CRICKET

Nelson Evening Mail, Volume LXI, 20 May 1927, Page 5

CRICKET

NEW ZEALAND V. CAMBRIDGE

HOME TEAM BEHIND ON FIRST INNINGS

MERRITT AND BLUNT ROWL WELL

(By Electric Telegraph—Copyright) (Australian & N.Z. Cable Association)

(Received 20Lh May, 10.55 a.in.) LONDON, 19th May. On resuming, the New Zealand bowlers met with such success before lunch that six wickets had fallen for 137 at the adjournment and it looked certain that, Cambridge would have to follow on. With this in prospect, Seabrook changed his titctics after two more wickets had gone, while Machin, tenth man, stonewalled determinedly. The former hit out merrily and helped himself to runs freely. Blundell was tried but met with no success and the pair, adding 106 for the ninth wicket, pulled the game round. Seabrook, who was eventually caught off Bernau; saved his side by remaining fox two hours and compiling 106 Which included eleven fours. Blunt and .Merritt both bowled with much success- and were able- to turn -the ball markedly. On going in again Blunt was in his best form and made Mills look like a c mere plodder. He accounted for 50 out of the first 70 and went on batting with the greatest confidence, while wickets were going cheaply. He left at 112, of which his share, 72, was made in 110 minutes and included nine boundaries. .-,James;• and. Dempster then offered good; fesista'nce : and 'advanced the 'total without further loss to 4 for 151.

The New Zealand fielding is improving appreciably, but the need of a really first-class bowler is still a great handicap.' Morgan, lbw, b Merritt 3 Dawson, run out 57 Killick, c .McGirr, b Bernau 0 Longrigg, c James, b Blunt 34 Cobbold, b Merritt 3 Robins, lbw, b Blunt 0 Seabrook, c James, b Bernau 106 Longfield, c Dempster, b Merritt... 7 Allom, b Merritt : 6 Machin, b Blunt 24 Lowe, not out 2 Extras 11 - Total ..., 255

Bowling: Merritt, 4 for 77: Blunt, 3 for 44-; Bernau, 2 for 46: Blundell, 0 for 33 j McGirr, 0 for 28,- Lowry, 0 for 16. -■ NEW ZEALAND—2nd Innings Blunt, b Longfield 72 | Mills, c Robins, b Allom 17 Lowry, b Robins 7 Page, c Longrigg, b Morgan 9 James, not out 21 Dempster, not out 16 Extras , 9 Total for 4 wickets 151 Stumps were drawn.