CRICKET.

Gisborne Times, Volume LIII, Issue 5665, 20 December 1920, Page 6

CRICKET.

POVERTY BAY REPS

SELECTION TO-NIGHT.

Local cricketers held a. practice on Saturday afternoon for the purpose of selecting a team to represent Poverty Bay in the forthcoming Hawke Cup matches. Despite the near approach of the inter-provincial contests, there was not a great deal of interest evin* l ced, there being insufficient players on the ground to select two teams for a. trial match as originally intended. Nevertheless, some useful practice was obtained, hut the interest was not the same as would have been the ease had two teams been competing. In consequence of the day’s weather the pitch was hard and very fast. The hatting, on the whole, was not brilliant, some of the batsmen being bowled more than once during a short period at the wickets. The bowlers, taking full advantage of the good wicket, showed good form. The bowling, indeed, was considerably better than the batting, the latter not being up to representative form. However, there is but little comparison between practice of this de=cription and in a representative match, the players naturally not showing the same amount of enthusiasm. Work on the new ground is progressing apace. The wickets are in splendid condition and should meet with the approval of even the most fastidious players. The outfield, although still capable of much improvement, is rapidly responding to the careful attention which is being given to it. The ground is now in a good level condition, and top-dressing and rolling are being continued. The first Cup match will be against Wanganui on New Year’s Day and January 3. Wanganui is considered to have a strong team and it, is thought by some that they will prove to be the strongest opposition of the season. Manawatu have also issued a challenge and it is stated unofficially that Wairarapa will also compete for the Cup. It is rumoured that the former have a strong team this season, partially on account of accretions from other centres. It is apparent at least that some good contests may he anticipated. The local selection committee was present on Saturday and their decisions will be placed before the meeting Cricket Association this evening. The team which will represent Poverty Bay against Wanganui will be announced to-morrow.