CRICKET

Evening Star, Issue 21623, 19 January 1934, Page 4

CRICKET

NOTES AND NEWS [By Substitute.] Saturday’s Matches. Decisions were reached in only two games on Saturday, Old Boys getting Home *by the narrow margin of 2 runs against Kaikorai, while Grange got away with 2 points at the expense of University, though the winners were unlucky not to obtain 4 points from the game, only wet weather depriving them of the outright win. With the exception of the Kaikorai-Old Boys game there was very little play in the other matches, and Old Boys now hold a very useful lead of 4 points over Carisbrook, with Dunedin; and University another 2 points behind. The remainder of the games will be fraught with much interest, and, as Old Boys have shown themselves to bo a pretty solid combination, they will not be displaced easily from premier position. The strangest feature of the competition, however, is that Kaikorai. at the bottom of the list, has given some of the other teams very keen tussles, and the match with Old Boys proved to be worth going a long way to see.

A Narrow Margin. Those spectators—and there were many of them —who braved the unseasonable weather to witness the match between Old Boys and Kaikorai were rewarded with a finish that will go down aa one of the most exciting yet staged on Bishopseourt. Kiakorni are fortunate in having batsmen who can be relied upon to hold their end up when the team is fighting for runs, and this was demonstrated in this match, M'Gregor and Hollander ‘being typical examples. Although the latter made only 9, his stubborn defence when he ana M‘Knight were together was responsible for 27 runs being added to the total before M'Knight was dismissed, and it was only when his side was within 14 of Old Boys’ innings that he fell a victim to Dickinson.

The outstanding feature of the game, however, was M'KnighCs 67. His runs were made with decision and grace, and at no time did he appear uncertain. His best stroke, perhaps, was a flashing drive between mid-off and cover-point, but he also revealed some well-timed shots down the gully. His hook shots, especially off Payne’s deliveries, earned him several boundaries. M'Knight is a batsman who has a good range of scoring strokes, and Ins style is not unlike that of M'Mullnn. Surprise has been expressed in some quarters that he has not caught the eye of the selectors this season, for, apart from the fact that the Otago team possesses only one left-hander, this young playei is also a good field. Although most of his runs were made in rather uncertain fashion, M'Gregor was not afraid to hit out at the bowling. and he utilised his reach on several occasions to smother good-length halls. Even though minus the blinding light of Newboldt’s immortal poem, one could not but associate the lines “ ten to make and the last man in ’’ with the last-wicket partnership of Burgess and Cook. During their association every stroke was followed with the closest interest, and every run with a •burst of applause. There were many breathless moments when Cook was facing Dickinson, and several times the ball missed his wickets by the barest of margins. Whether due to over-eagerness, several ridiculous appeals for l.b.w. and catches were made by Old Boys at this stage, and, though the catch behind the wickets that dismissed Cook is not disputed, it should be left to the bowler, and perhaps the wicketkeeper, to appeal for an 1 b.w. decision.

The value of good fielding was demonstrated in this game, and had not Old Boys risen to the occasion in this important department they would have lost. As it was, Dickinson had his men placed very well, and many boundaries were saved, especially on the off side. Payne was responsible for some smart fielding, and his catch at square-leg that dismissed M'Knight was a brilliant effort, the ball being snatched almost oft' the ground. Macassey and Dickinson also made some good saves. The Old Boys’ attack was well handled, except that Payne, the exHigh School boy. was kept on too long without a spell. Though two of his wickets were taken the previous Saturday, he bowled well, but with little luck. At times he sent down some splendid deliveries, but was inclined to be rather erratic. Owing to the greasy nature of the wicket, Dickinson had trouble in getting a firm foothold, and consequently bawled only medium pace. It is_ difficult to understand why Macassey is not given a trial with the ball, for when at High School he showed considerable'promise. - The wicket was in surprisingly good order after the heavy rain. The Kaikorai Club is fortunate in possessing such a fine ground, which is this season in the best order it has been for many years. Badcock’s Distinction. Individual batting performances in this season’s Plunket Shield .cricket matches are not endangering the proud positions occupied by R. C. Blunt, ,1. S. Hiddleston, and M. M. M‘Girr in the records of runs scored since the inauguration of the shield competition. Blunt, who is now in England, just succeeded in capturing aggregate honours, from Hiddleston in his last season of shield cricket here, when he also set a new mark in making .‘l3B not out in an innings (says “ Not Out,” in the ‘ Evening Post ’). Blunt’s aggregate was taken to 2,597, exceeding that which had stood to Hiddleston’s credit for some time by 26 runs. M'Girr last season carried his aggregate to 2,341. No other players were within reach of these aggregates, except C. S. Dempster, whose excellent prospects of becoming the fourth Plunket Shield batsman to make 2,000 runs were cast aside by his remaining in England. Of the players in this season’s matches, those nearest the 2,000 mark are M. L. Page and .1. R. Mills. Nearly 200 more runs are rennired by Page and more than 200 by Mills. K. C. James is making good progress towards gaining the distinction, he having made over 3,500 r.ms prior to this season. All told, there are now twenty-nine players who have each made over 1,000 runs in Plunket Shield cricket. The

latest to join the list is J. L. Kerr, who made the achievement during his big innings against Wellington. Prior to the present season Postles, Cromb, Cnvanagh, and Vivian had aggregated over 500 runs, and they have now been joined by Lester, Whitelaw, La mason, and Garrard.

In th>' bowling department F T. Badcock has this season deprived M'Girr of the distinction of haying taken more wickets in Plunket S’-ielu cricket than any other bowler. M'Girr held the record with 139, but Badcock’s total has now been advanced to 141, with a prospect of an increase in the Otago-Wellington match, to be played at Dunedin shortly. Other bowlers to have taken over 100 wickets in Pluuket Shield matches are S. G. Smith (121), Read (117), Merritt rllO), and Brice (108). Allcott and Dickinson are next on the list, but Dickinson would have to record an exceptional performance if he played in the coming match to complete his century of wickets. Newman and Garrard have now entered the list of those bowlers in Shield matches to take over fifty wickets. Matheson’s total is now 79 and Dunning’s 65.

The Wellington Match. The only match remaining'to be decided in the Plunket Shield series is the Wellington-Otago game, originally set down to commence on February 16. Owing to uncertainty concerning the proposed Australian visit, the date was not finally confirmed earlier in the season, and at this week’s meeting of the Otago Cricket Association, a request was received from the Wellington Association that the match be played towards the end of January. Owing to other attractions, the Otago Association is faced with the position of having to ask Wellington to adhere to the original dates, and Wellington, apparently, not being very favourable to this, is now suggesting a date in March. This would be rather late for the 0.C.A., looking at the matter from the viewpoint of attracting the public, especially as the first Saturday in March will probably be occupied with the test match between Australia and New Zealand. Thus, if the original dates are not agreed upon, an impasse may be reached, which would be most unfortunate. The Otago team has frequently been called upon to play a match'in Dunedin immediately after returning from a northern tour, and there seems no hardship in asking the Wellington team to meet the Australians immedately after they return from the shield match at Dunedin.

Country Tours. There have been so many requests for visits from Dunedin teams to various country centres that the writer believes that the Otago Cricket Association would be wise to adopt a suggestion that has been made by come of its members lately that a member of the association might be appointed to endeavour to arrange for clubs to participate in country tours at Chritsmns time or at Easter. This holiday cricket is always of a most enjoyable type, and besides seeing something of the country districts of Otago, the_ players would have satisfaction in knowing that they were doing their part to push the game along in the places visited. The matter is one that is worthy of some serious consideration, for the increased interest in cricket in the Otago country’ districts is a most encouraging sign. A Good Story.

In ‘ Homage to Cricket,’ by “ Gryllus.’ an anonymous writer whose book contains a wealth of technical knowledge penned with the evident relish of a whole-hearted devotee of the game, a good story is told of an old lady who. unaware of the serious importance of cricket, was introduced to Wilfred Rhodes during the course of a test match at Lord’s. “ Anv relation.” she asked sweetlv, “to THE Mr Rhodes?’’ “ But. madam.” said her escort, with becoming haste, “ THIS is THE Mr Rhodes.” “ Mr Cecil Rhodes?” “ Oh. No, ma’am: ha Mia!—You’re mixing him np with Cecil Parkin!”

Auckland Cricket Captain., Much quiet satisfaction should be r eH by A. J. Postlcs at his having capfaincd the Auckland cricket, team when : t won the Plunket Shield in the iuhi'ee season of the Auckland Cricket Association (savs the Christchurch ‘ Sun ’). As a batsman Postles 's almost invariably quiet and steady, though he has been known to hit freolv when occasion demanded. Quiet efficiency’ and steady a puli cation are generally the spirit of his cricket, and these finalities are reflected from his personality, in which, though, one can detect a latent force.

Postles is a good student of the game,' and one can readily imagine that he - would make a good captain, of the unobtrusive hut watchfully efficient type. His first match in Plunket Shield cricket, was played nine years ago, hut he did not nhiv in shield cricket again until the 19°8-29 season, and he did not become anything like a reeular monilmv of the Auckland team until the 1930-31 season. Li that season he scored O’c fine “ double ” of 100 (run out’) and OS not out against Olaeo. in Dunedin. Last season he made 102 against Wellington, at Auckland. PLUNKET SHIELD WINNERS. Holders of the Plunket Shield since its award to Canterbury as champion province of New Zealand in 1906-7 season : 1906- —-Canterbury. 1907- Auckland. 1 908- —Auckland. 900-1 ft—A uckla nd. ' 910-11—-Canterbury. ’9ll-12—Auckland. ' 912-13—Can terbury. 1 913- 14—C a n te rb u ry. 1914- —Canterbury, 1916-18—No matches. 1918- —Wellington-Canterbury. 1919- —Auckland. 1920- Wellington. 1921- Auckland. 1922- —Canterbury, >923-24—Wellington. 1924-25—Otago. '925-20- Wellington. 026-27 - -Auckland. 927-28—Wellington. *928-29- Auckland. 1929- —Wellington. 1930- —Canterbury. 1931- —Wellington. 1032-33—Otago. 1933-34—-Auckland.

Notes. It is hoped that a strong team will be sent to Invercargill for the return match with Southland at Easter. The southerners are exceptionally keen, and if a worth-while eleven is sent south it should give the game a further fillip in Invercargill, and the public there is entitled to at least a fairly representative side. When the Southlanders came here in December they were handicapped by having to play on a much faster wicket than that to which they had been accustomed, but on their own wicket they may prove a solid proposition, especially if the selectors will only make some attempt to introduce a little variety into their attack. Ken Uttley’s consistency in all games for Otago this season has been the subject of much glowing comment by northern cricket writers (says the ‘Southland Times’). What a pity these same critics cannot get a look at more of Southland’s cricketers. M'Gowan. Hallamore, Scandrett, Anderson, Southern, Macara, and others should please them. But when are they going to get that chance? Not until the Southland Cricket Association stirs itself and provides more " big ” games in the north for its representatives. Southland owes North Otago a game. A programme of three games, say, against North Otago, South Canterbury, and Mid-Canterbury (Ashburton) is what is required to give our young players a chance to compete with northern cricketers. It can be done. Jack Nitschke, the South Australian left-hander, appears to have a decided liking for the New South Wales bowling, for his record against it is much better than that against any of the other States (says the * Sporting Globe ’I. His 130 not out in Sydney last week makes his record against New South Wales 943 runs at the fine average of 58, and five of his eight centuries have been made against that State —four of them on the Sydney ground. They are 141, 119, 105, and 130 not cut at Sydney, and 102 at Adelaide. Friday’s innings gave Nitschke a total of 2,037 runs in shield cricket at an average of 39. Against Victoria he has made 649 runs at 32 an innings, with no centuries, and against Queensland 445 at 27, with one century. Now that India feels herself capable of producing a side fit to meet the best English or Australian cricket eleven, there is much heartburning over the fact that some of her best players are lost to her owing to the ease with which it is possible for Indians to qualify to play for an English county, and so for England, during the short time spent at an English university. For this reason the Indian Board of Control has recommenced for discussion at the next Imperial Cricket Conference an extension of the qualifying period to longer than the four years which at present suffices. In the over, from H. G. Vivian, just before that in which he hit the lefthander for 20 runs, in' Canterbury’s first innings against Auckland, S. G. Lester, playing back, had the experience of letting the ball roll on to Ins w\v, ket without its dislodging a bail (says an exchange). Pennant cricket in Launceston on Saturday was dominated by the personality and skill of Jack Badcock. who followed his success against the Victorians bv another brilliant innings of 185 not ‘'out, and thus scored his 1,000 runs for the third consecutive season (says an Australian writer). The vouth was at the wicket for 200 minutes, and hit a 6 and twenty-five 4’s He gave chances at 151 and 170. It was a masterly knock, demonstrating a greater polish in stroking, attributable perhaps to his experience against and coaching from the Victorians. Badcock has provided a tragic experience for South Launceston bowlers. In the last three seasons he had been dismissed only twice bv that club, and had scored 1 494 runs against them, at an average ol 498 runs an innings. His scores have been 144 not out, 8 1, 248, not out, 101, 49 not out, 74, 260 not out, 174 not put, 172 not out, and 185 not G. Cook, the Kaikorai player, who, with Burgess, was associated in a last wicket stand that brought the hill team’s total within two of that of Old Bovs before a separation was effected played senior cricket for Albion many years ago, while he also represented Otago against Southland on two occasions. Before joining up with Kaikorai Cook was a member of the North-east Valiev second-grade A team, and last seasoii he took sixty-eight wickets. A curious incident occurred during the Kaikorai-Old Boys’ match on Saturday. Dickinson was bowling to Burgess. and an appeal for Ibw was made by one of the fieldsmen, even though the batsman was standing well away from his wicket. The umpire at Dickinson’s end put up his hand, but realising his mistake immediately changed his decision, and Burgess, went on batting. _____________