THE PLUNKET SHIELD.

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXV, Issue 19834, 3 January 1928, Page 12

THE PLUNKET SHIELD.

AUCKLAND PLAYS OTAGO. AN EVEN SCORING GAME. lIOWLEY SAVES HOME SIDE. GOOD CENTURY TO McMULLAN. The first Plunkei Shield match to be played in Auckland this season was commenced at Eden Park on Saturday when Otago batted first against Auckland and made 197. The English coach, Eastman, gave a breazy display for 59, while McMullan contributed a very valuable 51. Auckland commenced badly and lost two wickets for 33. Bowiey carra to the rescue, anrl at the close of the day's play had scored <>l not out of a total cf 137 for five wickets. He gave a couple of hard chances early in his innings. "Outside the performances of the players mentioned there was littla to enthuse over in the p'ay, scoring for the most part being very slow. Favoured by a good wicket and a fast outfield, Oiago failed to take advantage of the toss of the coin. The display of the Auckland batsmen was also disappointing, and without Bowley's contribution prospects would have been anything but bright. Matheson replaced Gillespie in the local team and performed creditably with the ball, whilo he also took three catches, Gillespie is still suffering from a broken thumb. Otago Wins the Toss. Otago won the toss and elected to bat, JUloo sending Knight and Vorrath to the wickets. Player and Williams opened the attack for Auckland. Both batsmen were very cautions, and scoring was slow. Two runs were scored off the first five overs, the batsmen missing some good opportunities on the leg sid?.. With the tcial at nine Williams cie t n bowled Vorrath with a swinge/ which left the batsman standing. 9—l—7. When McMullan joined Knight, the rate of scoring did not increase, the first half-hour's play producing a dozen runs. Williams was attempting to trap Knight in the slips, but the batsman would rot be tempted. Up to this stage the batting was extremely dull, the Otago men seemingly being only concerned in keeping the bowlers out. After a time McMullan executed some nice late-cuts and brought li;is own total to 10 by hooking a short one from Williams to the squareleg boundary. Dacre made his first change with the total at 22, Bowiey relieving Williams. McMullan square-cut Bowiey to the fence, and then mis-hit one back to the bowler, who just failed to reach the ball with his right hand. Matheson In Form. McMull.m hooked Player to the fence in the next over. After Bowiey sent down a maiden, Matheson took up the attack Irorn Flavor's end. The change was successful, itowlev dismissing Knight with a beautiful or e-handed catch in the slips. Knight had been at the wickets for an hour for five runs. 34—-2—5. Cavanagh, the incomer, made a coupie of uppish strokes which fell safely. Matheson was maintaining a better length than hj? had done in club cricket during the season, and was keeping Cavanagh quiet. Williams came back to the crease iir place of Bowiey when the total was 40, 'McMullan sending him to the square-leg boundary Another four to McMullan in Williams' next over sent 50 up after an hour and a-half's play, McMullan's contribution being 31. Garrard replaced Williams, making Auckland's fifth bowling change. McMullan drove Garrard hard to the on boundary, and scored a four and a brace off his next over. Player came on again in place of Matheson. McMullan brought his total to 50 by placing the new bowler to :the boundary. The next over saw the left-hander's dismissal, Matheson catching him at second slip off Player. McMullan had played some bright cricket, and had scored 51 runs out of 75. He was; par- j ticulai'ly aggressive on the leg side. E as; t mail Gives a Chance. Before opening his account Eastman, the English coach, gave Garrard a chance off his own bowling, but it was not accepted. Meanwhile Cavanagh was scoring quietly in singles. Eastman made an uppish shot over mid-off's head off Playerjust before the luncheon adjournment, at which the score board read 88 for three wickets (Eastman, 7 not out, Cavanagh, 14 not out). Player and Williams resumed the attack, singles to each batsman and a three and. a brace to Eastman sending 100 up after two hours and five minutes' play. Eastman continued to score freely, three more fours off Williams and some nicelyplaced leg shots quickly carrying him into the thirties. Garrard relieved Williams with the score at 124. The change immediately had effect, Cavanagh being caught at mid-on by Matheson. He had played a patient innings. 1264 —22.^ Cherry nit one dangerously near Garrard off the second ball he received. He was not comfortable facing either Garrard or Player, and was caught behind the wickets before settling down. 134 —-5—4. Eastman was playing delightful cricket, and, in company with Gallard, ran some smart singles. The Englishman was warmly applauded on reaching his halfcentury with a four and a three off Gar- , rard. He had been at the wickets for 65 minutes. Gallard quickly ran into double figures, including a five square cut to the fence off Player. Matheson 1 s Brilliant Catch. Anthony was given his first turn with the bail with the total at 165, but Gallard showed his appreciation of the change by pulling him twice to the square-leg boundary. In Player's next over Eastman survived & confident appeal for low by both R ov;n tree and th? bowler. The Englishman attempted a big hit off Anthonv. but did not connect properly, , and Mathosyn took a brilliant running i catch, after racing for 20yds. from midon. Eastman's display had brightened up the game considerably, and it greatly pleased the spectators. 171 —6 —59. Alloo was next., and Player was spelled in favour of Matheson. A dangerous single saw Player return badly, another run being registered, 'ihe Otago captain did not remain long, Matheson beating him with a yorker. 176 —7—3. El ires commenced by late-cutting Matheson to the fence, although Garrard should have saved three runs. After compiling a bright 22, Gallard was well caught by Rowutree <>ff Matheson, this bring the bowler's third victim. 181 B—2l. A period of dull play followed, severa. overs being bowled to both Elmes and Douglas without any addition to the score. The crowd barracked ironically when a single was scored. Bowiey replaced Anthony, and tossed some tempting ones up, but the batsmen still played safely. Ten runs were added in 25 minutes, anrl then Player returned to the crea«» at Mathcson's end, and Dacre took over from Bowiey. Dacre cleanly bowled Elmes with iris third ball- 1938—14. Torrance signalised his appearance by hitting D;rcre to the fence but the Auckland skipper got him caught off the first ball of his next over. Dacre's average was two for. four, 197—10 —4. 'lhe innings had occupied three and threequarter hours. Bowiey and Mills Opened the Auckland - innings, "the former facing Eastman and placing him twice to the boundary, Torrance bowled from the other end, Mills Scoring two off the over. Bowiey survived a confident appeal for caught behind in Eastman's over, and then Mills attempted to 'look a short one from Tornmco;. missed, and was out Jbw, 12— *-3. .

With bis total at eight, Bowiey was dropped by Elmes at short fine leg off Eastman. Anthony opened his account with three, after playing two maidens from Torrance. At this stage Eastman went off the field after bowling five overs, and Mill? fielded as substitute for Otago. Runs came slowly until the tea adjournment, when the score was 28 for two wickets (Bowiey, 16 not out, Anthony, 8 not out). On resuming Eastman again took the fiold and clean bowled Anthony with a Swinger in his first over, 33 —2—13. AuckJand had not made a very auspicious opening. Joined by Cooper, Bowiey., who had been playing very correct cricket, ran into the twenties with a couple of on chives. Bowiey gave his second chance off Eastman to Cherry at short square leg when his total was 24. The ball rebounded off tho fieldsman's arm, and Douglas almost caught it at mid-on. The Auckland coacK brought 50 up with a beautiful off drive to the fence next ball. Tho ,half century hsd occupied an hour. Cooper ran into doubles' with a couple of fours., and Bowiey into the, forties with excellent off drives. Douglas was given a turn with the ball in place of Torrance, with the score at 69, and Alloo relieved Eastman. Cooper was just opening out when he was beaten by Douglas with a ball which he attempted to drive, 763 — 18. Bowiey continued to score with freedom, bringing his half century up by hooking Douglas to the fence. Eastman came on again in pLice of Alloo, and Garrard hit him for a couple of fours. In attempting to repeat the stroke ho was splendidly caught by Elmes after the fieldsman stopped the ball and caught it on the rebound, 93—4—8. There was loud cheering when Bowiey hit Douglas over the chaiklino for the first six of the match, bringing the century up after an hour and 40 minutes' play. Torrance went on in place of Douglas and off his first ball Dacre was caught behind in attempting a lato cut. The Auckland skipper had failed to score, 100—5—0. Player and Bowiey carried the total to. 115, the latter doing the scoring by excellent all-round shots, his own score being 69. Elmes and Douglas, both lefthanders, then took up the attack. Bowley finding the latter's deliveries to his liking. Coming right out he drove him powerfully for a four, a brace, and a single. At the close of the day's play Auckland had scored 137 for the loss of five wickets (Bowiey 81, not out, Player, 12 not out). SECOND DAY'S PLAY. A SPLENDID PARTNERSHIP. Perfect conditions again prevailed when the match was resumed yesterday. Bowley did not add many to his previous total, but Player and Matheson both helped materially to pass Otagc's first innings score. Auckland was eventually dismissed with a lead of 20 runs. At one stage, when the visitors had lost six wickets for- 01 runs in their second innings, it looked as if a collapse would occur, but a brilliant partnership between McMullan and Alloo saved the situation. Both batsmen played fine cricket, especially McMullan, who scored 131 before being dismissed. The Oiago captain had 81 not out to his credit when stumps were drawn. Eastman bowled the first over and then came off the field for 10 minutes, Douglas taking his place at the crease. Torrance bowled from the other end. Runs came slowly, 24 being added in the first halfhour, Player making 15 and Bowiey 9. Eastman and Torrance changed ends with the total at 162, Player straight-driving the Englishman to the boundary. Chiefly by singles the score gradually mounted to 172, when Torrance clean bowled Bowley with a ball which whipped off the pitch fast and came back. The batsman snicked the ball on to his wickets. He had been at the crease for 3 hours 10 minutes and had played an inValuable innings for his side. He was just, four runs short of the century. 172 —6—96. With the addition of eight more runs, A. Weir was caught in the slips off Torrance without scoring. 180—7—0. Almost immediately Player hit one back to Alloo, who had relieved Eastman. Player had made 40 by careful cricket, but Alloo seemed to trouble him. 180 —B—4o.8—40. Auckland still required 18 runs for a first inning's lead, w r ith Matheson and Williams at the wickets. Williams was uncomfortable facing Torrance, but placed Alloo nicely to leg for three. Matheson opened out to Alloo and hit him twice to the boundary. Both batsmen scored singles and then a brace to Williams off Alloo sent the second century up after 3 hours 40 minutes' play. Facing Torrance, Matheson continued to hit out, placing him twice for four and a brace. From" one stroke Cherry almost brought off a brilliant one-handed catch. Stopping the ball, he nearly caught ii< on the rebound. Eastman came on in place of Alloo and bowled a maiden to Williams. In Eastman's next over Matheson was stumped bv Gallard in attempting a big hit. His 24 had brightened up the game considerably. 213—9 24. The end came when Rowntree was clean bowled by Eastman, after placing the Englishman to the square-leg boundary, 217—10—4. The innings occupied 3 hours 45 minutes. Visitors' Poor Start. With 25 minutes to play before lunch. Knight and Cavanagh opened Otago'3 second innings to the bowling of Player. After Cavanagh scored a single, Knight played all over one from Player and was clean bowled. 1 —1 —0. Williams took up the attack, from the other end. At the luncheon adjournment the score was 11 for one wicket (McMullan 6 not out, Cavanagh 5 not out). On resuming McMullan quickly got going, placing both Player and Williams to the boundary through the covers, and running into tho twenties. Then Cavanagh was clean bowled ibjjf Player in attempting to score off a full toss. 30 —2 8. Two runs later Gallard was caught behind off Player, who, at this stage, had captured tho three wickets for 19 runs. 32-3-2. , , Matheson replaced Williams and bowled a maiden to McMullan. Having made a poor commencement, Otago was now orr th<>. defence, runs coming slowly. After 65 minutes play 34 runs were registered. Further disaster followed for Otago when Eastman went across to one from Matheson and snicked the bal! into Bowiey'.* safe hands at first slip. The ball got up quickly. 37 —4—l. McMullan continued to play nice shots and scored 36 cut of the first 50, which took an hour and 25 minutes. Dacre then relieved Matheson, who took up the attack from Player, at the other end, while Williams was also given another trial. McMullan was doing the scoring, but soon lost Vorrath, who was clean bowled by Williams. 65—5—9. Dacre was changing the bowling frequently, and brought Player, back again in place of Matheson. McMullan brought, his 50 up in an hour and 50 minutes with a brace, and a nice leg glide for three off Player. The total was now 70. Three runs later Matheson replaced Williams, the Auckland -skipper persisting with his fas', bowlers in preference to the leg-break oy'-mnents. There was applause when Anthony v.as given the ball in place ot. Player, with the total at 79. Anthony's first, over produced one. Garrard went on at the other end, and in his first over clean bowled Cherry, who did not attempt to play the ball. The batsman went over to covci; up and was bowled off his pads with one. which came straight through. 81 —6 —2, Ai period of slow play followed when Alloo joined McMullan, who, by splendid square-cuts, leg glides and late cuts, had added another 23 runs to his score. At the tea adjournment the board read 96 foxsix wickets (McMullan 67 not out, Alloo 7 not cut). On resuming McMullan hoisted tho century after 2| hours' batting, by subsequently srpiare-cuttiug a short one from Matheson 1q the fence. Player was the other bowler. The batting was now brighter, and Alloo ran into -doubles, being the orjly other batsman besides McMullan to have dorm so.so: far. Matheson was not bowling nearly so steadily as he had done, in tho first innings, McMullan placing a couple of short ones to leg. and bringing his 'total to 87,

3 Bowiey was given his first turn with I tho bali with the total at 123, making t Auckland's seventh bowling change. Mcs MuUan straight drove his first delivery to i th-3 boundary. Alloo hooked the last to the leg boundary. Hie Otago captain re- ' peated the shot in the next over, and ran ; into the twenties. The partnership had , realised 54 when Dacre took over from Matheson, Alloo placing his first oall to ' tho leg boundary. McMullan stayed at , 94 for a turn, and survived an appeal for I l.b.w. off Dacre A Splendid Century. 5 Another bowling change was made at 142. Garrard replacing Bowiey. Alloo notched another well-placed four to squaie--1 leg. McMullan earned rounds of applause 1 by driving Garrard to the boundary and 5 bringing three figures against his name, ' scoring the first century of the match. ■ His century occupied 3 hours 20 minutes. 1 lie had played an excellent innings when 3 matters were right against his side. Alloo 1 hit Dacre twice to the fence in the next- ■ over. The Otago skipper was also play- ■ inz a fine innings. . . f At 161 Cooper relieved Dacre, this being i the former's first appearance at the crease ' during tho match. Runs were nowbemg , added at a much faster rate, McMullan I driving Cooper for a four and a tlnee, t while Alloc had increased his total to 43. i Garrard gave way to Williams, with the - total at 173, but the rate of sconng d d not slacken, and Anthony replaced Wil- , liams. McMullan and Alloo had now ; added 103 runs, which was the best part- ! nership of the match Dacre P«t Mathe- ; son on in place of Cooper, and the first r extra, of the innings, a leg bye, was rc- : corded. McMullan was still driving , strongly, and chiefly from these shots he scored another 20. Alloo who had missed a Rood deal of the bowling, brought- up r his 8 half-century, and 200 for Ins «de . after 41 hours' play. Shortly afterwards 5 he partnership came to an end, when i Dacre caught McMullan at mid-on ofL ■■ Matheson. The retiring batsman had : ployed a chanceless innings for 131 and ' was warmly applauded for H partnership with Alloo added 120 runs. bv Elmes, Alloo was placing '• Matheson nicely past point, two fours am singles bringing his total to 66. J Williams came on in place of I w/1 ° ' was pitching a little short but Adoo was ■ still going nicely. Garrard relieved Wl- - liams at 234, and Alloo skied him to the ' leg boundary, where Williams « US J U^ 1 the catch, being too slowcff the The batsman was now in the eighties. It 1 was the first chance the Otago had , Weir was grven his first bowl when the board read 242, Elmes hitting his first delivery to the square-leg fence, and scoring a single off the last, making himself the third double-figure scorer. At stumps the score was 247 for seven m - kets (Alloo 81 not out. Elmes 10 not out). Following are details os the play.

OTAGO.—First Innings. W. Vorrath, b Williams ■ • • • A. Knight, c Bowley, b Matheson . . J McMullan, c Matheson, b Player . V. G. Gavanagh, c Matheson, b Garrard . . "i" L. C. Eastman, e Matheson, b Anthony • • ■, • • R Cherry, c Rowntree, b Player . . A. Galland, c Rowntree, b Matheson A W. Alioo, b Matheson S. Elmes, b Dacre W. Douglas, not out . % R. Torrance, c Anthony, b Dacre . 7 5 51 21 59 4 22 3 14 3 4 4 Total 197 BOWLING A3! AI A' SI P. 0. M. \ M. Matheson , . 16 5 C. C. Dacre . • 1-1 ° A. S. Player . . 30 13 A. Anthony . • <■> £ A. Williams ' ' tL , D. P. Garrard . . IE 1 E. H. Bowley . . ' 9 " R. 24 4 66 12 41 34 12 W. 3 2 2 1 1 1 Second Innings... A. Knight, b Player * " V. G. Cavanagh, b Player . . . . » J McMullan, c Dacre, b Matheson . 1&L A. Galland, c Rowntree, b Player . L. C. Eastman, c Bowley, b Matheson 1 W. Vorrath, b Williams . . • • » R. Cherry, b Garrard . . • • * A. W. Alloo, not out . . . * . . oi S. Elmes, not out . • • » • Extras . • • » • * " 0 ; Total for seven wickats 247 BOWLING ANALYSIS. < - 0. M. A. S. Player . . 25 & Matheson . • • - 27 4 D R. Garrard . . 14 & Williams . • • • " Dacre -- 7 J Anthony . . v: • Bowley . . v " * Cooper • • • • Weir • • • * 1 R. ,56 65 20 26 21 19 14 19 5 W. 3 2 1 1 AUCKLAND. —First Innings. 96 2 13 18 8 E H. Bowie v. b Torrance J E. Mills, lbw, b Torrance A Anthony, b Eastman I. W. Cooper, b Douglas . . D. R- Garrard, c Elmes, b Eastman • • C. C. Dacre, c Galland, b Torrance . \ R Player, c and b Alloo A. F. Weir, c Eastman, b Torrance . A. M. Matheson, stpd Galland, b Eastman A. Williams, not out . . R. W. Rowntree. b Eastman Extras 0 40 0 24 9 4 3 Total 217 bowling analysis. 0. M. R Torrance • • 17 Jj. C. Eastman • • a A. W. Alloo • • 13 4 W. Douglas • •> 11 S. Elmes • • * , R. 55 64 45 44 6 W 4 4 1 1