CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 21559, 3 November 1933, Page 4

CRICKET

NOTES AND NEWS

[By Substitute.]

HOME MATCHES. December 8 and 9.—Otago v. Southland, at Dunedin. February 16, 17, 19, and 20.—Otago v. Wellington, at Dunedin. Dunedin’s Good Total. In contrast to their match with High School Old Boys, Dunedin’s meeting with Grange on the North Ground was notable for the strong stand made by the later batsmen, and from 75 for the loss of five wickets the score was taken to 236, a. very different story to that in the first game, when the tail failed dismally. It was a pity that a good wicket should have been spoilt by the showers that fell during the afternoon, and the outfield was very dead, the ball frequently being pulled up short ol the boundary. Yet, in spite of the elements, spectators were treated to some delightfully refreshing cricket during the afternoon, principally while Torrance and Claridge were at the wickets. Handicapped as they were by the wet ball, the Grange bowlers were never really difficult, and several of the batsmen had only themselves to thank for getting out. Cavauagh is not the luckiest of batsmen, and if he offers a catch it is usually accepted. Such proved to be the case on Saturday. He essayed to glide the ball to fine leg, and put it almost down Tomkinson’s throat, with the result that “ Vic.” was out lor a blob. Badcock accepted the gift'presented by Lemin, who sent down a full-tosser as the first delivery of the match, but the Grange trundler had His revenge when the coach had made 16, a ball that kept very low bringing about Badcock’s dismissal. He was Lerain’s only victim, and the latter did not bowl very impressively, keeping an erratic length, and bowling a good deal of short stuff Elmos, on the other hand, was overpitching, and both Torrance and Clarulge relished his bowling. After tea, however he struck a better length, and eventually finished up with four wickets for 85. Day bowled as steadily ag any of the Grange tnindlers. and took three for 42, though one of his wickets was obtained with a full-tosser

It is a long time since such a lively display of batting has been seen on the North Ground as that to which the spectators were treated by Charlie Claridge, who showed that, besides being a hard hitter, he was possessed of quite a good array of strokes, He got many of his runs by powerful pulls and a hook stroke backward of square-leg also proved very effective. Claridge's off driving was very powerful, and

though he took a few risks, he gave only one chance at 61. He reached the hundred in eighty-five minutes, and was undefeated at the end of the innings with 110 to bis credit. Claridge came in at a time when the outlook for Dunedin was not too bright, but be shaped confidently from the start, and the rapidity with winch he scored may he gauged from the fact that fifteen 4’s and two 6’s were included in his tally. More exhibitions such as Claridge gave on Saturday would bring the crowds to club cricket.

Dick Torrance, jnn., played a most serviceable innings for 33, which included five 4’s. Most of his runs were got by well-tiined off drives and cover drives, but he also used a flashing square cut. Torrance’s on-side play is •not so effective, but it has improved since last season. Most of his runs come from shots in front of the wicket, and a particular word of praise is due to him for his clever backing up and smart running between the wickets. Alt'. Eckhold is a promising batsman, and, though only 8 were credited to him on Saturday, he made them like a tradesman, his straight driving having plenty of power behind it. With more confidence this young player would make a lot of runs, for there seems no doubt about bis having the strokes. T. Ritchie was unlucky to ho run out just after getting double figures, hut he took a long! time to settle down, his timing of the hall not being too good. Noble was in a partnership with Claridge that yielded 56 runs in thirty-three minutes, and he played a 'confident and correct innings for 14. Noble placed the hall nicely through the covers, and also executed some sweet leg glances. He is a batsman who should get runs this season. A good den) of responsibility rested upon George M'Gnvin, last man in, since Claridge stilt wanted a dozen or so to reach the century when M ‘Gavin came to the wicket?.. M'Gnvin began shakily, but he stayed there while Claridge got the runs, and the last wicket added 37. One or two difficult catches were dropped by Grange fieldsmen, hut generally the out cricket was quite good. Chadwick retains his form behind the stumps remarkably, and his clean taking arid fielding of the returns to the wickets are an object lesson to many of the younger stumpers.' The result of this match is open, hut Grange will have to fight to make 236 in an afternoon against the bowling of Badcock and Co. Rather Dreary Cricket. A rather dreary afternoon's cricket was provided in the game between Christian Brothers' Old Boys and Carisbrook, the only bright feature being the fine partnership of Rodgerson and Toomey, who gave their side an excellent start by putting on 140 runs out of u total of 168 for six wickets, before they were separated. Had the following batsmen''been,-as Confident as the opening pair and stepped out to the howling, which at no stage of the game could have been termed difficult, many more runs would, have appeared on the board. As it was. most of them got themselves out by making half-hearted shots, though Lynch’s case was different, in that he attempted to score oft' the wrong type of ball—a good length delivery from 1). Cameron. However, Christian Brothers have still four wickets in hand, and there were times last season when the tail wagged vigorously, especially when runs were urgently needed; Both Rodgerson and Toomey gave displays that were characterised by shots all round the wicket, and the many loose deliveries which they received during their respective innings were mostly taken full advantage of. From the start of the game they attacked -the howling, and it was only when it improved later on in the afternoon that the rate of scoring slackened. Toomey gave a difficult chance when he was 20. Dunning, who ran from fine leg. making a valiant but vain attempt to catch a fast-moving hall. After batting patiently for over three hours it was a pity that Rodgerson attempted to hit a good length ball out of the ground when he was only thirteen short of his century. In making his 87 he displayed some beautiful shots through the covers, while his timing, especially against Cameron, was wellni'di pel left. He also made some good strokes down Hie gully. Rodgerson is a very promising colt, and with practice should go far in the game. The wicket gave very little assistance to the howlers, hut as the afternoon progressed Cameron and Moloney were able to turn a little. Cameron sent down a few loose ones, but with the exception of Dunning lie was the only bowler who kept Rodgerson and Toomey quiet for any length of time. His two wickets were well deserved, for flighting the ball and varying his pace well he had most of the batsmen well tied up at times. Nimmo’s deliveries were very erratic, and it was only on occasions that he appeared to have a proper control over the ball. He seemed to be experiencing difficulty with his run up to the wicket, and this may have influenced his bowling. Dunning trundled well without any luck, and though his bowli was without much variation his nineteen overs on a wicket which gave him practically no assistance cost only 49 runs, 'faking the greasy nature of the ball into account. Carisbrook’s fielding was • ood, hut the returns' to the wicketkeeper were rather wild. Full of Incident. There was plenty of incident, during the first afternoon's play of the game between Albion and Kaikorai. First of all came the typically bright knock of ,1. Shepherd, who; opening with Miller for Albion, quickly got his eye in and began to paste the howling almost at will. In the earlier part of his innings lie was certainly favoured with an over-supply of short-pitched balls, which gave him ai) opportunity to administer the kind of punishment he is particularly capable of giving. Rail after ball, propelled by a bat that met them with perfect timing, raced to the boundary, and even when the attack became more accurate Shepherd showed the same inclination to hit. It was not till Talbot bowled round the wicket to a closely packed leg field that the cxNew Zealand representative began to lash nothing but the atmosphere. For a time it was clearly a duel between batsman and howler, and finally the latter won. It goes to Shepherd's credit that, even in the face of such a clever attack, he refused to he cramped into stolidity, It is of such stuff that bright cricketers are made.

It was after Shepherd's downfall that Talbot went on to do the coveted “ hat trick.” At this stage he was sending down a continual stream of good length halls, and Barron, Duncan, and Dalziel all fell before him while the side’s total remained at 113. Talbot’s remarkable bowling thoroughly deserved the delighted applause of the spectators, and the congratulations of the players. The destroyer finished up with the significant average of six for 35.

The other Kaikorai bowlers were a little disappointing. Cook, who was tricky at times, took three wickets, but one had the feeling that the lefthander can howl more accurately than he did on this occasion. Probably more will be heard of his achievements later in the season. Constable is not yet as dangerous as he was last year, and M'Gregor was a long way below his old form.

Apart from L. Smith, who batted quite stylishly for 21, none of the other Albion batsmen made much of an impression, though D. Sliver hit hard in registering 17 not out. Very few mistakes were made by the keen Kaikorai fieldsmen, Ren nick and Cherry taking good catches, and Burgess being very smart at cover. From the point of view of run out dismissals, Kaikorai’* innings was disastrous, M‘Knight and Cherry both going out in this way. M‘Knight, who seems to be hitting harder than when he was last seen Ivere. never looked like losing his wicket in any other way, while Cherry, giving a display notable for gap-finding, was also confident. Talbot’s free but safe display proved to the spectators what a fine allroundei the ex-Christchurch player is. At his Lands Shepherd paid the penalty of sending up too many short length deliveries. Silver whipped in dangerously from the off' now and then, and not many runs were scored off him. Allen also was inexpensive, while Smith, who studied the pitch and the batsmen’s fancies and failings, was carefully watched. ft is doubtful, however, if Smith was at his best.

Anybody’s Game Yet. When Old Boys dismissed University for 94 it was generally expected that Old Boys were assured of at least a two-point wi.n. But now that Old Boys have lost four wickets for 49, it is quite possible for the Students to win. After throe wickets had fallen. Dickinson, and Leader looked like making a stand, but Jolly claimed his fourth victim by clean bowling Dickinson. While' the wicket did not help Dickinson. Groves was able to get a lot of turn on, and lie had most of the students tied up. Groves maintained a good length throughout the innings, and he was getting on a lot of spin. His success emphasises the weakness of most of our batsmen in using their feet. With Dickinson at one end and Groves at the, other Old Boys have an attacking 'combination which will tie up most of the other sides, and they should he a hard team to beat. .1 Jolly, the ’Varsity fast bowler, is showing great improvement this season, and he is going to he a hard inan to keep out of the'representative side. Mo is keen and physically fit, and his deliveries are more accurate and of a consistently bettor length than was the case last season. It was a most unfortunate accident that was experienced by “ Bernie ” Clark, the Old Boys’ wick'etkeep' r when he was struck on the face with the bat, for he was doing his job soundly and taking Dickinson without making a mistake. Clark began senior cricket last season, and is showing great promise, being amongst the best wicketkeepers in Dunedin. League Notes. [Contributed.] The ‘ Evening Star ’ cricket team was well defeated by Loco, in the league competition last Saturday. ‘ Star,’ batting first, were able to compile 56 only. Holman, who was last year very consistent, opened the season wit a bright 24, and was unfortunately run out when going well. AUKay, a new member of the club, and formerly a member of the Graiige senior eleven, hit up 11 runs before being caught in the .outfield. Otto and Berryman were the best of the bowlers, ami although the conditions were very poor and the ground and ball slinpery and wet the fielding on both sides was keen. However, an improvement in the taking of catches on the part of the ' Star ’ team will certainly be looked for. Shell, who last year won the B section. batted first against Tramways, and put together 234 for the loss of eight (rickets. Riach (115 not out). Shallcrass, and Wildgoose scoring well. Prospects certainly looked bright for Shell, but the opposing side made the necessary runs to win just before time. Conditions favoured the batsmen in the later part of the afternoon, and though Shell’s fielding was not up to the high standard set last year, a greasy ball and slippery ground militated against effective work in tin’s department. Gilbert’s Exclusion. Eddie Gilbert, the aboriginal fast howler, will not play for Queensland this season. This definite announcement, which was made in Brisbane at the week-end. will cause disappointment among cricketers (says the ‘ Sporting Globe ’). The reason is that there has been an outbreak of leprosy at tlio Cherbourg (Lake Barambab) aboriginal settlement, where Gilbert lives. Gilbert had been chosen to play in the country week games, and the Q.C.A. has decided that all country players must house together. In the circumstances it was felt that it would not be right to allow him to play. In regard to the Shield games, the Q.C.A. fears that his inclusion in the Queensland team would load to trouble with the players, some of whom were not keen on bavin;.!; him in the side even before the discovery of leprosy at the Cherbourg station, Dr J. Coffey, the Queensland Commissioner for Public Health, says that the exclusion of Gilbert is ridiculous. His playing in a match would not in the least endanger the health of the other players or the public. Notes. It was reported to a meeting of (he South Australian Cricket Association that the Board of Control had approved of a team being sent fo New Zealand in February and March, provided that satisfactory financial and playing arrangements were made by the New Zealand Council (says the ‘ Sporting Globe ’). The South African authorities also are keen for an Australian team to visit that country in the 1935-

36 season. A tour of Australia by an Indian team is another proposal made. One of the umpires was caught napping in the Essenden v. Hawthorn-East Melbourne game (says an Australian writer). Marsh was bowling, and with the seventh ball of the over obtained a wicket. The new batsman came in, and the bowler was allowed another six balls before “ over ” was called, making thirteen balls to the over. This is by no means a unique occurrence. Not long ago we had a case in a good-class match in which an umpire allowed sixteen balls to an over. It might be asked why the scorers do not notify an umpire of his mistake in such a case, but the laws lay it down that the scorers cannot interfere.

Arthur Barnett’s Ladies’ Club has a wicket prepared on the Albion Club’s ground, and evening practices are held regularly, Mr G. Pickard and other members of the Albion Club having charge of the coaching. The club lias a good membership, and has entered one team in each grade'of the ladies' competition. There are several outstanding players in this chib, including the champion hockey goalkeeper, Miss Hazel Johnston, who is a fine bat and good bowler, and Miss Duleic Meder, a fine bowler. Miss Johnston was captain of the Otago ladies’ representative team that met Canterbury last season.

There is no doubt about the popularity of the North Ground. The attendance there lor the Graiige-Dnuedin match, despite unfavourable weather, was an indication of that, and while such support is forthcoming the Grange Club could not be expected to have its headquarters anywhere but on the old North Ground. A good wicket was prepared last Saturday, and with the expected improvement in the outfield there is no reason why the ground should not regularly be utilised for senior matches this season. Gricket is in the air in Dunedin these days, and probably never in the history of the game have so many been playing it locally as is the case at present. In addition to those under the Otago Cricket Association, the Boys’ Association, and in the schools’ competitions there are something like twenty-two teams taking part in the league competition, and no fewer than eighteen ladies’ teams. 1 believe. All this augurs well for - the support likely to be accorded when important matches are played in Dunedin, and the develop-nr-nt of tlie cricket atmosphere seems now to be an accomplished fact. While on the subject of ladies’ cricket, the keenness of some of the players is worthy of note. An instance was afforded when on Friday of last week one of the teams in the B grade dropped out, and less than twenty-four hours before the matches were due to commence Woohvorths formed a club and fielded a team in the competition the following day. Some of the lady players can give points to the men when it. comes to keenness for practice also. A' creditable batting performance in second grade A cricket last Saturday was that of R. Burgess, who, playing for Kaikorai at Bishopseonrt against Y.M.C.A., made 37 not out. Burgess revealed many stylish strokes, and probably would have gone on to score many more rims had there been anyone to stay with him. The Grange Club during the present summer intends developing the social side to a greater extent than in the past, and the first of a series of dances is to be held at the north pavilion on Tuesday night next. It is to be a real cricketer’s evening.

The University and ex-New Zealand representative. D. R. Garrard, struck form early, and on Saturday and Labour Day returned fine bowling figures. On Saturday he secured five wickets for 25 runs, and on Labour Day took seven for 39 (says the Auckland ‘ Herald ’).

The University Club is to be congratulated on the many improvements which it is effecting to its ground. Among these changes is a more informative score board, the numbers on which are adjusted by the turning of a handle. Til liis last eleven matches for North Sydney W. J. O’Reilly has taken cighty-two wickets for 516 nius at an average of just over six runs a piece. He has taken seven wickets in an innings six times. “ Not Out ’’ remarks in (he ‘ Referee’ that O'Reilly is a throw-back to Hie halcyon times amongst Australian bowlers. To some cricketers chewing gum appears to be as important to the successful playing of the game as it is in football. At the conclusion of an over in the Albion-Grange second grade A match, played at Logan Park last week, an Albion player caused considerable merriment and surprise amongst his team mates when he dropped his bat, dashed off the field, and rescued a small piece of the precious gum which he had carefully parked on the ceiling of a small shed situated in a corner of the ground.

By the death of L. G. Hemus, known from end to end of New Zealand as : “ Chummy,” the Auckland sports world j lias lost, at a comparatively early age, 1 one who assisted largely by example to lift New Zealand cricket up to the standard which has merited i s recognition by the ruling body in the concession of test matches against England (says a writer in the Auckland 1 Star ’). He | had his hour as a player between the years 1907 and 1922, and for the first i seven of those years was quite a figure in No . Zealand cricket. As such his influence in moulding by example the young would-be players of Auckland, especially the batsmen, was considerable. Not gifted with a robust physique. or dynamic personality, he con--1 centratcd on accuracy and subtlety in run-getting, and demonstrated that bright cricket and big scores wore not the prerogatives of “ little dashers ” I and “ giant hitters.” The chief lesson i lie taught was that while a good ball, 1 even from a schoolboy, must be reI spected at all times, the indifferent ball j from Larwood and Verity—or, in his I day, from Cotter, Noble. Armstrong, or i Douglas—could be as easily turned to account by the batsman as if it came from less-gifted quarters. Big match ! temperament was what he exhibited to his juniors, an object lesson which has bonie fruit in Auckland.