S. AFRICANS PLAY WELL

Greymouth Evening Star, 2 November 1931, Page 5

S. AFRICANS PLAY WELL

S. AUSTRALIANS HELD “WEAK” BOWUNG ADEQUATE t • . [BY CABLE —PBESB ASSN. —COPYBIGHT.] ADELAIDE, November 1. There were between ten and twelve thousand present for the resumption of play in the match South Africa ver. sus South Australia yesterday. 'The wicket -was South Australia, made; a weak response in batting, scoring 170 for two hundred and thirty minutes play. The scoring was desultory after Richardson’s dismissal. The captain’s exhibition was the only bright spot. He made 33, and his batting was most attractive. He hit four boundaries. Picked as a bowler, Waite was sound, albeit slow, and proved to be, top scorer with 45. Lonergan made 33, and then a leg before decision was given against him that was doubtful. His contribution was invaluable. It mostly comprised sneaked singles, and was characteristic of South Australia’s innings. The Springboks changed their bowling frequently. Bell swung with plenty of pace, and was untiring. The loose turf appeared to bother the fieldsmen. South Africa in their second innings, adopted stonewall tactics to keep their wickets intact. They took a hundred and five minutes for eightysix runs. Christy gave a glimpse of his reputed form, and hit six fours in his fifty-five. Scores:—

SOUTH AFRICA—IST. INNINGS 175

S. AUSTRALIA—IST. INNINGS. Starr, c Balaskas, b Bell .. ... 6 Nitschke, 1.b.w., b Bell .. .. 14 Richardson, b Vincent .. .. 33 Lee, b Vincent .. ’ 1 Tobin, st. Cameron, b McMillan 1 Lonergan, 1.b.w., b McMillan .. S 3 Waite, b Bell .. 45 Grimmett, l.b.w. , b Quinn .. .. 8 Walker, b Quinn Carlton, b Bell 3 Wall, not out ” Extras • 6 Total Bowling: Bell 4 for 37, Christy 0 for 6, Vincent 2 for 34, McMillan 2 for 56, Quinn 2 for 31. SOUTH AFRICA—2ND. INNINGS. Christy, not out Mitchell, b Lee •• t Viljoen, not out Extras • ‘ Total for one wicket • • •• 86 NEW ZEALAND TEAM’S RETURN* WELCOME AT AUCKLAND. AUCKLAND, November 1. That the performances and splendid behaviour of the New Zealand cricket team in England was thoroughly appreciated by the Auckland public was evidenced by a very fine attendance of the public on the Queen s Whart and outside the gates this morning, when the Ruahine berthed shortly after 11 o’clock- Officials of the Auckland Cricket Association and relations and friends of the members of the teams journeyed out by an official launch to the vessel, when it had anchored in the stream. The New Zealand Cricket Council was represented by Messrs E. Heathcote Williams (past president), D. Reese (president), E R- Caygill (acting-chairman of the Management Committee of the Council), W. H. Winsor (secretary), P. Dalrymple (member) and A. E. Byrne (secretary of New Zealand Cricket Ltd.), which company promoted the tour. ' , , , The members of the team all looked hale and hearty, and the majority of them have put on a good deal ofweight on the journey home- They have obviously been a most happy party. Mr Lowry said that they had all had a splendid time from beginning to end, having been overwhelmed with kindness and hospitality of every description- Before the trip was half over, they were forced to refuse offers of hospitality and entertainment, owing to the need for rest, and from a fear that it would interefere with the team’s cricket. He said: Our Sundays were spent either in playing golf or in visiting large country houses, where the members of the team amused themselves as they wished at tennis, golf, fishing or swimming. - Whether in London or in the provinces, the members of the team were always provided with seats for any theatre they desired to attend. The team was introduced to the King during the first Test* match, to the Prince of Wales during the second Test, to Prince George in the match against Staffordshire, at Stoke, and again to the lastnamed Prince at the dinner given by the High Commissioner for New Zealand, Sir Thomas Wilford. We also met many famous people representing all forms of sport and the stage at a dinner tendered us by Tom Webster, the famous cartoonist.

MERRITT’S AGREEMENT. AUCKLAND, November 1. A false' impression was created in the cable news some weeks ago that W. E. Merritt was returning to England to play for the Lancashire League Club.’ It is quite true that Merritt entered into a tentative agreement agreement with the Club in Lancashire to play for that club next season for a period of twenty weeks, but such agreement is subject to ratification by the New Zealand Cricket Council. Merritt’s object in returning to England during the New Zealand winter months is as much a business one as for playing purposes. He has no idea of following in the footsteps of Dacre by qualifying to play for an English County. On the contrary, Merritt’s desire is to continue playing the game in New Zealand so long as he is able. The position in regard to Merritt’s offer, therefore, is that he will have to place all the facts before the New Zealand Cricket Council, which will give its sanction or otherwise. -- FAIRFAX NEGOTIATING? LONDON, October 31. Mr Holgate, (secretary) aaid the [Accrington Club had not considered

trying to get Fairfax. The Committee meets on Monday to consider Bradman’s cablegram; Any intimation from Fairfax would probably be also reported.