SHEFFIELD SHIELD.

Gisborne Times, Volume LXVI, Issue 10473, 31 December 1927, Page 9

SHEFFIELD SHIELD.

VICTORIA v. NEW SOUTH WALES

HOME TEAM LOSE FOUR FOR FOR 472

PONSFORD 25S NOT OUT

(Received Dec. 30, 11 p.m.) .MELBOURNE. Dec. 30.

A Sheffield Shield match Victoria v. South Australia, has commenced. Victoria have lost four wickets for 472 (Woodfr.ll 10G, Ponsford not out 258, Hendry 35, Ryder 52). The weather was cool and the wicket sood. The destiny of the shield' probably depends upon this match, as if the Victorians win they will have an almost unassailable lead.

Ponsford and Woodfull opened slowly fun til they had taken the measure of the howling. Then runs mounted rapidly, Ponsford being the faster scorer. Quick changes were made in the bowling in the hope of separating the pair, but without avail. Ponsford opened out, and runs came, rapidly when the wicket, which was wet overnight, commenced drying, and became fast. At lunch the score was none for 115. Rrins mounted quickly, . Ponsford gave a good chance to the wicketkeeper but- the fall bounced off his hands. The second slip made a. dive for it, but missed. The batsmen continued in great form, and at 158 made a new first wicket record for Victoria against- South (Australia iji iSheffield Shield cricket. After Woodfull was dismissed, caught.l by Richardson, Ponsford was joined by Ryder, who played a sound innings, and the pair scored fast,"never being troubled 1 by the bowling which was of a, good standard.—TT.P.A.