboriously to 37, and then Allcott started again. He got one man caught in slips, trapped the other at mid-off, and clean bowled the last.

The Carisbrook Club will hold a social function on Saturday, February 20, in the Somerset Lounge, at which members of the visiting Wellington team will he the guests of the club. An attractive programme has been arranged, and invitations are being extended to members of other clubs. A remarkable performance was put up by Kimberley, playing in the Dunorlan Association (Tasmania), against Parkham recently. Parkham’s first innings lasted only ten minutes, and all the batsmen were disposed of for ducks, the only (score being one bye. In the second innings Parkham did little better, scoring only 22, and seven batsmen again went for ducks. Tho performance is unique in . North-western Tasmanian cricke,t but it is by no means a record, for there are many instances cf a team being dismissed for no runs at all. For the fourth successive season Don Bradman las made more than 1,000 runs in .first-class cricket in Australia (says tho ‘Sporting Globe’). When the match between New South Wales and Victoria began on Friday he required 109 to complete a four-figure aggregate for this season, and after making 23 in tho first innings bo got the remainder in tho second innings. W. W. Armstrong, W. H. Ponsford, and A. F. Kippaxare the only other Australians to make 1,000 runs in two seasons in Australia. Bradman has the two highest aggregates—l,69o at an average of 95 in 1928-9, and 1,586 at 113 in 1929-35.

The Otago University’s annual match with Canterbury College is to be played in Christchurth, and Easter has been suggested as tlio date. The nuestiol whether Shepherd was stumped or run out in the Albion-Dun-edin match caused considerable controversy. Shepherd in stopping out to the slow bowler Langley failed to connect properly, and the ball went under the bat to the wicket-keeper, who lifted off tho bails before Shepherd got back to his crease/ It was reported that he was stumped, but according to the correct interpretation of tlio rules, he was really run out. The rule states dearly that a; batsman can only be stumped when ho does not touch the ball when striking.

£ pH V -a S w 'tb H t/3 Ph ■c « ss.S *E yj c .2.5 r o C fl if w S O »’S oa -H CO Canterbury .. 2 — — 1 18 Wellington .. 1 1 — — 12 Otago 1 — i — 8 Auckland — 3 “* —