CRICKET.

Hawera Star, Volume XLVII, 21 October 1927, Page 3

CRICKET.

THE FIRST SATURDAY. STRIKING PERFORMANCES. The opening of the cricket season on Saturday was marked by a series of excellent performances, botly in batting and in bowling, and one ol’ the latter will make the day stand out in the history of cricket when in the same match and the same team one bowler secured five wickets with consecutive balls, while another got the coveted hat trick, and all clean bowled. It must be admitted that the batting was very weak, but-still the occurrence is noteworthy because of its most unusual happening. The season has been sent on its way in great style, and looks likely to be full of incident. IVisden in his latest issue gives only one similar instance 1 of the former event, credited to Cazenove (Oxford University v. Oxfordshire). He quotes many remarkable figures, showing that four wickets with four balls has been “committed” 17 times, two being for All England against first-class teams. There have been, of course, more wonderful feats —-six with six balls, seven out of eight, and on three occasions eight wickets have been taken in consecutive balls. The third case quoted was by a member of the Canadian Expeditionary Force in England, Private J. Leake, and he in addition got all 10 wickets in that innings. This, too, lias been done on about 30 occasions, one dating back to 184-5. Returning to the local matches, Eltliam made a great start by defeating Stratford so decisively, _ and they look likely to be.in the picture. Their meeting with other teams, will he watched closely. Donnelly, the star of the match, proved himself easily the best batsman and bowler. He will be a strength to Taranaki cricket. It is eight years since Eltham heat Stratford.

Okaiawa. showed by their win from Old Boys that they still are a force to be reckoned with, despite the defection of several . old members now playing with Kaponga. Penny, Thomas, and the veteran Pratt were all in fine form. S. Lay in the second innings flayed a very vigorous game, including four sixes, in his. 37. Excelsior made a poor showing against Kaponga. McKenzie and l Mills being the only players to do anything worthy of senior grade cricket. McKenzie bowled remarkably well, getting seven for 15, and batted soundly, ft seems hard on him to be included in such a weak team and likely to take the heart out of his play. Hockin and Priest, as stated, got a harvest in the bowling, but the only batsman to do any good against McKenzie was Grace, who played a- really fine, forceful innings for 36 not out—the team made only 60. It is evident Kaponga are not likely to do particularly well against the stronger teams. High School made an excellent debut in senior cricket and created a. very favourable impression. They hatted soundly, howled with effect and fielded very keenly and .altogether promise well. Sturrock, Petersen and Morrissey atll showed fine form with the bat. for Mamma, H. Hughes is still the mainstay of the team, bowling and batting well, while Clarke, a young player, hit lustily for bis 20 and was out to a weak stroke. It was cheering to see veteran Whalen out once more.

Midlands made no race of Patea, outplaying them all round. Crombie’s was a. fine opening innings and his partnership with Nielsen, gave his side a great start. Trewe/ek_. a® always, played nice classy cricket and had bad luck to be caught when going well. Busing was the most successful howler and is going to. be a. strength to his team. He can also bat well when in the mood, and made a fine stand for the last wicket. The. juniors showed in a practice match that there are some promising players. Their competition should be very interesting and provide recruits i'o.r the senior ranks later on.

Altogether the day when cricket began for the season was good and full of incident, and augurs a very excellent season.