THE PLUNKET SHIELD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXIII, Issue 19217, 5 January 1926, Page 12

THE PLUNKET SHIELD.

UPHILL FIGHT BY OmO. TNNINGS CLOSES AT 472. GALLAND SCORES CENTURY. AUCKLAND TWO DOWN FOR 143. Seldom have Aucklanders received a more ample demonstration of the uncertainty of cricket than in the Plunket Shield match between Auckland and Otago, which was continued at Eden Park yesterday. At the close of Auckland's first innings, which gave a lead of 202 runs, there •wero few who would not have thought the visitors were going to lose by a fair number of wickets, if not by an innings. However, Blamires and Zimmerman, by dogged batting, averted tho innings' defeat, and yesterday a great partnership by Galland and Knight ever: gave Otago a hope of victory. ' This hopo was temporarily buoyed up by the early dismissal of Horspool and Mills, but fine batting by Snedden arid Smith made it appear very remote. Auckland aro in a favourable position, but Otago have still a fighting chance, and there is every possibility of a close finish to-day. Brighter Display of Cricket. The weather yesterday was perfect and iho wicket was fairly easy, although it became more difficult as the day went on. Tho cricket was generally much brighter than that of the two previous days, and the first century of the game, scored by Galland, was one of the best innings seen at Eden Park for a long time. It ■was not freo from ehancps, but the runs were made by good, strong shots. Snedden revealed all his old polished style in scoring 73, not out,, in, Auckland's second innings. His runs were made most opportunely. Neither side showed exceptional strength in bowling, Auckland's weakness in this department being lamentably revealed in Otago's second innings. Player could not get as much swing as. on the first day, but ho maintained a solid length, only 81 runs being hit off 27 overs. With 209 on for three wickets, Blamires and Zimmerman continued Otago's second innings. Simpson opened the bowling and Zimmerman played his third ball on to tho wicket, but it failed to dislodge tho bails. No liberties could be taken with either Player or Simpson, although an occasional leg ball from the fast bowler was sent to the boundary. After 25 minutes' batting, Blamires chopped one from SimpEon behind the wicket, where Rowntree took a brilliant catch. The Otago captain had played a sound innings 1 for 74. In Simpson's next over Zimmerman was dismissed in exactly the same way, having added two in half an hour to his overnight Boore of 75. Chances Not Accepted. Galland and Conradi, the next pair, both shaped well, the former placing eeveral good shots through the slips. The score reached 250 and then ;one *£rom Player kept very low and bowled Conradi for 11. Knight, the next man, opened shakily, but Galland was putting plenty of force behind his shots and scoring well. Saunders came on in place of Simpson. In his first over Cooper did not move fast enough to get to a weak leg shot by Knight and in his next over Galland gave the same fieldsman an easy catch which Jbe failed to hold. After bowling 21 overs Player was taken ioff and Snedden went on. Galland was scoring freely and Knight with a good fchot past point brought the third century up. Galland reached 50 after about an hour's play. Smith and Horspool went on to bowl to the field shortly before lunch, but- the batsmen took no risks and the adjournment was made with the score at one behind Auckland's first inning's total. Horspool continued after lunch, while Simpson bowled at Smith's end, the fast bowler's second over realising 13, including two fours to Galland. This batsman reached top score a little later when Player missed a hot catch in the slips and tho ball went to the boundary. Nearing the End. With the score nearing the fourth century a double change was tried, Cooper and Player going on. Galland swung Player to leg for a fine boundary and next ball reached his century with a single through the slips. A few minutes later 400 went up. Knight plodded along and reached 50, but then put his leg in front to Authony, who had relieved Player, The pair had been associated in the best partnership of match and had added 155 runs. Duncan was next man and he opened well, but with his score at 16 he hooked I one from Anthony uppishly to leg. Frater jumped for it and took a great one-handed catch., Eight wickets were now down for 434. Shortly afterwards Galland, who had played easily the best innings of the match, was clean bowled by Player for 115. Tho bowling was now tired and the last 'pair, Douglas and Torrance, made good use of this to score freely all round the wicket. They added 32 before Douglas went forward and felt for one from Aiiihonjr and was clean bowled. The innings dosed for 472. Auckland's Second Innings. Requiring 271 to win, Mills and Horspool opened Auckland's second innings. The former started well, glancing: Torrance's first delivery for a perfect four. However, in Blamires' second over Auckland received a set-back, for Horspool was clean bowled before lie had fcored. The ecnro then stood at seven Mills, partnered by Snedden, reached ' 15 in the same number of minutes by attractive shots. After half an hour's play he off-drove one to Duncan and attempted a short run, but the fieldsman sent in a quick return to Torrance, and Mills was run out. Sneddon and Smith ■were the next pair to be associated, and both played steadily. At 66 Zimmerman .came on in place of Torrance. Tho wicket was now becoming, difficult .and a ball in Zimmerman's second over hardly left tho ground. Snedden just getting his bat down in time. Conradi relieved Blamires, but *tho Auckland score mounted steadily, and Douglas was brought on in place of Zimmerman. Tho batsmen would not be tempted by his slow deliveries, and the first centnrv was raised by Smith when he turned Douglas to leg for a single. Snedden reached 50 shortly afterwards, and then infused more freedom into his play. When stumps ■were drawn at 143 for two wickets, his Ecore stood at 73. Following are the scores: OTAGO. First Innings .. . ... , 131 Second Innings. McMullan, Ibw, b Simpson . . .. 0 Cherry, c Rowntree, b Cooper .. 32 Alloo, run out 33 Blamires,>c Rowntree, b Simpson . . 74 Zimmerman, c Rowntree, b Simpson 77 Galland, b Player . . . . .. 115 Conradi, b Player t ■ 11 Km'cht, Ibw, b Anthony . . .. 51 8. Duncan, c Frater, b Anthony . . 16 Dougla3, b Anthony . „ . . 20 Torrance, not out 12 Extras .. . , .. 31 I • Total «« «» »» ». 4.Z2 : }V. ■; k 1

Bowling Analysis.—Anthony took three wickets for 47 runs, Simpson three for 123, Player two for 81, Cooper one for 54, Sneddon none for 52, Saunders none for 38, Smith none for 32, Horspool none for 14. AUCKLAND. First Innings ~ 333 Second Innings. Mills, run out 20 Horspool, b Blamires .. . . 0 Snodden, not out 73 Smith, not out 38 Extras 12 Totr.l for two wickets .. . . 143 THE CANTERBURY MATCH. CHANGES IN AUCKLAND TEAM INCLUSION OF P. GERRARD. Only one definite change has been made in the Auckland team to.play Canterbury during next week-end. P. Gerrard, of North Shore, will replace L. H. Saunders, of University. Gerrard's omission from the team for the Otago match occasioned much criticism and it is to be hoped he can reproduce the batting form he has been displaying in club games. It is doubtful if R. Rowntree, the Auckland wicketkeeper, will be able to play. If he has to stand down his place will be taken by A. Scott, of North Shore. W. R. Garrard, of University, is not available.