CRICKET NOTES

New Zealand Herald, Volume LXXVI, Issue 23504, 15 November 1939, Page 17

CRICKET NOTES

THE PLUNKET SHIELD SUGGESTED AUCKLAND TEAM PLAYERS FOR PRACTICE W. M. WALLACE AS CAPTAIN The sole selector to the Auckland Cricket Association, Mr. IT. Duncan, has caused no surprises among the 21 players he has chosen for representative practice in view of the forthcoming Plunket Shield matches. With many players now showing good form, the competition for the last few places in the Auckland eleven is sure to he very keen. Owing to tho present uncertain outlook for the futuro on account of the war the selector this season has a splendid opportunity of doing: a little in tho way of experimenting. In spite of tho fact that Auckland holds the Plunket Shield at tho moment, tho winning of tho trophy should not necessarily bo tho first consideration. It is to tho futuro. now moro than ever, that somo attention at least should be devoted.

The first experiment suggested is that of captaincy. Although A. J. Postlos has dono splendid servico in the past, it is unlikely that ho will continue to play representative cricket much longer. In seeking his successor, therefore, a young player of experience capable of filling the position for a few yoars, if he proves his worth in his first season, should bo looked for. Auckland appears to have the ideal player in W. M. Wallace. Tho best stroke exponent in New Zealand and a fine fieldsman, Wallace has hud wide experience in representative cricket, besides touring England with tho New Zealand team in 31)37. His fine playing record speaks for itself, and his popularity, modesty and pleasing personality suggest that ho would make a splendid leader for the Auckland eleven.

PROMISING BOWLER YOUNG LEFT-HANDER With Wallace as captain, a young player who appeals is A. X. Thompson, the Eden left-hand trundler. For somo seasons Auckland has lacked a left-hand bowler of the Cyril Allcott type, but Thompson is showing such promise that ho deserves a trial. Ho would lend a much-needed variety to the attack, and his steady bowling against Sir Julian Cahn's team for the Auckland Combined Colleges should b9 taken into consideration. L. Archor, the left-hand Grafton batsman of the forceful type, should also go close to higher honours. C. P. Howden, Middlemore. the former Otago representative, is likely to be seriously considered for a place following his innings for 07, 00 and 30}* and his bowling performance of six for 32. Auckland, with the exception of C. Burke, Grafton, has no bowlers of the slow leg-break typo approaching representative standard. Burko has always performed well when selected for tho provincial side, and there should be no doubt about his inclusion. With Burke in the team the attack would bo further varied auil strengthened.

Under the captaincy of Wallace, an opening batsman would have to be found with Whitclaw. The' latter, although a little scratchy at the start, returned to form last Saturday. There is no reason why G. L. Weir, with his wide experience, should not make a fine partner for tho Parnell player. V. S. Salo has struck form and V. J. on his first batting appearance this season opened well with 42. H. T. Pearson is also-in form, but Auckland is very strong in batting and a batsman or two could be dropped with a view to strengthening the-attack.

WICKETKEEPING POSITION BLANDFORD IN FORM The selector has followed his usual idea of not choosing a wicketkeeper for representative practice. Last season V. S. Salo was called on finally to fill tho position, although he did not keep wickets for tho North Shore dub. D. B. Edmonds, former' Auckjand representative, having this role. The advent of J. A. E. Blandford, former New Zealand and Wellington representative, will probably solvo the problem for the selector. Blandford has been showing good form with both bat and gloves for Middlemore. The following team should worthily uphold Auckland on the playing. Held;—■ W. M. Wallace (Parnell), captain. . P. E. Whitclaw (Parnell). G. L. Weir (Eden). ■ • .A. X. Thompson (Eden). _ .W. X. Carson (Eden). • ,T. Cowio (Grafton). C. Burke (Grafton). V. S. Sale (North Shore). V. J. Scott (Y.M.C.A.). A. it. Matheson (University). J. A. P. Blandford (Middlemore). C. P. Howden (Middlemore), 12th man. SALE'S FINE DISPLAY SEVEN WICKETS TO PA EKES V. S. Sale improved his chances of selection in the Auckland Plunket Shield eleven by a fine display for 121 against Ponsonby-Bal-inoral at Dcvonport. Favoured by an easywicket, Sale jumped into the bowling from the start, taking a great number of tho deliveries on the half-volley and punching (hem past mid-on and through tho covers. Sale, started the season badly, failing to score in his first two innings, hut he has now strurk his best form and should prove us prolific a scorer as last season, when he had five centuries to his credit in club and representative cricket. The young Ponsonby-Balmornl bowler X. Parkes gave a good performance against North Shore in taking seven wickets for 77. Ho was up against batsmen who were prepared to take a risk in an effort to score runs quickly, but the fact that most of the batsmen were well down the wicket to meet his deliveries did not deter him from keeping a length. Occasionally he used deceptive spin and flight. Although Ponsonby-Balmoral's ground fielding was well below standard, some brilliant catches were taken, Clcavo being outstanding for several fino efforts. After safely holding a lofty hit from Sale on the long-on boundary. Cleave was- responsible for a remarkable effort when he held a hot on-drivo from McArthur, the fieldsman reaching out full length to collect the chance. Cleave also assisted in tho dismissal of Blanchfield off Parkes' bowling.

OTAGO BATSMAN UTTLEY'S FINE RECORD Dr. K. F. M. Uttley, who lias been a member of every Plunkct Shield team that hna represented Otago in the past six seasons, will not, be available for provincial matches that may lie played this season, as he is to leave in a few weeks to take up ;in appointment as a house surgeon at Greyuioutli. Apart from A. R. Knight, who has played over a much longer period, Uttley has scored more runs for Otago in these games lhan any other batsman who has performed exclusively for this province. If he is given credit for the runs lie has saved by his brilliant fielding, his performance appears the more notable. Uttley's full Pltinket Shield record is as follows: In. N.O. H.S. R. Avgc. 1!)33-3I ..II <l2 2150 38.1113 m;j i-»r, .. r> <>■_; ir>2 25.33 .. i; <ji !>■_> 15.33 1 .. a 2 Mr. so 2 75.50 1037-38 .. (i 3038-31) (J 36 2 M."» 1303 38.32 SUBURBAN MATCHES BOWLERS HOLD COMMAND The low scoring in the second series of matches in the Auckland City and Suburban Cricket Association's senior grade championship caused a surprise, as the wickets were in good order. It appears as though some of the teams lack batting practice. The bowlers were in the ascendancy in all three games, even making allowance for the 255 runs made by Green Lane against Roskill. Of this'score R. Robinson, who made two centuries last season, compiled !>•_', and was a little unlucky not to reach his hundred. M. Canning, Roskill, who took five wickets for 57 runs, is one of the most consistent bowlers in the competition. lie is ii first-year senior player. Against II.V. the previous week Canning took five wickets for 42 runs in 12 overs. A fine Tength was a feature of his bowling. Dihvorth Old Boys, which was dismissed cheaply for 130, gave a disappointing display, the Brixton bowlers being well on top. The colts had to scratch for runs most of the time and J. Hetherington had the early batsmen on defence, Uelheringlon also kept a good length and his spinners had to be wj.icbei' carefully. He sent down 12 overs ami secured seven wickets for .">3. Longville, the wicketkeeper, gave Hetherington excellent assistance, with two fine slumping efforts. The Manukau bowlers, Marn and Bleakley. "were also successful against R.V., which was dismissed for J.'.S. A good innings by Simpson (55) saved tt.V. from a rout. Mann, the left-hander, had three wickets for xtino at one stage and Bleakley two for 13. Dunning also bowled steadily and was always difficult to score off. l-'ven with the low scores a! least two of the games, those between Dilworth and Brixton and R.V. and Manukau, appear very open, and close finishes are expected next Saturduy. Green Lane with 25;3 has set Roskill u difficult task to win.

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