NAPIER CRICKET

Hawke's Bay Tribune, Volume XXV, Issue 78, 15 March 1935, Page 15

NAPIER CRICKET

I AN UNUSUAL RESULT United and Old Boys Tic v, I BURNS’S EXCELLENT CENTURY — (By “Onlooker.”) Rarely docs it happen that a game of cricket results in an actual tie. but such a conclusion was staged in the H. 5.0.8. versus United game last Saturday, both elevens registering 276 runs. There was much excitement in consequence, and added to this was the thrill of an unbeaten 127 oil the bat of R. G. Burns. United, winners of the competition, have thus gone through the competition suffering one loss and a tie. Burns and Wylie won United’s in- Ns ffffffff B H Wylie were I nited’s openers, the former inclined to cautiousness, but his methods were warranted, as his fir.-t three partners did not larry a great while. It was onlv when Worker occupied the oppositte end that prospecis for victory took on a rosy hue. Tins partnership registered 105 runs, wi'n Worker wielding his bat as we know lie can. After losing Worker, Burns monopolised the scoring, and when partnered by Armitage victory appeared assured. The latter when 9 hit a four to bring the scores level, and then to make victory sure essayed a short run and paid the penalty tor his rashness. Last man, <'hampion, could not get a ball to hit, and so with lime up the game ended. H. 5.0.8. were keen to upset the champions, and although if would have made no difference to the competition resu.', very nearly succeeded. While United and H. 5.0.8. were I lighting out their exciting finish, Tech. Old Boys were busy stampeding Si. John’s to gain an outright win. St. John's have a dwindling army, the most they could muster on Saturday being eight. In recent games a full eleven has been beyond them, and this failure suggests lack of tetam spirt—a great essential in any game. Of the eight batsmen the first three aggregated 24 runs, and the remaining five a pen that would have been looked upon as champions in an egg-laying contest. For Tech. Old Boys Steed wns the wrecker, capturing four wickets witii five successive balls. He was deprived of a hat trick for the reason that his third ball was the one that failed. Brought up from the juniors fairly laic in the season, Steel lias enjoyed quite as miii-h success with the ball in the senior grade as he did with the junior--. By gaining outright wins in two tecent games Tech. Old Boys finish up in second place on the ladder, with H. 5.0.8. third. Among the Juniors. In the junior grade Tech. Old Boys A, despite their huge first innings score against St. John’s found the latter very stubborn, and a victory on the first innings was the best they could manage. An outright win would have given Tech, the B grade championship, as it was St. John’s are one point ahead and next Saturday play off with Tech. Colts the winners of the A grade, A very interesting game should result, and it is sure to attract a large gathering, as both are very popular elevens. The representative season locally has turned out a fizzer, the latest disappointment being the failure of Wairarapa to keep their date for this weekend. For this state of affairs thHawke’s Bay Cricket Association can? not be blamed, for they have been indefatigable in their endeavours to arrange entertaining fixtures.