A WELCOME VISIT.

Manawatu Standard, Volume LIX, Issue 70, 20 February 1939, Page 6

A WELCOME VISIT.

To-day the cricketing public of Palmerston North had the pleasure of seeing in action the splendid band of cricketers who are touring this country under the auspices of Sir Julien Cahn, whose interest in the game is known throughout the Empire. They are a youthful side, comprising Englishmen who have established themselves in test and county cricket in England and four Australians and one erstwhile New Zealander. Keen interest will be taken in the batting of C. S. Dempster who represented this Dominion for several seasons. He has done particularly well in England, reaching to eighth position in the batting averages there last season. J. Hurdstafl, another member of the team, has played particularly well both in county and test cricket. The eleven opposing the home side has been drawn from the minor associations. and Manawatu has furnished its quota both in batting and bowling. T. L. Pritchard, who has won Dominion honours after his brilliant bowling in the Plunket Shield fixtures, N. Gallichan, J. Murchison, and W. E. Norris are its representatives. Delightful cricket has been played by the visitors and their presence in Palmerston North is welcomed by all who show an appreciation of the game. It is of particular interest to Palmerston North to know that in the New Zealand team to play the overseas eleven in Wellington next month J. A. Ongley and T. L. Pritchard have been found worthy of a place. The former was a leading batsman for Wellington, this season and the latter, as mentioned, did exceptionally well as a fast bowler. The. captain, D. A. It. Moloney, also represented Manawatu a few seasons back when living at this centre. The New Zealand side is strong both in bowling and batting. Unfortunately, cricket in this country suffers from lack of experience against players from overseas, so that Sir Julien Cahn’s team is very welcome. Those who participate in the matches against it should therefore have the opportunity to overcome this difficulty in some measure and profit from their experience.