CRICKET COBDEN TEAM DESERVED ITS VICTORY

Greymouth Evening Star, 20 March 1946, Page 9

CRICKET COBDEN TEAM DESERVED ITS VICTORY

Cobden has won the one-round competition conducted by the West Coast Cricket Association at Greymouth, and it deserved the honour. It was a close and rather unlucky runner-up to Marist A in the championship, and the victory over Marist A on Sunday last left Cobden in an unassailable position. Cobden was the outstanding all-round team in the district competitions this season —its defeat in the championship was unexpected and its first for some, seasons. Cobden’s batting was sojid if it was mainly among the first four that the most runs were made, the bowling was good, with several user ful changes, and the team’s fielding was excellent.

Saved the Day. A. Vaughan, with a solid display for 29, was the only Cobden batsman to get past the devil’s number on Sunday against Marist A and he saved the day for his side with 29 runs out of the 70 scored. Vaughan showed good defence, if inclined to swing at the ball on or about the off stump, and he scored with some good shots on the leg side. He ultimately fell to a catch behind—his one obvious weakness. A. Knapp played a valuable innings for 12 runs and he was out in hitting across a.straight ball. This is a weakness of Knapp’s. If he could eliminate this tendency he would get many more runs and more consistently, for he has shots and sound defence. None of the other Cobden batsmen looked like making runs against the steady bowling. Better Than Most.

D. Dewar, the Cobden skipper, is better than most bowlers of his type in the district, and he is rather handicapped in being captain of his side if he were not captain he would probably be used more freely to the benefit of his team. He keeps a good length, turns th'e ball back from the off, and can also make them run away a little. On Sunday last he collected three wickets for two runs off three overs at a time when the wickets were badly needed. His batting has been patchy this season, but he has plenty of ability as he has shown on some occasions, and drives as well as the best in the district. Vaughan, A. Knapp, and R. Barlow were the other successful bowlers for Cobden on Sunday. Vaughan bowled steadily for his two wickets. Knapp, though he took two for 15 off 10 overs, was hardly as dangerous as usual.

Promising Bowler. T. Pfahlert, the Marist A lefthander, is a promising bowler, and on Sunday made an impression in taking three wickets.for three runs off five overs, two of which were maidens. He bowled a good length and with top spin whipped the ball off the wicket fast. He has made improvement this season and will improve a lot yet, for he has natural ability and keenness. His batting has also improved and his shots are made with attractive freedom, but his defence and his running between the wickets need attention. S. Garforth took only two wickets for Marist A against Cobden, but one of them was Vaughan’s. He lacked life and his length was not as reliable as usual. He was a little unlucky to be bowled off his legs, when he appeared to be settling down.

Handy Trio. , United A has a handy trio ot bowlers in Lawson (medium lefthand), Lindley (slow left-hand) and Vincent (slow right-hand). On Sunday they disposed of Marist B for 44 runs, Lawson, who has been bowling up to his best form in the past month, taking four wickets for nine runs, Lindley three for 27, and Vincent three for three. Lindley, who, it is understood, is likely to play regularly next season, is working back to the form which bagged him many wickets a few seasons ago. Vincent commands an awkward flight and has been a valuable allrounder in the few games he has played with United since his return from overseas. As a batsman he has an easy style, with an attractive drive, and he scored a good 27 on Sunday. Lindley put 13 to the batting total. B. Constable played his usual solid knock at the start of the United A innings and collected 21 runs. He has excellent defence.

Successful Again. A. Barlow, who won his way into the last Greymouth representative team by his all-round performances, was in the limelight again on Sunday with the ball. He took five wickets for 34. He turns the ball nicely, is not afraid to throw them up to the batsmen, and into a breeze his flight is deceptive.

Star Batsmen. _ » The leading batsman for United L in its match with Brunner at Taylorville on Sunday was G. McLean, who is one of the most improved players this season. He scored 46 of the total of 102 made by United. Playing for United juniors on Saturday he made 79, so it was a successful week-end for him. McLean has the advantage of keenness and good defence, and he scores freely once he is set. AV. Williams, who has made several useful tallies for Brunnei this season, scored nearly half his team’s total of 53 runs on Sunday with his 22 run out. He is a promising batsman who would improve considerably with coaching and encouragement.