THE HAWKE CUP

Manawatu Standard, Volume LV, Issue 88, 12 March 1935, Page 2

THE HAWKE CUP

CHALLENGERS FROM THE \ SOUTH. SOUTHLAND’S TEAM. Manawatu will be called upon to defend the Hawke Cup for the fourth occasion since lifting the trophy from Taranaki when they meet Southland on March 16, 18 and 19. The southerners, who were the first holders of the Hawke Cup, recently made a very promising showing against what was little short of Otago’s Plunket Shield team, and a repetition of that. form will make them formidable challengers. Commenting upon the team which lias been selected to make the trip to Palmerston North, the Southland News gives the following thumbnail sketches of the players : —Every player in the side, is capable of making runs, while with the exception of the wicketkeepers, each one of them is a bowler of sorts. On Pickard and Purdue most of the work will fall, but if these fail the captain will at least have variety' to pick from. The side includes four left-hand batsmen, and two left-hand bowlers. It also has’ a substitute wicket-keeper in Hallamore. On paper the team, which will be under the management of Mr F. Twiss, a member of the Southland Cricket Association, looks one of the strongest that this province lias put into the field for many years, and if it does not bring back the Hawke Cup, it will at least give a good account of itself. W. R. Patrick (captain).—An old hand at the game who has captained New Zealand, Canterbury, and Otago teams. Has found some difficulty in getting back to form on the slow wickets, but on concrete has shown that he is still a fine batsman. He should get wickets on the faster northern wickets.

N. McGowan. —Right-hand batsman of the steady type, playing a straight bat and covering his shots well. Has represented Southland since 1926 and is always likely to get runs. His form this year is better than it has ever been. In his twelve innings of club cricket this season lie has scored 375 runs, at an average of 34.1. He is also a good left hand change bowler and a smart point fieldsman. He will open the innings for Southland. __ W. Spence. —Had a most successful season as a High School boy last year. Sines leaving school he has been opening batsman for Appleby, and it he forgets how to nibble at the off deliveries should be capable of a good score. He is a purely defensive batsman, but knows how to punish a loose ball. He has 309 runs to his credit this season at an average of 30.9. A slow leg break bowler, he has met with some success this season and has taken 22 wickets at an average of 10.6. He will probably open the innings with McGowan.

J. Scandrett.—An aggressive lefthand batsman with a large variety of shots. He has a century to his credit already this season, and was top scorer against Otago with a splendid 71. In club cricket he has scored 240 runs at an average of 30.0. As a slip field he is capable of fine catches and will probably field at first slip. An off break bowler he has taken eight wickets for 170 runs (21.25). Scandrett has previously represented the province. L. McColl.—Another left-hand batsman, who has come into the limelight this year. Like all left handers he has a good pull shot which invariably finds the* fence. Ho too has scored over 300 runs tins season and has an average of 30.1. Ho has a very sure pair of hands, and usually fields in the slips. Ho has also possibilities as - a bowler and with a big off break has/taken eight wickets for an average of 15.8. E. Hawke.—lncluded as wicketkeeper, but is a batsman witli a good eye and, though at present out of practice, capable of big scores. In club cricket he has batted ten times compiling 224 runs (averaging 24.7). Behind the stumps he has several good performances to his credit. He is a hard hitting type of batsman, - ; V. Poole.—Worth a place in the side for his fielding alone, and will play at cover. As a batsman he did not show confidence in the early matches, but is now once more at the top of his form. Like most left-handers he hits hard and often, but he does not take unnecessary risks. He has scored 145 runs in club" cricket, for nine completed innings. As a bowler he has taken six wickets at an average of 15.8. R. Hallamore.—Has previously re presented the province. He is inclined to be a poor starter, but has many effective shots when ho gets going. He times the ball well and hits hard. Batted well against Otago and scored 45. In club cricket has compiled 170 runs at an average of 15.5. As a bowler Hallamore commenced his career comparatively recently and has taken five wickets for 31 runs. Has a dependable pair of hands and will fill the position of second slip.

G. Brittendcn.—A comparative newcomer to the province from Canterbury. Found some difficulty at first in getting the feci of tho slower Southland wickets, but is now one of the most promising batsmen in the side. Another left-hander, he keeps a good straight hat. He has played only seven innings in club cricket but lias an average of 53. With McGowan be has been associated in several good opening partnerships. A good medium paced bowler, he has taken five wicltets for 124.

J. Purdue.—The fast bowler of the side, is bowling better now than at the beginning of the season. He has represented the province on several occasions, and has a good late swerve which gets him most of his wickets. In club cricket he has taken 26 wickets at an average of 13.1. As a batsman he is also capable of making runs and has compiled 150 runs in the club competition, at an average of 15. He is a good field and has some good catches to his credit. A. Pickard. —The other stock bowler. As a bowler, has a good match temperament and can howl practically unchanged. He bowls with a short run which disconcerts the batsmen and uses his height to make the ball get up. He makes the ball swerve both ways and in addition has a good off break. His main asset is the fact that he is always making the ball do something new. In club cricket Pickard has taken 31 wickets and has an average of 13.8.

C. McKenzie. —Twelfth man. A good all-rounder, being a stylish hat and a good medium paced bowler. Was showing particularly good form at the beginning of the season hut has been a bit apt to slacken up since his club was regraded. He is the type of bowler to rise to the occasion.