SOFT WICKETS AGAIN

Evening Star, Issue 23146, 21 December 1938, Page 5

SOFT WICKETS AGAIN

When that 80 points of rain fell about midday on Friday _ and the various grounds were again water* logged,- it looked as though play would he impossible on Saturday, and it was not until 11 o’clock on Saturday morning that it was known definitely > that senior , matches would be played. "Wickets, of course, were heavy and outfields slow. At Logan Park and at Bishopscourt there were some pools of water still visible when play ceased. It would be seen by the published analyses that the bowlers were dedefinitey “on top.” Indeed, it was only. in one match—that between Old "Boys and Dunedin—that there was an’ individual score of over 25. while a number of bowlers improved their averages. It is extremely unfortunate that our batsmen have had so few opportunities to play, or even to practise, on fast, dry wickets, and one fears the result if Wellington’s fast bowlers are met on a fast wicket. However, even our Government cannot _ control the weather, and the conditions must be accepted as “ all in the game.”

Carisbrook-A’s outright win and Old Boys’ failure to gain 8 points increases the former’s lead in the competition to. a useful 6 points. The placings after the fourth round of matches are: Carisbrook A 24 points, Old 'Boys 18, Dunedin 14, University 13,_ Albion 12, Kaikorai 10, Grange 6, Carisbrook B 3.

: Features of the afternoon’s cricket •were the all-round play of the Dunedin skipper, G. J- Robertson, the splendid brfwling of J. A. Dunning for Carishrnok A, and the continued good form of C, Allcott with the bail for Kaikorai. Voting Payne, of Old Boys, also gave further evidence that he is in splendid batting form. DUNEDIN'S FIGHTING FINISH Old Boys, declaring at 142 for eight wickets and with a lead of 23 runs on the first innings against Dunedin, went into the field in the hope that the 100 minutes or so remaining for play wcfild be sufficient to dismiss their opponents and to register an outright win. But last year’s premiers received a surprise when (Robertson and O’Sullivan defied the attack and remained in possession of the crease until “ time,” actually getting within 55 runs of the number required to win. The wicket rolled out well, proving, an ■ easy batsman’s pitch, and_ when Dunedin resumed their first innings the last two wickets added 20 runs, Algie carrying his score to 16 (not out}, and Pepperill, who, by the way,_ is showing particularly good form behind the sticks for Dunedin, gathered a dozen, the total reaching 112., Dickinson, coming into the side for the first time this season, and incidentally reassuming the captaincy, took both wickets at a cost of 12 runs.

Mills and Hunt began Old Boys’ second knock in confident style, but Hunt was caught on the square-leg boundary by footballer C. Quaid off the slow bowler, Algie, for 10, and after Mills had gone for 20, and was quickly followed by Martin and Leader, Giles, playing the unaccustomed role of stonewaller, reached 10 in 35 minutes. Payne and M'Leod livened things up considerable in a timely sixth-wicket stand, the foroTer playing another attractive innings for 52, which included seven 4’s and a 6, the latter off Algie. _ His runs toIDS only 36 minutes to compile. This young batsman is in very fine form, his last three scores being 53, 49, and 52.

It is pleasing to see M'Leod get going, as he has been anything but lucky in the nature of his dismissals of lat« Instructed on , Saturday to force the, pace, he did so while still playing correct cricket, and his 22 included two fj’s' off consecutive balls from D. Quaid. This knock will probably give M'Leod tho necessary confidence to go on scoring, and should also prove to him that he may hit the ball harder than he usually does without incurring undue risk. M'Leod, by the way, was out in a peculiar manner. He played an awkward, shielding stroke to a bumpy one from Ebbertson,. and, as the ball flew from the handle' of the bat into air M'Leod. overbalanced and fell to the the wicketkeeper having to step over him to take the catch. When Dunedin batted again Eobertson gave a chanceless display of alternately steady and aggressive batting. His first three scoring shots , were 4,4, 6, and -then after'a . series of .singles came another 6 and a 4. It was a good match for Eobertson, for, in addition to' his scores of ■ 8 and 64 not out, he took eight for 59 and three for 27 with the. ball. One may hope for a repetition of such form at Christmas, O’Sullivan also -batted nicely, albeit more quietly, and he, too, is giving evidence of much improved form.

In Dunedin’s first innings the wickets were well distributed between Colvin, Groves,, Leader, and Dickinson. Old Boys gave their best display of fielding this season on Saturday, Mills being back to his old form behind the wickels, while Martin, M'Leod, Graham, and Dickinson were frequently brilliant. For Dunedin, C. Quaid took three catches, and Torrance did some great work in the outfield.

Owing to the late arrival of one of the umpires play did not start until 30 minutes after the scheduled time ; Further, the interval between the innings was prolonged to 19 minutes. This slackness is rather “ over the odds.” particularly as the state of the match turned out to be so interesting. A slice of.nearly 40 minues cut out of an afternoon is quite a lot.

Batsmen Still at a Disadvantage Dunning Stages a Brilliant Finish Carisbrook A Has Useful Lead [By Wallaby.]

UNIVERSITY HDLD OH Play was quite interesting, too, at Bishopscourt, where Kaikorai appeared for a while to have a faint chance of pulling the match out of the fire. But defensive bowling and fielding on the part of University prevented fast scoring, and the locals, after two or three batsmen had taken the risks and got out, resigned themselves to saving the outright loss. The wicket was in splendid order considering the soaking it had had. Indeed, it appeared to be easier than it had been on the previous Saturday. It was quite a good recovery on the part of Kaikorai to raise their score from six for 51, as it had stood at the cessation of play on the previous Saturday, to a total of 115. This was mainly due to a forceful 22 by Reg. Cherry, who still enjoys making runs in spite of his long career at the game, and a steady 19 hy Allcott, assisted by a baker’s dozen from Rennick’s bat. Begg and Clark again did most of the bowling, the former finishing with four for 40 and the latter with four for 47. Falvey. coming on towards the end, took two wickets for 10.

Being only 43 runs behind, Kaikorai set about dismissing their opponents quickly, and made an excellent start, sending Uttley back to the pavilion before he had scored. This was a shock to Varsity and undoubtedly affected the batting of the rest of the side. Dunn played another sound knock for 22, maintaining the consistency which has characterised his batting throughout the season. Lawson also got 16 in his usuall steady manner, while Begg knocked up a quick-and-lively 15. Toomey was going nicely when he was caught off Allcott for 12. The fielding anti catching of the Kaikorai were excellent. Allcott was again the mainstay of the howling, away at a good length and never giving the batsmen any rest. Sis six for 36 off 13.1 overs was a commendable performance.

“ What we have we’ll hold ” was the attitude of Varsity when they took the field a second time. Uttley spread his men round the boundary and permitted the batsmen to score singles if they wished. _ Even this was not easy, however, with most of the _ bowlers attacking on leg-theory principles. These tactics rather incensed some of the spectators, but it was quite legitimate, or, at any rate, “within the-law.” Begg bowled only three overs and then he had to leave to catch a train.

M‘Gregor, who opened with Talbot, “had a go’’ at everything and collected two, 6’s in his 20 before Clark scattered his stumps. Talbot went along quietly and carried his bat for 25, top score, the useful all-rounder Eenniek getting 15. Little came out .with the best bowling figures (two for 19), Clark and Falvey each taking a wicket. DUNNING AGAIN The only interesting feature about the second day’s play in the match between Carisbrook A and B was the bowling of Dunning and Moloney, both of whom bowled unchanged from shortly after 1.30 to 4 o’clock, when the match finished. Apart from tho rather feeble resistance offered by the B batsmen, the bowling was really good, particularly that of Dunning, who came out with remarkable figures for the match—namely, eight for 34 and six for 23. or 14 wickets for 57 runs in all. This cricketer—and Dunning is in every respect a cricketer—couldl hardly wish for a more satisfactory finale to his New Zealand career, unless it were a bag full of Wellington or Auckland wickets.

Dunning in the first innings of the B’s, sent down 19.6 overs, seven of them maidens, and in the second innings 12 overs, of which four were maidens. He was getting plenty of turn on the stodgy wicket, and dipping away to the on-side in a manner which was a continual embarrassment to the batsmen, even though the conditions made it impossible for him to impart any “ fizz ” to his deliveries. Nine of his 14 victims had their stumps disturbed, while two more went Ibw, all of which is a proof of direct attack.

Moloney took only one wicket for 14 runs in the first innings, but in the second he worried the batsmen to a greater extent. Keeping his slows well pitched up on the leg pin, he was turning about the width of the wicket, with an occasional ball that came straight on. Adopting this method of attack it was inevitable that a few balls should be overpitcbed, and it was from these that nearly all the runs scored from him came. No one was venturesome enough to move out and hit him. On the other hand, he did not send down a single short hall. His four for 32 was a good performance, and it is obvious that he is a much improved bowler since his return from England. As to B’s batting, there is little to be said. Nicol, in the second innings, displayed- some enterprise and was going, along quite well when he lashed out at Dunning and was bowled. He had previously hit the same bonder for a beautiful 6, an almost straight drive. A 4 was also included in his 21. Pinney (18) in the first innings played a watchful knock, and though he was frequently beaten by Dunning he got in an occasional effective drive. Veteran Reg Bell alone achieved double figures in each innings, and he batted brightly during his short stay.

Totals of 69 and 56. and defeat by an innings an-rl 88 runs, constitutor] a pretty poor performance on the part of the B’s. but they were up against strong opposition.

GRANGE AGAIN BEATEN “ Where are the boys of the old brigade?” might well be the theme running through the minds of Grange ■supporters who remember the “ never say die ” teams of former years. Somehow the North Ground club has fallen away sadly, and is lying second last in the competition. On Saturday the side had to put up a desperate fight to avoid a follow-on in response to Albion’s 183. The last two men, Frew and Lemon, were at the wickets when 7 runs were still needed to save the follow-on, but they not only managed to score these, but added ‘23 more, bringing the total to 107 before All Black Mitchell dismissed Lemin by a brilliant one-handed catch off Goding. In view of the useful scores Lemin has made this season, one wonders why he is still rated No. 11. Frew (20 not out) was top scorer and Lemin (15) next in order. Goding, who has performed very well with the ball on occasions this season, took three wickets for 10 runs. Silver s 3 costing 35 runs, while that excellent utility man, Duncan, bagged two for 17. , r All interest had now gone out oi the match, and the batting and howling were fairly lifeless. Ditchfiekl, who had previously made four successive “duck’s eggs,” set himself to break the spell, and was successful, a painstaking 25 being top score in a total of 130 for eight wickets Baiil (21) and Sinclair (15) were both ran out, and Mitchell got to 14 before being caught. Eight Grange men took a hand with the ball, Lemin’s three for 26 and Knight’s two for 7 being the best.

A CRICKET PUZZLE SOLVED BY LOCAL CORRESPONDENTS The cricket problem published in this column last week aroused considerable interest and two correspondents ventured to send in a solution. these aic appended, together with the ■ official sotution, and it will be seen that both arrived at the correct answer. Mr J. Grant, of Oxford street, sent ing the following:—“ Cummings bowled the first, third, fifth, seventh ninth, eleventh, thirteenth, and fifteenth overs, securing the first three wickets taken during the match in his first six overs. Anderson bowled from the opposite end the second, fourth, sixth, eighth tenth, twelfth, fourteenth, sixteenth, and eighteenth overs, securinc liis only wicket in his sixth over, wliich was the twelfth over of the match. This was the fourth wicket referred to as being taken in the twelfth over. Dawson bowled the twentieth, twenty-second, twenty-third, and twenty-fourth overs, securing one wicket bowling from the same end as Anderson. Cummings secured his fourth wicket during his last two overs, securing one wicket bowling from the same end as Anderson. Cummings secured his fourth wicket during his last two overs. Bassett bowled the twentieth, twenty-second, and twenty-fourth overs, and commenced bowling the twenty-fifth over to finish the innings. Bassett secured his four wickets during his short spell at the bowling crease, bowling from the same end as Cummings. Cummings, therefore, secured the first wicket.”

The solution as submitted by Mr C. Carolin, of Royston street, was as follows :

“ Cummings took the first wicket, and my deductions are as follows:—Referring to the bowlers as A, B, O, and D, C opened the bowling and took the first three wickets. A opened at the other end, and took the fourth in his sixth over, which was the twelfth of the day. O took the fifth, and was replaced by B, whose first over was the seventeenth of the day. He took the sixth and seventh wickets, and the eighth with the last ball of his fourth over. D, who replaced A, took the ninth wicket in his last over, which was also a maiden. B took the tenth with the first ball of his fifth visit to the bowling crease, and thereby hangs the tail. Quite a good leg-trap here. It is plain that B took the last wicket (4.1), and, judging by the bowling analysis, C took the eighth and ninth wickets because B had bowled no maidens.”

A third solution comes in fairly late and is here appended. It is from Mr J. J. Connor, of Waitati, and he says: —My solution would say that Bassett finished the game with the first ball of the fifth over; and lie relieved Cummings at the same end. Dawson relieved Anderson. Seeing Cummings and Bassett were on the thirteenth over, Cummings opened the bowling; So if you start with Cummings and Anderson at the other end, count up to the twelfth over, which is bowled by Anderson, and accounts for the fourth wicket (but Anderson’s average is one for 24). Therefore Cummings took the first, second, and third wickets. And now for the official solution. Here it is:—Bassett bowled an uncompleted over, therefore he took the last wicket, and must have been the last bowler. The total number of overs bowled was 24.1, that is 12 complete overs from each end. Therefore, the bowlers were Bassett and Cummings from one end, and Anderson and Dawson from the other. Tho twenty-fifth over was commenced by Bassett; the first over was also bowled from have been the opening bowler, this end, therefox-e Cummings must The fourth wicket fell in the twelfth over, which must have been bowled by either Anderson or Dawson. It fell in the sixth over bowled from this end, and as there was only one bowling change at this end, Anderson must have been the bowler, as Dawson bowled only three overs. Anderson took only one wicket, therefore Cummings took the first three wickets. That is, Cummings took the first wicket. “ Wallaby ” thanks the three correspondents for their interest in the matter.

CRICKET CENTENARY Among the celebrations connected with the centenary of the Melbourne Cricket Club was an old-time cricket match, regarding which the ‘ Age ’ has the following:— “ Aboriginals roamed Yarra Park once again; a bullock team and a wagon-load of crinolined beauty was overtaken by Cobb and Co.’s coach, risking its ancient -wheels on the Jolimont ‘ highway,’ all bound for the 1838 first cricket match in Melbourne —between the ‘gentlemen' civilians’ and the officers and gentlemen of the 80th Regiment on Batman’s Hill. This, by a happy and convenient anachronism arranged by the M.C.O. Celebrations Committee, was takmg place in front of the great stands of Melbourne’s 1938 cricket ground. And for the great occasion the women were granted the freedom of the members’ exclusive pavilion, which, like the other stands in the members’ reserve, was ablaze with fair}' lights, which, however, wore periodically extinguished to show up the flood-lit stage on the field. And when the 1838 costumed performers were “ off stage ’-’ in the

darkness for modern items of the programme, their forms were cast in shadows of crinoline and bonnet along the unoccupied portions of the arena, as if the little ghosts of the past were looking and listening-in, clapping their mittened hands in excited surprise. ‘ Oh, mamma, I do declare, ladies in the smokers’ pavilion. And a gentleman from the trustees’ room, with a mere sweep of the hand on the wall, has just put out all the lights.’ * Oh, fie, Jemima, but let your mamma have just one look.’ And then from a flesh and blood spectator—‘ What did Curator Luttrell think when he was asked to make a wicket for a match that occurred in 1838?’ ” SEASONAL GREETINGS “ Wallaby ” extends to all cricketers and those connected in any way with the grand old game the compliments of the season, and expresses the hope that the weather during the balance of the season will be such as to compensate for the atrocious conditions under which players have laboured during the last two months. TO CORRESPONDENTS Several interesting notes on local cricket matters, particularly in regard to junior doings, have been received, but unfortunately these invariably arrive too late for inclusion in Wednesday’s notes. If correspondents will send in their notes not later than first thing on Tuesday morning “ Wallaby ” will. be very pleased indeed to include them in his columns. LEG GLANCES Charlie Quaid, All Black forward, made his mark with the Dunedin senior team on Saturday. He took three fair catches. He did not stay long at the batting crease. Mistimed his “hook.” If young Dick Torrance had run as quickly between the wickets as he did afterwards in fielding on the boundary he would not have been run out. There were some differences of opinion at Bishopscourt on Saturday between those on the fence (the spectators) and those on defence (the ’Varsity bowlers and fieldsmen). Nothing very offensive, however. Cherry stalked to the wickets full of confidence to face the University bowlers. He looked a “ stone moral ” for top score—and he made it. There was no bodyline bowling at Tonga Park on Saturday, but there was a body lying on the ground when Pepperill stepped over M'Leod’s prostrate form to catch him out.

Pinney was to the fore in Carisbrook A’s first innings, playing a very patient knock. This player is a. real enthusiast, coming in each Saturday from Mihiwaka to take part in the game. There were no Begg pardons about University’s chief bowler when he bowled leg theory on Saturday. When “ Brushy ” Mitchell caught Lemin on Saturday it was comparable to catching a swallow, or something, on the wing. “Stew” Duncan, after making top score in Albion’s first innings, did not bat in the second. Grange were already “ in the soup,” anyway. Jack Dunning’s swan song in his final match was more like a chorus. Fourteen wickets for 57 runs was a notable feat.

Nicol was the only Carisbrook B batsman to show his mettle against Dunning. whom he hit for a lovely six. Ditchfield evidently considered he had collected enough “ ducks ” to last him over Christmas, so he settled down on Saturday to make top score for Albion. Little helped University a lot at the bowling crease after Begg had left the field. Two wickets for 19 runs was the best average for the side. Dunn’s work appears to be never done. He goes on making top score or thereabouts week after week. With the exception of Robertson (64 not out) none of the members of the Otago team got very far with the bat on Saturday. Mills (20) was next best. With “ Dickie ” back in the team Old Boys thought an eight-pointer against Dunedin was “ a bird.” But the opposing skipper, Robertson, settled their hopes.