Wellington Open Season’s Phunket Shield Series

Gisborne Herald, Volume LXXVII, Issue 23425, 2 December 1950, Page 8

Wellington Open Season’s Phunket Shield Series

WELLINGTON, Dec. I.—Wellington won the toss and batted first in thh first Plunket Shield match of the season against the newly-formed Central Districts’ eleven at the Basin Reserve today.

The weather was unpleasant with a gale-force northerly wind and an overcast sky. McVicar and Vance opened cautiously against the bowling of Leggat from the northern end and the New Zealand representative, G. F. Cresswell, from the south.

Cresswell, as usual, bowled inswingers to a packed, short-leg field. Beard, who replaced Leggat, got more life out of the wicket than the latter and his out-swingers kicked disconcertingly. McVicar survived one confident appeal for a caught-behind as Vance had done in CresswelTs previous over. Fielding Lively Central Districts’ fielding was lively and Bowden was especially proficient in his ground work. When he had reached 22 Vance went leg-before to Cresswell, the total then being 31.

Rabone, the incoming batsman, got off the mark quickly with a couple of singles.

Obviously the gale was affecting Cresswell’s length and in the circumstances his bowling was remarkably good. After bowling 13 overs, four maidens and getting one for 24, Cresswell was replaced by Cave. This brought the total to 50.

Chappel, a left-arm bowler, worried McVicar with his opening deliveries and then had him beautifully stumped by Dotting off his fifth ball. McVicar made 18. The score was 61 for two when Dollery joined Rabone. The English coach opened with a few nicely-placed singles, mainly off the cage. At lunch Wellington was 80 for two wickets. WELLINGTON. First Innings. Vance, Ibw. b Cresswell 22 McVicar. std Sotting, b Chappel . 18 Rabone, not out 24 Doller.v, not out .V--. 12 Extras >,. 4 Total for 2 wickets ......... 80