CRICKET

New Zealand Times, Volume LXXII, Issue 4806, 8 November 1902, Page 6 (Supplement)

CRICKET

(By "The Hittite.”)

Last Saturday there was acme yery fair cricket shown in the senior games, and the merit was apparent in both batting and bowling. In the game between Wellington and. Old Boys, Hales got the excellent bowling average of five wickets for 6 runs. He sent down 16 1-3 overs during the innings, ten of them being maidens. Off the remainder only six runs were made, a single from each over. This feat will deservedly rank as a good performance, for in spite of the depreciatory tendencies of a few antiquated Jeremiahs, the fact remains that Old Boys are by no means a weak batting team. Their weakness has been in the bowling deportment. and the reason why no phenomenally big scores have been made by the "boys" is to be found in the fact that the team has had no weak sets of bowlers to play against in every third match. This aspect of the matter was pointed out by '’The Hittite” last year, but it is well that it should be repeated as a reminder tor shorblired memories. While on the subject of the Old Boys, this writer would give the Management Committee a "tip," and that is to see that Tucker is not allowed to sacrifice his un. doubted batting ability through persistent trundling at the nets. His "coaching" is eminently desirable, but in the interests of the first eleven, he should bo allowed adequate opportunity to achieve by practice the high batting form that last year distinguished him. In the match between Midland and Phoenix there was a display of good hitting given by the Midland team. Six batsmen made the following totals: 54. 44. 42, 41. 28 and 22. and the innings closed for 260. The advice given to Uphom to go earlier to the wickets was acted upon in this innings, and the result was that he made top score with 54. Bartlett hit 42 in twenty strokes, there being only eight singles in the total. Holdsworth (44) put his usual vigour into his play, his score including two fives, two fours, and four.,threes. C. Hickson compiled a steady 41. his score being made up of fourteen singles, half-a-dozen twos, and five threes. Williams maintained his reputation as a pnnishing bat. He made 28 in a few minutes—one five, two fours, four threes, a two and a one. Hickey, Brice, Cross and Hay took wickets for Phoenix, the first-named trundlor being most successful (six for S2). In the second innings of Phoenix, three wickets fell on Saturday for 51 runs (Sanders 24, Halley 14 not out). The game was to be completed on evenings during the week now closing.

An outstanding feature of the play last Saturday was the wicket-keeping of Mar hony, the Sydneysider. He was most effective, a fact attested by his individual record of four Old Boys etnmped and two caught behinff the wickets. He has a knack of upsetting the timber ‘‘on suspicion” occasionally but that fault is a venial one; and it has the compensating advantage of keeping the umpires from dying of disueo during "stcinewall’’ tactics.

A fund is being raised in Sydney for the purpose of procuring a testimonial, to be presented to Victor Trumper, in recognition of his unprecedented doings with the Australian eleven In England.

Ola Boys are expecting Staples back this month. Ho will be available for next match.

A. P. Holdship, well known to all local cricketers, has forsaken cricket for bowls, and has joined the Bowling Club. His average for the Wanganui Cricket Club last season was 12.50.

Sanderson has decided to play again for Old Boys. The “frothers” can’t keep away. The annual fixture, past and present of Wellington College, will be played on the College ground on Monday next. There -will be two matches.

JUNIOR NOTES. (By “The Canaanite.”) Tho game between the College and Gag Company resulted in an easy win for the latter team by 156 runs. Stevens concluded his innings for 8-4, while Topp added 35 to the score. The latter also bowled well, obtaining 4 wickets for 10. Hales, with 80, was the only College batsman to trouble tho bowling. This game was continued last Saturday with a wider bowling crease in accordance with the new law. This action was an error, as all matches should be played out under similar conditions, with regard to ground, etc., to those under which they were commenced. One of the Gas Company’s team did not like being given out l.b.w. to Parkinson, who was bowling round the wicket —and. moreover, taking full advantage of the widened crease.

It is very absurd to argue that a batsman cannot get out log before wicket to a bowler who is bowling round the wicket. All that is required is a ball pitched in a straight line between the wickets and then breaking and keeping straight. No umpire could (under such circumstances) give any other decision but one in the bowler’s favour. While on the subject of umpires: "When do the cricket authorities intend to form an Umpires’ Association?” The umpiring in most junior matches is generally anything but satisfactory, and it would be doing junior cricketers a very good turn to supply them with good umpires.

Another thing in junior cricket that is anything but commendable is the frequent appearance of player* in plain clothes. Nothing looks worse than a bowler bowling in a black vest or a fieldsman taking part in a game clad in a pair of bine dungarees. Apparently the Cricked Association, has a law which says that all players “must appear in proper cricketing costume." Such a law should be enforced, but most captains are averse to making any, objection to any player in plain clothes—as it creates bad feeling. As far as kho Baein is concerned, should not the Ground Committee be empowered to enforce this rule? Last week on No. 3 there were many players without proper costume. True, it was only a practice match, but the appearance of players in plain clothe* in any part of the ground gives a bad impression to spectators. Wellington beat Old Boys somewhat easily by nine wickets. With 101 to make to win there waa a chance for the Old Boys, but so well did Johnstone and Lnclde bat that tho remit was newer in doubt. . ■ ~ The Old Boys’ bawling was painfully weak. Surely there were more bowlers in tho team than Darroch and McKenzie ? The Junior Selection Committee has picked the following team to play against the Hutt Valley representatives on Monday:—Wotide, Johnstone. O’Sullivan, Eery, Enckie, Johnson, Windley, Wighton. Harris, Stevens, and Hutchings. The following criticism was handed to me by a junior player: “First, one notices the absence of a fast bowler—surely the first esential in picking a team; then the presence of three break bowlers in Pery, Luckio. and Karris, all of whom are not needed. Then, again, having plenty of break bowling, where is the wicket-keeper for stumping purposes ? As a batting team it is strong, but weak in bowling.” Wedde. when set is a good scoring man, depending chiefly upon forward strokes for lbs runs; a slow field. Johnstone (Wellington) is an excellent bat. with plenty of good scoring strokes; nv.7 bo weak at leg breaks: slow in the field: a now player to Wollinodon. O’Sullivan is another excellent batsrr.*.n. and a «»fe field.

Johnson (Midland) «.s a left-hand bowler and batsman has long been a

mainstay of Ms club. Bowls for a lons tune without tiring. Pory, of the Wellington, is another new man to Wellington. As a bowler mixes leg breaks with fast balls with excellent results; is a poor bat. Wighton has yet to play his first junior match. He wae about the best batsman in third grade cricket last season, and is a good field. Stevens has appeared for the Phoenix seniors on several occasions. Should make plenty of runs in junior cricket. Hutchings, who played senior last year, was said to be one of the most promising players here. A good field and a sound batsman. Said to bo wicket-keep-ing this season. Windley is a good field and a fair change bowler, but is more prominent a* a batsman. Has not done so well for tho Midlanders as for Porirua. Luckie is another left-hander. Sbonld do well as a bowler if the wicket be soft. Harris is a break bowler who is afraid of being hit about. Bowls well one day but is off tho next. A fair bat.

THIRD CLASS NOTES. (By the “Jebusite.") "Burglar" Webb, of the Alidland A team, was the "star" performer oyer tho Athletic X J ark netting last Saturday afternoon, much to uie chagrin of his colleagues, who were unable “pace" the popular Midlander. The netting is not to be removed until the I’urk aircctOTs consider the tnri‘ is able to stand the dashing onslaught of the third class cricketers, who are to be “kept off the grass” under the assumption that the Park will be required for a higher class of the game than at present prevails there. All the chain- 1 pionship matches are interfered with on account of the netting being allowed to remain In position, but this is considered a secondary consideration by the Cricket Association. 1 would point out to this august body (of which I regret I am”not a member) that the affiliated clubs would bo in tho “mire" if they were to lose the third class members, and this fact alone should bs sufficient cause for mere, consideration by the parent body towards their third class adherents. Before these lines see daylight “follow the man from Cooks” will no doubt hare been wafted from the Opera House—and the same action may be viewed, free of charge, until further notice at the Athletic Park despite the fact that “A Runaway Girl” is not-on the programme. I would suggest to Mr K. K. Laita, the captain of the Midland A team; to work up a deputation of the third class cricketers to wait on tho Association Committee next Monday week and urge that the netting hampers the play, and at the same time point out to the Oomnnttee that more harm is being done to the turf by the vaulting action of the players. I feel certain the Third Class Committee would only bo too pleased to introduce tha deputation to urge the third class cricketers claims to have tho present nuisance done away with. Two corpulent members of the Phoenix Club were engaged this week in a singlewicket match. The fieldsmen were reduced to lira, and Messrrs VV. R. Bock and C, E. Hickey filled the positions of umpire and scorer ■ respectively. The challenger (who hails from the other side) took strike on the public portion of tho reserve, and before 10 was hoisted sent one to Ell, who brought off a well judged catch. The “windy man” from Wellington did hot treat his opponent’s bowling to the respect which it deserved, and in consequence he war "blown out.” A return match is cm the board, but I do not think a second edition in II take place.’ Oscar Cook ha» been elected delegate for the Johnsonville Club, and the members are to be congratulated on securing the services of an active player in preference to some of the “has beens” who formerly filled that position. Mr Godber has taken np similar duties for Vivian, and as ho is keen on all matters relating to the gome the olub will be represented by a member who understands the routine of committee work. I would suggest to the Association to aek the above delegates' to “work up” some enthusiasm in connection with the guarantee to Lord Hawke’s team among third class players. Mr Hyams, the controller-general of tho Association’s funds, would 1 feel sure receive them with open arms and financial blessings on their applying for a bundle of tickets to bo “hawked” in the city prior to tho match. The Borers are now located on tho northern side of the Reserve, and I was pleased to notice a net was in position protecting the Council’s property. The club has received a handsome donation to the funds from one of its supporters, and in consequence the members are “all smiloe.”

The College ground, at present is a picture, and muon admired by players who axe not fortunate enough to be practising on this favoured spot. The club wickets on the Reserve are "kicking,” and I think a -whisper to Mr Twist concerning this cause of complaint would minimise the "growling,” which is painful and free at present. A correspondent, wrting over the nom de-plume of "Wednesday," states that several members of the Phoenix Club put him off his stroke on a recent afternoon when he was well on his way for a much coveted century in a Wednesday Cup match. The Saturday players hare no right to practise on this particular day in the weak, but to'infer in this instance that the "net” players placed the future Wellington representatives in danger of their lives is simply ludicrous., My Wednesday friend should, approach the Association on the matter, and air his grievance before the gpverning body. Glorious weather prevailed laot Saturday, and the third class players showed their appreciation of the “turn in the tide” by knocking up some fair totals. The Karori-Old Boys match presented two 'distinct feature*—sound hatting of the latter team and weak bowling by th» former. The late students possess a sound batting side, and 1 hear that Jameson's effort waa worthy of a junior. Martin opened his shoulders as he settled down to hie task, and Pye-Smith displayed defensive booties. Stevenson did not take any risks, but Perry and Drake ‘‘slashed" the bowling for all they were worth. Lowe was the Karori hero on the day's play. He scored 20 out of 85, and bore the brunt of the bowling. Karori are 57 run* to the bad, and the team will require to play all it knows if the Old Boys are to bo set a fair score to make to win the match. For the information of several members of the Midland senior eleven who have been "saying things," the suburban players would bo only too pleased to show them over the pavilion that has been oreotod by the Borough Council on the ground.

The Newtown team has , been strengthened since the College fiitnro, and all the new men shaped well against Midland A last Saturday. The Newtown player* showed np well in the field, and Tyler kept wickets in good style. Only two byes were debited against him. The usnal safe Midlanders lot off a number of eaoy catches, but Atkinson sared the team's reputation in the second innings by a fine effort which disposed of Chapman; I consider Atkinson is in the running for Dr Anson’s trophy for the best fieldsman in the Midland Club. Last season Gosling <6. for 21) proved a thorn in the southerners’ batting, and ho has captured S for 7 in the second innings. Latta seat down several puzzling overs consisting of slow leg-breaks, which were not ' appreciated by his opponents. Robertson (45) headed the individual scores on the Newtown side, and Spence (23) filled a similar position for the Midlanders. Arthur Smith, of the Midland A team, has a large following in the club, and one of his adherents is E. Bourke, who is anxious to assist his friend in third class cricket.

Joe Windley hammered the Phoenix B's bowling to the tune of 02, and J. Moore also had a "bang." "Toi" long (who is the tmr.dler of the Phoenix B team) came out with an average of 6 for U, hut Pickeu. for Johnsonvills, has landed 8 for 23 at present.—El! 15 (not out) and Watson 10 (not out) were the only B’s who made any showing for the town players. ’ Eli is very consistent at

the nets, and it will not bo for want of practice if he does not perform well in puolio. The Windley brothers have always j boon keen on the game, and a Porirua team was never complete unless the family was represented. During past seasons, Harry. Will and the Into Jaca were considered the cracks of tho district, and their positions in the field are now well represented by “Ernie” and “J -<s.”

Tha Rovers hare made a successful debut in third class cricket. Yet it must be said that but for the fine, stand mode by Condliffe (Tit) and* Waugh (48) a tale or woe would have been recorded by the scorer. Stuckey (53) and Pel! (41) pulled the College total to within 20 runs of that of their opponents, but I would bo pleased to learn of more of the boys reaching double figures in their championship engagements. Waugh and Newsoa bowled well for the hovers, and the best of the College attack was found in Jordan and Chatfield. Phoenix A hare a strong lead of tho College A division—liiani.s to “Toddy” Johnson, who piled on 55 and captured 7 wickets for 10 runs. Ward (40), Birdie (S 3), and Eomax were responsible for the major portion of the students’ score, and the last named player was associated with Male in tho turning-out process of the Phoenicians. The bowling of tha two beys made amends for tho comparative failure of their follow-students, and no doubt pleased the “bosses.” The Midland B “outed” Wellington for 92, which was 30 less than was compiled by the second division. The latter team has proved very disappointing so far, ns the team is considered a strong one on paper. Masters was well ,to the fore in the bowling and batting departments, and i Hanify collared bis initial wickets this season. Blackwell batted in good stylo for Midland, and Harrison and Thomas did storing work with the ball. Coster, the “father” of the Midland B team, was content to view tho proceedings frm tho pavilion. The old saying that “one story is good until another is told” is forcibly illustrated by the following letters: “‘The Jebusito’: Dear sir,—l noticed in your third class notes of last Saturday that you referred to tho Rovers as practising without nets in close proximity to the Newtown Cricket Club. Evidently you have mixed us up with soma other team, as wo have had nets the lasi. ..-,vv. years and practise on the opposite side of the Reserve to tho Newtown’s. As you seem to bo in some / doubt as to who we are I shall be glad to inform you. We were formed front Die Rover Eootball Club (which has been in existence about 14 years) about throe years ago, and each year we entered two teams for tho Junior Association's championship, the A team winning it every time; and wo have now in our possession two cups, ono our own property. The success of the club is very pleasing to'me as I was tho convenor of the first meeting, and I would be very pleased if you would correct your statement in next Saturday’s paper. Thanking you in anticipation, I am, etc., W. 13. B. Hicks, hon. soo., R.C.C.”

Hero follows “the other story”:—“Dear ‘Jebusite’: “In answer to your query re the Rbver Cricket Club practising without nets in close proximity to our nets, I can assure you that your remarks in Saturday’s supplement were quite cor-

rect, as several of our players can testify. 1 repeatedly approached their secretary re providing nets as several of our players had very narrow shaves of being hurt. I hare also spoken to some of their members and have had to shift them off our wicket. Thanking you for your interest in tho matter. Sincerely yours, Chas. D. Robertson, bon. sec., Newtown C.C.”

Thero will probably boa, few more stories to be told after the two secretaries meet.

Dr W. B. Pearlcss, secretary of tha Wakefield Cricket Club (Nelson), is arranging a series of matches for tho Aewtown Club at Christmas. The local team expect to take part in six games. Third class players are requested to note that net practice will take place next Wednesday, owing to the usual halfholiday being observed 'on Monday (King’s Birthday).