HAWKE CUP

Manawatu Standard, Volume LVII, Issue 100, 30 March 1937, Page 6

HAWKE CUP

FURTHER ADJOURNMENT. CHALLENGERS UNFORTUNATE. Following an inspection of the wicket at the Sportsground at 10.15 a.m. today, the umpires for the Hawke Cup match. South Auckland v. Manawatu, decided that there could be no furtuer play until 2 p.m., when .the w.oket is to be inspected again. Just after that decision was made there was another steady shower of rain. The rules governing Hawke Cup play state that where a decision on the first innings is not reached by the end of the third day, which would be this evening, an extra day’s play may be called for by the challengers. Tf that rule were called int.« force on this occasion it would be the first time that it has been invoked since Manawatu have held the trophy. Further complications were evident this morning, for the challengers’ captain (Mr R. Skeet) explained that five of the visitors had to return to Hamilton bv the Main Trunk express leaving Palmerston North at 6 p.m. to-day. Had the remaining members of the Manawatu side been dismissed yesterday it was the intention to put those five men. who are, incidentally, among the best batsmen in the side, at the top of the batting order. That would have given them a full day in which to put on runs and the remainder of the team, if necessary. could have batted to-morrow. Taking into consideration the manner in which the wicket had played, he was confident that the visitors could have made a presentable showing.