NAPIER CRICKET

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXIV, Issue 80, 16 March 1934, Page 13

NAPIER CRICKET

TRICKS OF THE WICKET Tech/s Precarious Position COLTS LOOK LIKELY (By “Spectator.”) Overnight rain, a dull forenoon, and then a tierce afternoon sun, made cricketers somewhat suspicious of the Nelson Park wickets last Saturday, mid in almost every instance the captain winning the toss sent the opposing side in to bat. In some instances this policy paid, but any tricks of the wicket were only apparent in the first half hour’s play. Captain Pirie won the toss and sent H. 5.0.8. in to bat, tactics that would have been more valuable to his side had H. 5.0.8. occupied the crease all the afternoon. As it was Tech, had to open in a failing light, and after two unsuccessful appeals against the conditions, during which three valuable wickets were lost, the third appeal was successful. H. 5.0.8. struggled up to a full total of 174, the chief item being a very handy 50 off the bat of Beck, compiled with painstaking carefulness. It was not a typical Beck effort, but in view, of the general low scoring, was most welcome to big side. Harold Keaney was scratchy during his stay at the wickets, but Barlow compiled a handy 24 in a manner that could almost be described as breezy in comparison to the efforts of most of his team mates. A Bright Spot. The one really bright period was that provided while Tom Reaney occupied the stage. Audacious aptly describes his methods, and in his 37 were a six and five fours. One left the Park wishing that there were more Tom Heaney’s in the game of cricket. Certainly the attendances would be greater. Henry Nairn and Eric Evans were the mainstays of the attack, with Nairn the most successful. On his day Henry is without equal in the competition as a trundler, but an inclination at times to obtain greater speed mars his effectiveness. Tech, at stumps, with Kauter, Brown and Rees back in the pavilion and only 16 on the board, are in a very precarious position. St. John’s and School. St. John’s had a most enjoyable day at the expense of School. Taking first use of tho wicket, Saints were at home from the outest. No les than six of the batsmen got amongst tho rims, with Scott leading the way with a skilful , 44. He obtained the majority of his runs by correct placing, and it was really surprising the way he found the gaps in the field. Chadwick, too, was in exuberant spirits, judged by his flashing bat but Simpson, by comparison, was painfully slow, even though his contribution of 32 was a welcome addition to the total. The peculiar light and the. skill oi “Doggie” Bark were sufficient for School to arrange a processton, and at . stumps no less than eight had passed by with but 45 on the board. Num- . bored amongst the fallen was Worker, with his smallest score of the season (17). He appeared surprised to get a full toss from Bark and made a very . poor fist of it. I do not think any other bowler has had the temerity to try Worker with a full toss this season, but who knows, like Achilles, the school coach must have a vulnerable spot and perhaps Bark has found it. Colts Look Likely. Four wickets were down for 12 when Hobbs and Burns arrived, and when they were separated the board read 81. Hobbs was always at ease and one found real pleasure in watching his free style, especially after the efforts of his predecessors. At close of play Colts had lost four for 84, and with Beuth unbeaten with 25 on and Collett still to come in prospects look bright for the supply of the required 36 runs to win. Touring Rep Side. The touring rep. team has been selected, and seen through Napier eyes gives satisfaction with the exception of the wicket-keeper, Williams, who has not long returned from a 12 months sojourn in Auckland. There is no question regarding the ability of Williams as a stumper, judged on his form of two years ago, and that must have still been in Selector Cane’s eyes when he set the touring team down on paper. “Spectator” is of the opinion that there should have been but one aspirant for the position, and that was Hobbs, a young player whose ability and enthusiasm has done much to keep United going this season. However, there is more than one year of cricket, and the United man must come into his own eventually. Seirotary McLeod’s Departure, Hawkes Bay cricket has received a set-back by the transfer, on promotion, of Secretary M. McLeod to Nelson. For many years Mr. McLeod has laboured in the interests of the game, and to prove his enthusiasm it is only necessary to say that the “cupboard was bare of finance” when he took overv the reins of office. His spirit proved contagious, however, and possessing initiative and enterprise his was the controlling genius that made possible the recent Southern tour and the projected Easter tour to Auckland The secretarial position can only be successfully carried out by a non-player—it is no part-time job—and the H.B.C.A should lose no time in recognising the ( a rif*