Victoria Valley Cricket Successes

Northern Advocate, 16 May 1939, Page 9

Victoria Valley Cricket Successes

For many years it has been .a recognised fact that Victoria Valley has been the craddle of cricket in the Mangcnui County. Representative teams have always contained a good percentage of Valley players who have usually given, a good account of themselves both on and off the field. Teams playing the Valley have always been assured of sturdy opposition while a special feature has been the excellent sporting spirit in which these games have been played. The high traditions of the past have been worthily upheld this year. The Valley team was successful in winning the Saturday competition without suffering defeat, in 17 matches, while Mangataiore, whose players are drawn from the same district, proved to be the champion Sunday team. One match was played against Mangataiore the leading Sunday team which was defeated outright on its heme ground. It was a matter of regret to both sides that a return match could not be arranged. Games outside the competition were played against Omahuta, Tutekehua and Broadwood while victories were also registered against Hokianga representative sides on two occasions. In the team itself age and experience was combined with youth and enthusiasm. The leading exponents with the bat were the ex-North Auckland reps., Fred Panther and Wilfred Thompson who returned the averages of 39 and 33 respectively. The most successful bowler was Wilfred Thompson who secured 81 wickets at an average cost of 7.6 runs, while Cedric Foster took 40 wickets at an average of 7. A feature of the fielding was the wicket-keeping of the veteran, John Dawson, who accounted for 29 wickets, 15 being caught and 14 stumped. His combination with the slow breakbowling of Wilfred Thompson brought disaster to many batsmen. The leading averages are as follows: Bowling.

Runs. Wkts. Avge. w. Thompson 615 81 7.6 c. Foster ... 283 40 7.0 p. Panther .. 217 22 9.9 F. Panther .. 95 19 5.0 Batting. Run s. ,C.I. Avge. F.. Panther .., 312 8 39 w. Thompson 524 16 32.75 P. Panther .. 514 22 23.3 L. Foster .... 206 10 20.6 C. Panther .. 240 16 15