CRICKET.

Hawera Star, Volume XLIX, 3 January 1930, Page 9

CRICKET.

PLUNKETT SHIELD

(By Telegraph—Press Association.) AUCKLAND. Jan. 3

The Plunket Shield cricket match between Canterbury and Auckland began at Eden Park to-day at 11 a.m., when the weather was dull, with an indication of rain, in the absence of Garrard, who was indisposed, Mills captained the Auckland team. Smeeton replaced Garrard. The playing area was in capital order. Canterbury won the tos.s and opened with Crombe and Merritt, who faced the bowling of Wensley and Matbeson. The latter was sending them down well, and! with 11 up Merritt snicked a ball to Weir, who made a smart low catch. Roberts joined Crombe. Thirty-two was up for 32 minutes’ play. Wensley got Crombe’s wicket when P.lowntree brought off one of liis characteristic catches by the w i cket. - —23 —2 —8. Page scored the first boundary of the match off Smeeton, but the batsmen were very cautious. Runs came very slowly. ' Then Roberts got bis eye in and began to open out, treating the spectators to great batting. When 57 had been posted an hour’s play Roberts claimed 25 of them. At' this stage Smeeton bowled another maiden (having opened with one), and at 57 Page survived an l.b.w. appeal off Wensley. After Smeeton had 21 knocked off him Anthony came on. while Matlieson replaced Wensley (one for 23) at the other end. The double change was quietening the batsmen down considerably. Roberts reached 30 after being at the wickets 58 minutes. Returing Matlieson twice to the fence for four, Pace reached 35. bringing the total to SO. After 10 was scored off three overs of Matliesnn. lie was replaced by Wensley. Playing nice shots the batsmen took the iseore to 104 at lunch without giving a chance, the century having taken 90 minutes to bring up. Details : CANTERBURY. First Innings. Crombe, e Rowntree, b Wensley ... 8 Merritt, c Weir, b Matlieson 8 Roberts, not out 49 Page, not out 35 Extra s 4 Total for two wickets 104 MILLS NOT - AVAILABLE. AUCKLAND, Jan, 3. J. E. Mills. Auckland’s only representative in the New Zealand eleven. is not available for the first test against the M.C.C. at Christchurch next Friday.