AFTER FIRST TEST

Evening Star, Issue 22686, 28 June 1937, Page 14

AFTER FIRST TEST

NEW ZEALAND CRICKET TOURISTS MATCHES WITH SOMERSET AND GLOUCESTER Following the first test match at Lord’s, the New Zealand cricketers will go to Taunton, there to begin a match with Somerset on Wednesday. This county last year was the “ team of surprises,” and they enjoyed their best season for a good many years. Hitherto regarded as one of the weaker counties because they usually finished in the lower half of the county championship table, Somerset did not deserve this appellation last summer, and they jumped from fourteenth to seventh place. Altogether, a very healthy atmosphere permeated the county’s cricket. On occasions the players revealed some of the sparkle and fighting qualities that remain a cherished memory of the days when the greathearted “ Sammy ” Woods led the side and largo and enthusiastic crowds attended tho homo matches right to the end of the season. No fewer than 34 players were called upon by the county, most of them being amateurs, and for more than half the season much of this talent seemed scarcely good enough to afford) the hard-working professionals the support they deserved. The fact that the captain, R. A. Ingle, rarely had the same men under his control for two successive matches did not make for effective team work, and chiefly on this account Somerset met with eight of their ten reverses during May, June, and July. They won four matches during that period, the best performance being the defeat of Derbyshire (the champions) by 10 wickets. In August a much happier state of affairs prevailed. Then the services of more experienced amateurs and professional assistance from Jack Ixje brought about such a transformation that five of the last nine fixtures were won. The crowning achievement was a second success at the expense of Derbyshire by one wicket after a most exciting struggle at Wells. The secret of Somerset’s success from a playing point of view lay’in their ability to overcome difficulties that might well have crippled the side. For instance, the engagement of Jack Lee as coach at Mill Hill School meant that they were deprived of a very reliable opening batsman as well as a useful spin bowler. Someone in authority suggested that H. Gimblctt, who flashed into prominence with a century in his first county match in 1935, might solve the problem created by Lee’s absence. If tho proposition looked a daring one, the idea of encouraging Gimblett’s 'hitting powers in the hope that sounder defence would follow as a matter of experience seemed wise. As if to show that this confidence was not misplaced, Gimblett began his new role with a three-figure innings against India in the opening match of the season at Taunton, and those who saw him score 149 for once out by almost perfect co-ordination of eye, hand, and foot were practically convinced that Somerset had no need to look further for an opening partner for Frank Lee. Gimblett made 93 and 160 not out in the next match against Lancashire at Old Trafford, his early progress for a while being so remarkable that he possessed the remarkable average of over 200. Except for a dashing 67 not out in the second innings against India at Lord’s—he played in the first two tests—he accomplished nothing of note in the more important trial games, and, as his slip-fielding fell rather below international standard, it became abundantly clear that he could not yet be labelled an England player. In spite of four centuries, Gimhlett’s final average for championship matches dropped to just over 31. Most of his faults were duo to inexperience, and, as he is only 22 years of age, his career will he watched with interest. Although Gimblett secured high honours. Wellard remained Somerset’s outstanding all-rounder. He obtained 134 wickets for 18.17 runs apiece, and when pitches were not suited to his faster howling he used off-breaks from round the wicket with marked skill, and by this latter method of attack against Worcestershire in July he dismissed 10 batsmen for 45 runs. He scored 749 runs at an average of under 20, and in Somerset’s second innings against [Derbyshire at Wells he hit Armstrong for five consecutive 6’s in one over, a feat that is generally accepted as being without parallel in first class cricket. Wellard’s hitting of 72 6’s the previous season was also regarded as a unique achievement. Scoring 86, with the aid of seven 6’s and eight 4’s out of 102, Wellard, in . the match with Derbyshire, clearly demonstrated his ability to turn the fortunes of a game. Taking two wickets with following balls twice in innings in two matches, clearing the ring with well-judged hits on more than 50 occasions, holding catches off drives of tremendous velocity—such were the varied accomplishments of Wellard, who was closely considered for a place in the M.C.C. team for Australia. The only batsman in addition to Gimblett to complete 1,000 runs, Frank Lee gave some good displays without being so successful as before. N. S. MitchellInnes (who made 87 against Otago when here •with Holmes’s M.C.C. team) and R. J. O. Meyer, the old Cambridge Blue, were the leading amateurs. Mitchell-Innes’s polished stroke play found adequate expression in two delightful centuries, and Meyer, in scoring 202 not out against Lancashire, indicated how valuable his regular services would be to Somerset. Andrews’s howling figures suffered because he did not find his best form until August, hut Hazell, playing regularly for the first time, made a definite advance as a slow left-arm bowler. He took 77 wickets at a littlo more than 21 runs each, this being his best ever for Somerset. Hunt revealed promising form as a right-arm howler, and Luckes kept wicket well. GLOUCESTERSHIRE’S IMPROVED RECORD. Gloucestershire, who play the New Zealanders next Saturday, improved from fifteenth to fourth place last year, but the county’s season ended in tragedy, a few hours after the final match had been played and won. _ D. A. C. Page, the captain, was killed when motoring to his home near Cirencester. It is a happy memory that the last thing he did on the field was to make a catch which gave Gloucestershire a decisive victory over Nottinghamshire. Gloucester played 30 matches, won 10, lost 7, and drew 13. Among the county’s successes was a win over India,

The encouragement given to young players was most noticeable, and the wisdom of this, policy was shown in the case of Crapp. In 1935 this lefthander was playing in small club cricket. Last year he scored over 1,000 runs. The advance of Cranfield was not so marked, but with increased opportunities he gained confidence, and nis slow leg-breaks were often useful. Hopkins also showed distinct improvement as wicketkeeper and batsman. Another youngster of promise was Monks, a brilliant fielder. Dacre (who has since returned to Auckland) was so much out of form that his engagement was terminated by mutual agreement, as he was unable to do himself justice. After rendering yeoman service sine© 1903 Parker dropped out of side. It was hoped that Haynes would do something to atone for the loss of the slow left-hander, but he failed as a bowler. Thus, additional responsibility rested on Goddard and Sinfield. Goddard took 143 widkets for 20.37 runs apiece. This big-hearted player was awarded a benefit which brought him £2,100 —the_ second highest sum any Gloucestershire man has received.

Sinfield was so consistent with the ball, until he broke a bone in his right thumb at Clacton, that he increased his successes from 77 to 146, which is the highest number he has ever obtained in a season, while his average fell from 23.39 to 19.15. Hammond, Barnett, Cranfield, and Stephens all secured improved bowling records.

To login, with, Gloucestershire’s batting was unreliable, due partly to the weather and partly to the failure of Hammond, who, late in April, became indisposed: the remedy adopted was the removal of his tonsils. Turning out before complete recovery from his operation, he scored only 103 runs in his first seven innings. Then he was persuaded to take a further rest, but it was not the return match with Somerset in August that he displayed his true form while making 160 not out. From that period he never looked back. In 11 completed innings he compiled over 1,000 runs, and wound up with 317 against Nottinghamshire—his highest for the ‘county. He again headed the averages, as he has done regularly from 1927, with figures little inferior to those of the previous season, although he obtained only three hundreds. Barnett, who is also in to-day’s test against New Zealand, claimed six centuries, though he failed occasionally, but as the summer advanced his methods became sounder, and he had an average of 42.84, being included in the M.C.C. team for Australia. Crapp was the next most successful batsman. Inexperience often led to his throwing away his wicket, for his defence needed strengthening. Neale fell not far short of his thousand, and made one three-figure score. Called upon to bowl more often than before, Sinfield was unable to keep up his batting, and, going in later than hitherto, he never seemed, comfortable. Only in the match with •Middlesex did he meet with_ real success, and then he carried his Bat for 97. Haynes showed signs of becoming a useful opening batsman. The out-cricket of Gloucestershire, save for two or three really bad days, rose to the high level of a few years ago.