SENIOR MATCHES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXV, Issue 23208, 30 November 1938, Page 22

SENIOR MATCHES

TWO TEAMS IN LEAD SOME GOOD PERFORMANCES CHOICE OF AUCKLAND ELEVEN The conclusion of the fourth series ot matches in the senior championship of the Auckland Cricket Association brought about a change in the positions of the teams. Grafton, which had a six-point win at the expense of Pon-sonby-Balmoral, lias gone into the load, equal with JJniversitv. Eden, lastseason's champion team, is second, equal with Y.M.C.A., two points behind the leading tennis. As a result of its deleat by University, North Shore has dropped l'roin the leading position to fourth, one point in arrears of Y.M.C.A. and Eden;

New Zealand cricketers again had a good afternoon. For University A. M. Matlieson, who had scored 81 on the previous Saturday against North Shore, carried his total to 111. Flaying for Parnell, VV. M. Wallace and H. G. Vivian scored 80 and 62 respectively. Bowling honours fell to G. L. Weir, who took six wickets for Eden against Parnell for 41 runs.

The former New Zealand representative all-rounder, D. R. Garrard, took six wickets for 64. This was a surprisingly good performance, considering that Garrard was playing in his first match for the season. Garrard exploited the soft wicket to the best advantage, spinning the ball appreciably and obtaining pace off the pitch. His length was always good. V. S. Sale came back to his best form in North Shore's second innings in compiling 105 not out. He used his feet freely and his strong driving was a feature. Sale appears likely to be now included in the Auckland team which will defend the Plunket Shield this season. The Auckland Rugby representative wing-threequarter, D. L. Martin, came into prominence with a splendid innings for 99 not out against Y.M.C.A. He made his runs at a stage when they were badly needed and displayed great confidence. He used his feet well and drove strongly, while executing a nice hook shot on occasions.

Auckland's slow howler, C. Burke, took six' wickets for 66 runs against Ponsonby-Balmornl in the second innings. Burke flighted the ball well and completely beat some of his victims with a delivery which went straight through v\;hcn they were anticipating a break. It is likely that the sole selector to the Auckland Cricket Association, Mr. Hugh Duncan, will announce his team for the southern tour next week. Auckland will be weakened by the loss of the all-rounder, W. N. Carson, who is still suffering from the injury he received during the Rugby season. Mr. Duncan will visit Hamilton next Saturday to watch the Hawke Cup match between Bay of Plenty and South Auckland, the holder of the trophy.

SUBURBAN GAMES R.V. TEAM LEADS After .tlireo series of interesting matches the Auckland City and Suburban Cricket Association's senior grade championship has reached.a stage when R.V. can claim the right to the leading position. So far R.V. has not had a loss and the maximum points were scored in one of the matches. AgaiTist Ponsonbv last Saturday R.V. met strong opposition, but the ability of the bowlers saw Ponsonljy dismissed Bo runs in arrears of R.V.'s first innings score. Splendid batting efforts by Goldsworthy (73) and Bambury (52) played an important part in the first innings for R.V. However, greater credit goes to C. G. Finlnysou, the former New Zealand and Wellington representative, who was almost unplayable on occasions. His ability to swing the ball Ivoth ways had the batsmen badly puzzled. Green Lane, last year's champion side, is in second place, three points behind R.V. Green Lane was beaten by Dilworth Old Boys the previous Saturday, but better form was shown in its victory against Brixton. Green Lane depends largely on the bowling of Kerr and MeCormick, who is one of the fastest bowlers in Auckland. On a firm wicket MeCormick is likely to trouble the best batsmen in the competition. Kerr, who was the outstanding hatsman last season, has not yet shown his best form. Green Lane, however, is a well-balanced team and it only needs Robinson, Waters and Monteith to strike form to improve its chances considerably in the championship. The game between Manukau and Dilworth Old Boys was the most interesting of the series and only four runs separated the teams. As the result of its success, Manukau, one point behind Green Lane, is in third position".

Owing to the Domain being used for an athletic carnival, there will be no senior grade A fixtures next Saturday. Lower grade competitions will be continued on other grounds.