AT THE WICKETS

NZ Truth, Issue 943, 22 December 1923, Page 10

AT THE WICKETS

Gossip From Far And Near

AMONG THE PLAYERS.

(By L. T. Cobcroft.)

It is not generally known that C» G. Wilson, the captain of the Wellington Club, was at one time wicketkeeper for the St. Kilda CC. (Victoria), and only stood down to allow Jim Kelly, the famous Australian eleven representative, to take up the reins. Owing to Kortlang being absent on Saturday, Father once more put on the gloves and gave the spectators a taste of what he must have been m the early days (say 30 years ago). In addition to stumping Finlayson off Napier he was responsible for the dismissal of the Nicholls brothers, catching Mark and running H.E. out, although m the case of the latter the bails appeared to be off before the ball reached the veteran's hands.

The Canterbury Association have acted wisely m allowing the married men who are selected to travel 10/---per day out-of-pocket expenses. Cannot Wellington take a leaf out of the aouthern association's book?

Herb McGirr was snapped up m the slips by Wiri Baker m both innings of the Hutt — Midland match. Baker has improved his fielding wonderfully during the last couple of seasons and is now one, of the best slip fielders we possess m Wellington.

Ches Holland, the well-known Wanganui player, is now an employee of the Petone workshops, being transferred from Webbtown this week. Holland will prove a tower of strength to the club lucky enough to secure his services as there is no question about this player being one of the best length bowlers m New Zealand.

The country team taking part today against the Wellington representatives is a good one and appears to be the best talent available. There are practically five Wellington representatives appearing on the country side, viz., Collins, Lambert. Bernau, Grant and Holland. The latter was chosen last year, but through a slight injury was unable to play. O'Connell (Hawkes Bay), Orr and Lomas (Wanganui) and Hoar (Wairarapa) have been doing particularly well this season, while Hodder (Manawatu) and Cameron. (Rangitikei) could not be left out of a country' combination. The game should be an interesting and good one aa both sides appear equally matched. Country 'possess two fast bowlers m Bernau and Collins, while Holland, O'Connell and Grant make up a useful variety. With McGirr still suffering from a sprain Wellington's fast bowlers will be Brice and Henderson, with Miassey, Hiddleston and Warne as supports.

Do not underrate the Auckland side as they are always a difficult side to defeat, whether at home or on tour — they are fighters every inch of them and this generally lands the mustard.

Anthony has taken part m quite a number of representative fixtures. Tony and- Billy Patrick used to be opening batsmen for Canterbury years ago. A great run-getter when m form and useful change bowler.

Old Smithy is playing brilliantly this year. This good sport will get some runs on the southern tour.

"Not Out" m the Sydney "Referee" writes: "S. Trumper fell to one of the most extraordinary catches I have ever seen. He hit one from slow-bowler O'Connor to the left of Forsberg at extra mid-off. It seemed to be passing wide of him, bUt he dived, and turning his back to the batsmen, intercepted the ball with his right hand while falling. Therefore, the palm of his hand was facing the batsman while he was facing the fence at extra long-on, having turned very abruptly. The orthodox way of trying for this catch would have been to use the left hand, wide stretched and low, but Forsberg got it In the right hand. It is the only catch of the kind I have ever seen. It brought down the house. The other Waverley batsman marched up and shook his hand."

In a third-grade fixture Hamilton (N.S.W.) v. Hexham Pearls at Learmouth Park Oval, A. Merlless of Hamilton secured eight wickets for 0 runs. He bowled six overs, the total being 9,

It has been cabled that the Board of Control for test matches m England has decided subject to confirmation by the M.C.C. that admission to the South African tests m 1923 shall be 3/- m London (Lords and the Oval) and m the provinces 2/6. Professionals are to receive £27 for each test match, plus third-class railway fare. Amateurs expenses are not to exceed £2 per day plus first-class fare;

M; A. Noble playing for Paddlngton against Balmaln at Birchgrave, took six Wickets for 87 runs. The Sydney account of the fine performance says Noble with a freakish swerve and a break from the off, was a trouble to all tho batsmen.

J. M. Taylor, one of New South Wales' crack batsmen, has made 104, 263 and 110 m successive innings. C. G. Macartney prior to playing the last match against Queensland had; scored 848 runs against this State at an average of 84,50. His scores are as follows: 86. 21 hot out, 122, 4, 24, 122, 184, 196, 103, 46 and 1.

The Auckland veteran, E. C. (Curly) Beale, Is taking a strong Auckland team touring the Nelson and Marlborough provinces during the holidays, and play Wanganui on tho way home, with a possible match with Masterton on January 9 and 10. The Auckland eleven comprises several Auckland reps, and promising colts who should be too good for the men of the minor provinces.

The Auckland team which meets Wellington on Christmas Day Is about the strongest available, and Is a powerful batting combination, but with anything approaching an easy wicket Its attack will probably be the weak spot. Allcott has been bowling at his best In club cricket, and his olubmate, Wilson, is dangerous on a wicket which assists him. and bumps awkwardly off tho pitch. S. G. Smith and C. Dacre ore ÜBoful left-handers, and Snedden and Anthony will be the other attackers.